Scenic Overlooks of Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, sits in a valley surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, with some great scenic overlooks above the town.
These spots provide beautiful views of the town and the surrounding mountains, perfect for photography (one of our hobbies!) or just enjoying the natural beauty.
Here are some of the top scenic overlooks in Gatlinburg that you shouldn’t miss on your next trip.
Note: These are the overlooks of the town. There are more places nearby that don’t necessarily overlook the town but offer spectacular views! See our scenic drives page for some of the best.
#1: Gatlinburg Bypass Scenic Overlook
Location:Â Gatlinburg Bypass road, which takes you around downtown Gatlinburg when traveling between Pigeon Forge and the National Park entrance south of Gatlinburg.
The Gatlinburg Bypass Scenic Overlook offers great views of downtown Gatlinburg with the Smoky Mountains as a backdrop.
This overlook is easy to get to, and best of all, it’s free, making it our number one choice.
The overlook is open year-round but can close for snow.
This overlook is easy for a quick stop, as it’s on the bypass that avoids downtown Gatlinburg.
If you’re traveling from Pigeon Forge into the National Park to places like Clingmans Dome or along Little River Road, definitely take this route at least one way.
#2: Gatlinburg SkyPark and SkyBridge
Location:Â Easy to get to if you’re staying in downtown Gatlinburg, taking the ski lift up from the centrally-located base station.
Our second choice is the Gatlinburg Skypark and Skybridge. While it offers the best views, it’s not free (more on that below).
At 680 feet long and with see-through glass panels in the middle, it offers thrilling and unparalleled views of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg below.
Not only is the SkyBridge a cool attraction, but the overlook at the start of it is one of the best places to get a view of Gatlinburg from above.
It’s closer to downtown than the bypass, for a more top-down view.
The downside is it’s not free. It requires a ride up the SkyLift ski-lift, which (currently on sale due to construction) will set you back $30+ per person.
Still, we’ve got some of the best pictures from here, and the SkyBridge is fun for a one-time visit. You can read more about the SkyPark and SkyBridge in our review.
#3 Anakeesta
Location:Â Downtown Gatlinburg
Anakeesta is a mountain-top theme park that offers great views of the Smokies
Accessible via a scenic open chairlift, enclosed cabin (limited amount of), or a shuttle ride, Anakeeta has lots to do, especially for families.
It’s view of downtown Gatlinburg isn’t quite as good as SkyPark, since it’s a bit further away, but it’s one of our favorite places to visit in Gatlinburg.
Plan to spend a few hours exploring all Anakeesta has to offer.
#4 Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway
Location:Â Downtown Gatlinburg
The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is a unique way to view the Smoky Mountains.
This 2.1-mile cable car ride takes you from downtown Gatlinburg up to the Ober Mountain Ski Area.
You’ll need tickets to ride the cable car, though you can buy a combination pass that includes attractions at the top of the mountain. Read more on our review here.
#5 Space Needle
Location:Â Downtown Gatlinburg
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407-foot observation tower that provides 360-degree views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
There are viewfinders at the top, too. While it’s the tallest building in downtown Gatlinburg, we prefer the views from the surrounding mountain tops.
#6 Fighting Creek Parking LOT
This one’s a bit further away, right outside Laurel Falls.
Its distance means you need a zoom lens to get close enough in for good pictures, but if you have one with you, it can make for some great views!
While we wouldn’t make a trip here just for the views, it’s worth a stop if you’re passing by.
Conclusion
That’s just a few of the great ways to take in the views of Gatlinburg. Let us know if you have any other favorites in the comments!
