Gatlinburg Sightseeing Top Places To Visit
Today we’re sharing the best places for Gatlinburg Sightseeing. For some of the most spectacular sights in the nation, Gatlinburg, TN, and the Great Smoky Mountains area have you covered. From natural landscapes to exciting feats of engineering, the region is home to a variety of places and wonders to explore. Take a look at a few must-sees when you visit.
1.Gatlinburg Sky Lift
Take a ride into the Smokey Mountains by way of the Gatlinburg Sky Lift and be treated to one of the most spectacular sights in the country.
The popular open-air chairlift departs from downtown and brings you to an elevation of 1,800 feet at the Crockett Mountain. Once there, take in the unmatched view of the town below or explore the trails nearby.
To get back down the mountain, hop back on the Sky Lift or trek on foot. If you explore at night, you will see the gorgeous lights of Gatlinburg and the Space Needle lighting up the sky.
2.The Gatlinburg SkyBridge Suspension Bridge
At the top of the Sky Lift, you will see the famous Gatlinburg SkyBridge.
As the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, the bridge offers a mountain-top SkyDeck and the chance to walk around a stretch of 680 feet over the valley below.
Take your time as you traverse the path; the panoramic views are some of the most breathtaking you’ll ever experience.
The middle of the bridge sits at a height of 150 feet and features double-paned glass-floor panels to gaze at the scenic landscape below your feet.
3.Gatlinburg Space Needle
Standing at 407 feet tall, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is located in the downtown area.
Start by riding one of the glass elevators to the observation deck where you will be treated to 360-degree views of the town and the Smoky Mountains as well as displays that offer information on what you are looking at.
If you head up at night, the view includes downtown Gatlinburg lit up and glowing in the night sky.
The Space Needle also offers guests a two-level Arcadia filled with classic arcade and fair games in addition to an onsite theater.
The attraction is perfect for families or groups looking for a little nostalgic fun. If that wasn’t enough, there are places to eat as well as an escape game to try.
4.Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This forested region is part of the central range in the Appalachians running east to west, featuring mountains more than 6,500 feet high.
The Smoky Mountains get their name from the mist rising of the deep valleys below, and guests can traverse more than 900 miles of trails to see both high and low points on foot or on mountain bikes.
In the winter, you will even see skiers. Other activities to enjoy in the park include fly-fishing, camping, guided tours, and scenic overlooks filled with more than 1,400 species of flowers, gorgeous deciduous and conifer trees, and an array of wildlife native to the forest. For more information about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, check out this video.
5.Cades Cove
Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Cades Cove, a remote section filled with picturesque rural landscapes, gorgeous waterfalls like Abrams Falls and Laurel Falls, and pioneer homesteads preserved from the days of the settlers.
There is also plenty of wildlife such as delicate deer, wild turkey, and mighty black bears to catch a glimpse of. Hiking is popular in this spot or you can travel by car along eleven miles of the Cades Cove Loop Road.
6.Clingmans Dome Observation Tower
Only an hour from downtown Gatlinburg, travelers can visit Clingmans Dome Observation Tower situated at the summit of Tennessee’s (and the Appalachian Trail’s) highest point at 6,643 feet.
Built-in 1959, the tower offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains as well as views of seven different states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
7.Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
For a 5.5-mile one-way loop, try Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Only minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, the trail features scenic natural views of forests, streams, and waterfalls, as well as historic buildings to transport you to another time.
This area is also the trailhead for hikes along the Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls.
8.Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
Another perfect spot for gazing at the majestic Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook provides an up-close look at the varying landscapes of the area, from the highest mountains to the bustling downtown area below.
The overlook is located on the Gatlinburg Pass that runs between the Gatlinburg Spur and the National Park, offering plenty of photo ops to remember your trip.
If you’re looking for amazing places to stay in Gatlinburg check out our Gatlinburg cabin rentals. Should you need help, have a question or assisting in planning a great Gatlinburg vacation contact us. We’re here to help!
