Stunning view of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.

October 09, 2017

The 8 Best Views in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains

Over 11 million people visit Gatlinburg, TN each year, and it’s not hard to see why! Located at the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our charming little city is minutes away from some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. To help you make the most of your next vacation, Hearthside Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to enjoying the eight best views in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.

1. Anakeesta

Beautiful mountain views from Anakeesta in Gatlinburg.

Anakeesta is Gatlinburg’s newest attraction! Located in the foothills of the Smokies, this shopping and adventure destination offers gorgeous views of the mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. The only way to reach Anakeesta is via a chairlift or gondola ride, so even the journey to the attraction is scenic. Popular ways to enjoy the vistas at Anakeesta include a canopy walk in the trees, a thrilling zipline course, and an outdoor dining area.

2. Drop Line at Dollywood

The Drop Line ride at Dollywood provides panoramic views of the theme park and the Smoky Mountains…for a little while. Passengers on this 230-foot free fall tower will sit in a rotating gondola that slowly rises in elevation. Once you reach the top, you’ll have some time to take in the views before the gondola starts rushing toward the ground at 77 miles per hour! If you like a great deal of adrenaline (and possibly some screaming) with your majestic scenery, this ride is for you.

3. Newfound Gap Road

Incredible views of the Smoky Mountains from Newfound Gap Road.

Newfound Gap Road is one of the most beautiful drives in America. Running from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC, this 33-mile road passes through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The drive along Newfound Gap Road has often been compared to a journey from Georgia to Maine in terms of the variety of trees and elevations you’ll encounter. There are lots of opportunities to pull over and enjoy the views, so be sure to take your time when you make your way across Newfound Gap Road.

4. Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is a can’t-miss stop located off of Newfound Gap Road. At 6,643 feet tall, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains and along the entire Appalachian Trail. Visitors to the observation tower at Clingmans Dome will enjoy unparalleled views of the mountains that can extend for over 100 miles on a clear day. While the observation tower is closed through the end of 2017, the breathtaking views from the Clingmans Dome parking lot are definitely still worth seeing.

5. Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway

The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway.

The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is another strong contender for the title of “best views in Gatlinburg”. This enclosed glass gondola ride takes guests from The Strip all the way to the top of Mt. Harrison, which is where the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area is located. As the Aerial Tramway makes its way to the ski resort, passengers can admire spectacular views of the mountains. The ride is particularly impressive in the autumn when the brilliant foliage cascades down the slopes.

6. Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook

The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook is one of the most iconic places to take a photo in East Tennessee! Located along the Gatlinburg Bypass, the Scenic Overlook is the perfect spot to take a selfie with the city of Gatlinburg and the mountains behind you. What makes this vista so compelling is the dramatic contrast in elevation between downtown Gatlinburg and the highest peaks in the Smokies.

7. Cades Cove

Horses grazing in a field in Cades Cove.

Attracting 2 million annual visitors, Cades Cove is the most frequented area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This picturesque valley truly has it all: wide open fields, gorgeous mountain views, historic buildings, and legendary wildlife viewing. If you’re going to see a black bear during your vacation, chances are it will be in Cades Cove. The valley is circled by an 11-mile, one-way loop road that stops at all of the major points of interest.

8. Our Cabins

Some of the best views in Gatlinburg can be found right at our cabins! Tucked away in the foothills of the Smokies, many of our cabins offer extraordinary vistas of the mountains. There is nothing better than sitting back in a rocking chair on your deck or soaking in a soothing hot tub as you take in the magical scenery all around you.

To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of Gatlinburg cabins with mountain views!