May 02, 2025
8 of the Best Places to Watch a Smoky Mountain Sunrise
Few things compare to the beauty of a Smoky Mountain sunrise! Start your morning early to watch as the sun crests over the mountain landscape. This sight is sure to refresh your soul and create stunning photos! Keep reading to learn more about some of the best places to watch a Smoky Mountain sunrise.
1. Little River Road
A fantastic place to see a Smoky Mountain sunrise is Little River Road! This peaceful road travels through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and connects Gatlinburg to Cades Cove. It starts at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and follows along the Little River. This road features a number of pull-offs and overlooks between the visitor center and Laurel Falls, and these are prime spots to stop and watch the sunrise!
2. Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
You don’t have to travel far to find a great place to watch a Smoky Mountain sunrise! The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook is located along the Gatlinburg Bypass, which connects the Spur to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This spot faces east, so you can watch as the sun rises over the mountains in the distance and downtown Gatlinburg below. After sunrise, you can then easily head into the national park or down into town to explore all the things to do in the area!
3. Myrtle Point
If you’re up for a hike, one of the best spots to watch a Smoky Mountain sunrise is Myrtle Point on Mount LeConte! Mount LeConte is the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Myrtle Point is just a short hike from LeConte Lodge at the top. This point offers panoramic views of the mountains as the sun rises over the horizon, bathing the world in soft light and colorful hues.
4. Kuwohi
Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingmans Dome) is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, standing at 6,643 feet. It’s not surprising that the highest point in the park is one of the best places to see a Smoky Mountain sunrise! The hike from the parking lot to the observation tower is short and paved, but it’s also steep. When you reach the top, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the mountains all around. Once the sun rises, visibility stretches over 100 miles on a clear day!
5. Oconaluftee Valley Overlook
A favorite place to take photos of a Smoky Mountain sunrise is the Oconaluftee Valley Overlook. At this spot, you’ll see layers of mountain views around a lush valley. During the quiet morning hours of sunrise, the sky over the landscape comes alive in vibrant hues! Oconaluftee Valley Overlook can be found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along Newfound Gap Road, less than a mile south of the overlook at Newfound Gap.
6. Cades Cove
Cades Cove is one of the most popular places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it’s famous for its breathtaking scenery! This valley is full of meadows, rolling hills, historic sites, and wildlife. Cades Cove opens at sunrise, and if you arrive first thing in the morning, you’re in for a real treat! You can watch as the sun makes an appearance over the mountains surrounding the valley, casting the area in a soft glow and creating an ethereal moment.
The Foothills Parkway includes a number of great spots to watch a Smoky Mountain sunrise! This scenic drive has several areas where you can pull off the road and park your car to admire the views. Look Rock is an especially wonderful spot to see the sunrise. This is the highest point along the Foothills Parkway and features an observation tower with panoramic mountain views! You can reach the tower with a short hike from the parking area.
8. Deck of Your Smoky Mountain Cabin Rental
You don’t need to leave the comfort of your cabin to see a spectacular Smoky Mountain sunrise! All you have to do is wake up, roll out of bed, and step out onto the deck to see the sunlight unfurl across the Smoky Mountains. Our Smoky Mountain cabins with mountain views allow you to relax on your deck and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in the morning. Watch as the sun turns the sky beautiful shades and casts a glow around the mountaintops in the distance! Then, you can head back inside and get ready for the rest of your day in the Smoky Mountains!
These are some of the best spots where you can see the beauty of a Smoky Mountain sunrise! Another great sight to see is a Smoky Mountain sunset, and everyone should experience one at least once! Check out the best places to watch a Smoky Mountain sunset so you can start and end your day with a stunning scene!
