There are many ways to see the sights that bring millions to the park each year, but the favorite remains the free overlooks that you get from driving or hiking the mountains themselves. In this article, we’ll name some of those overlooks for you to find and share directions from Google Maps and worthwhile quoted information.
Let’s begin:
* Morton Overlook *
US-441, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-1200
https://goo.gl/maps/ZmTnhDS4n8tN5tqH7
From Facebook:
“A Scenic Roadside Look-Out in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On US-441 • Newfound Gap mile 14.7 • Morton Overlook mm 14.06 • Tunnel mm 13.9.”
See this excerpt at https://www.facebook.com/MortonOverlook/.
* Chimney Tops Overlook *
US-441, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-1200
https://goo.gl/maps/5W1HbbePMTfDhLQbA
From hikinginthesmokys.com:
“The hike to Chimney Tops in the Great Smoky Mountains begins from the Chimney Tops Trailhead, located roughly 6.9 miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center (near Gatlinburg), between the lower tunnel and “the loop” on Newfound Gap Road. To reach the Chimney Tops you’ll have to stay on the main path, which veers towards the right. From the junction the trail takes a westerly course and climbs roughly 730 feet over the next two-thirds of a mile, before swinging northward to climb the ridge leading towards the summit. As this ridge narrows hikers will begin to enjoy some decent views of the mountains towards the east. The new observation point provides outstanding views of Mount LeConte and the pinnacles.”
See this excerpt at https://hikinginthesmokys.com/chimney-tops-trail/.
* Carlos Campbell Overlook *
US-441, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-1200
https://goo.gl/maps/moCb2XCCKSvq9Lxp7
From aninnovativepursuit.wordpress.com:
“Carlos C. Campbell Overlook, is a short drive outside of Gatlinburg in Tennessee and provides a magnificent view of Mt. LeConte, which is 6.593 feet. We captured magnificent views of color splashed on the mountains in the spring evening in April as we were on our back to our cabin in Pigeon Forge. Carlos C. Campbell Overlook is a great opportunity to see the most variety of tree species in North America and even in comparison to Northern Europe. There are 99 species of trees thriving in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and no one tree can thrive at the same elevation.”
See this excerpt at https://aninnovativepursuit.wordpress.com/2015/06/18/carlos-c-campbell-overlook-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-tennessee/.
* Luftee Overlook *
US-441, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-1200
https://goo.gl/maps/zxtEhSrx6u7rQBy69
* Clingman’s Dome Overlook *
Clingman’s Dome Road, NC 28713
(865) 436-1200
https://goo.gl/maps/aygR11AsDVdWTw7E8From NPS.gov:
“At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top. On clear days views expand over a 100 miles.”See this excerpt at https://smokymountainnationalpark.com/popular-places-smoky-mountains/clingmans-dome.
* History Exhibit Overlook *
88 Wh Proctor Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713
(865) 436-1200
https://goo.gl/maps/r9AVoN24xESWiCSm6
* Deep Creek Valley Overlook #2 *
Clingman’s Dome Road, NC 28713
(865) 436-1200
https://goo.gl/maps/sR6DfaoeKasuEe8F6From tripadvisor:
“Deep Creek Valley Overlook located on Newfound Gap Road at marker number 17 (between Newfound Gap at the Summit and Oconaluftee Visitor Center) is an often overlooked vista by many people. The overlook is located 15.4 miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center on the right or 13.6 miles from Oconaluftee Visitor Center on the left. There is ample parking for 20+ visitors and there is a walkway to the left of the parking area that provides unobstructed views of the valley and mountains that are just stunning. You will have a southern view which means that the sun will rise on your left and the sun will set on your right. I have been to this overlook many times photographing the vista and I frequently enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets from this location.”See this excerpt at https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g143031-d145147-r510128488-Clingmans_Dome-Great_Smoky_Mountains_National_Park_Tennessee.html.
