Soco Craft & Tower

Looking for the best mountain views in Maggie Valley without the steep hiking? Soco Craft & Tower offers some of the most accessible panoramic vistas of the Smoky Mountains for just $1 admission. The multi-level observation tower gives you clear sightlines across the valley and surrounding peaks, making it perfect for photographers and anyone wanting to take in the mountain scenery without breaking a sweat.

Mario and the rest of the staff really make this roadside stop special - they're happy to point out notable landmarks, share local history, and suggest other spots worth checking out in the area. While the gift shop stocks typical mountain souvenirs, the real value here is the tower access and the knowledge you'll gain from chatting with the friendly team.

The tower's strategic location along the main road makes it an ideal first stop to get oriented to Maggie Valley's layout. You'll spot key landmarks like Ghost Town in the Sky and get a better sense of the surrounding geography. The viewing platforms are well-maintained and include informational plaques identifying visible peaks and points of interest.

Pro tips: Visit early morning for the clearest mountain views before any afternoon haze rolls in. Bring a camera - the unobstructed views make for great photos in any season. The site is especially popular during fall foliage season, so expect more visitors then. While the tower isn't wheelchair accessible due to its stairs, the ground-level viewing area still offers nice views of the immediate surroundings.

For the price of a dollar, it's hard to find a better introduction to Maggie Valley's mountain landscape.