There is nothing quite like the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, especially in the Smoky Mountains! Although the mountains can often block the gorgeous red and orange hues of daybreak and dusk, there are many locations that provide the perfect vantage point for an excellent view. Some of these locations are easy to get to, and all you need to do is park your car, sit back, and enjoy. Others are more of a challenge with steep hiking trails , but you will be well rewarded for your effort with gorgeous views. Here are 9 of the best places where you can enjoy an amazing Smoky Mountains sunset and sunrise.
Smoky Mountains Sunrise
1. Little River Road
You will find many small pullouts between Laurel Falls and the Sugarland Visitor Center off of Little River Road. These spots are prime locations for watching the sun rise over the Smoky Mountains. The pullouts are on the small side, but they are not usually crowded. It is well worth stopping if you happen to be traveling through this area on your way to Cades Cove.
2. Oconaluftee Valley Overlook
The Oconaluftee Valley Overlook is an ideal location for viewing a Smoky Mountain sunrise. It faces the east about one half mile from Newfound Gap as you travel towards Cherokee. Oconaluftee is the first overlook you’ll come across as you enter The Blue Ridge Parkway. It will be on the right-hand side of the road.
Smoky Mountains Sunset
3. Morton Overlook
This is one of the most popular places to view a Smoky Mountains sunset. From here, you can directly see the setting sun, and at certain times of year, the sun will actually align itself between the peaks as it goes down. Morton Overlook is easy to find. It is a small pullout off of Route 441. It will be on the right hand side as you come from Gatlinburg. Plan to arrive here at least one hour ahead of time, especially on weekends or during the peak tourist seasons. Parking spots and prime viewing locations fill up quickly.
4. Foothills Parkway
There is a part of the Foothills Parkway by Townsend that provides wonderful views of the Tennessee Valley. The overlooks face west, and they are prime locations for sunset watching. From here you will see the sun slowly dip below the Cumberland Plateau off in the distance.
5. Chimney Tops
Chimney Tops hiking trail’s summit is known for its beautiful Smoky Mountain sunset views. From this trail’s narrow ridge you can see Newfound Gap, Mt. LeConte, and the Tennessee Valley. You’ll also be able to view the lights of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg which only adds to the experience. The only downfall is that you will have a 1.9 mile hike in the dark to get back to your vehicle after the sun goes down.
Both a Sunrise and a Sunset
6. Newfound Gap
Newfound Gap is just as beautiful at sunset as it is during the sunrise. The vibrant colors of the sun lowering are amazing to see when they reflect off of the clouds while the sunrise offers you an opportunity to capture some amazing shots of the early morning mountain vistas. You will find Newfound Gap just past Morton Overlook, which is about 30 minutes outside of Gatlinburg. When coming from the city, parking is on the left side of the road. The parking lot is large so finding a spot is fairly easy, and restrooms are available.
7. Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is the highest point found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park , making it an excellent spot for viewing both the sunrise and sunset. You will need to follow a half mile paved trail once you have parked. This leads you to the observation tower. The pathway is steep, but you will be rewarded with an amazing view of the Smoky Mountains sunset. Sunrise is visible from the east facing parking lot without walking up to the tower. 8. Mt. LeConte Mt. LeConte is a wonderful viewing location for both sunrises and sunsets, but you have to work a little at it. It is the national park’s third highest peak, and you can’t reach its numerous overlooks by car. You’ll have to hike. Alum Cave Trail is the shortest path to take, and it is 5 miles long before you reach the summit. This spot is best enjoyed by avid hikers who don’t mind the dark.
9. Look Rock
The panoramic view from the observation tower at Look Rock is ideal for sunrise or sunsets. With a vista that spans almost 360 degrees, you can see the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the east along with Clingmans Dome and Thunderhead. You’ll find the tower on Chilhowee Mountain along the Foothills Parkway. It is roughly 10 miles from the U.S. Highway 321 turnoff. Simply follow the signs from the parking lot to the trail head. The hike is about one half mile with asphalt most of the way. These are the best places to watch a Smoky Mountains sunset or sunrise! Want to stay close to the national park so you can easily get to any of these locations? Check out our Gatlinburg hotel rooms , and book your next vacation today!
