Gatlinburg, Tennessee is one of the most scenic places in the entire country! Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the city offers breathtaking natural beauty around every corner. To help you get some great photographs during your vacation, we’ve compiled this list of the very best views in Gatlinburg:
1. Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
Located right along the Gatlinburg Bypass, the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook offers incredible views of both the downtown area and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. What makes this view so unique is the dramatic contrast between the city and the mountains. While the Gatlinburg skyline is at an elevation of about 1,300 feet, the highest peak in the mountains (Mt. LeConte) reaches 6,593 feet. The difference between the city and Mount LeConte is one vertical mile, which is the largest contrast in elevation in the eastern United States!
2. Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
Ride the 120-passenger Aerial Tramway year round and enjoy spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains and a mountain of fun for the whole family at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park. The Tram departs every 20 minutes for the 10-minute journey up the mountain. Ober Gatlinburg offers activities including indoor ice skating, Wildlife Encounter, Alpine Slide, and Scenic Chairlift.
Good To Know
- Few seats so expect to stand if busy.
- Arrive early for less crowded tramways.
- Tram departs every 20 minutes.
- Rides last 10 minutes.
- Fantastic views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Provides easy access to Ober Gatlinburg attractions.
3. Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407′ observation tower that overlooks beautiful Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Our tower is served by two elevators with a capacity of 20 persons each. Ride our safe and comfortable glass elevators over 400’ to our observation deck for a 360° view of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.
Also onsite at the Needle is Arcadia, a 25,000 square-foot, two-story playground with the latest video and redemption games including the area’s largest redemption center. No other Gatlinburg arcade can boast the quality and quantity of games and prizes offered at Arcadia. They also offer a theater with some of the most entertaining shows in Gatlinburg – the Iris Theater features some of the most refreshingly-unique acts in the Smokies.
4. Gatlinburg Sky Lift
The Gatlinburg Sky Lift is a fun ride up Crockett Mountain where you’ll reach the top of the mountain at one the best Gatlinburg scenic overlooks. Once you’re at the top of Crockett Mountain, you’ll be 1,800 feet high, so you can see the mountains and the great views of Gatlinburg.
When you reach the top of the mountain, there’s a gift shop where you can purchase your souvenir photo, snacks, drinks and more to remember your experience on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift.
We definitely recommend you take a ride on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift twice – once during the day and another trip at night! Taking a ride on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift in the evening gives you another great view of the area. At night, the lights across Gatlinburg shine bright and you’ll have a completely different experience.
