The 10 Most Beautiful Places In The Great Smoky Mountains

Green Mountain Tops of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Photo: Andy Anderson

The magic of the Great Smoky Mountains is something every Southerner must experience at least once. And like with other Southern stalwarts (think sweet tea and fried chicken), where a taste undoubtedly leads to seconds, one trip to the Smokies always begets a return visit. If you’ve never visited the legendary mountain range that anchors the country’s most visited national park, our ultimate guide to the area is the perfect way to get your lay of the land. However, with 800 square miles to explore across two states—eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina—it’s impossible to hit each and every one of the Smokies’ high points in a single visit. Lush and green in summer; ablaze in oranges, reds, and yellow for fall; dusted with snow in winter; or brimming with wildflower blooms in spring, the Smokies are stunning in every season. First-timer or frequent visitor, these 10 beautiful places in the Great Smoky Mountains will have you reaching for your camera time and time again.

01 of 10

Cades Cove

Feel enveloped in mountain majesty by visiting this scenic valley in Townsend, Tennessee that’s fully surrounded by the mountain range. An 11-mile, one-way loop road runs the entire perimeter of the valley with plenty of turn-offs that lead to hiking trails, historic homesites, picnic areas, viewpoints, and campgrounds. Note that Cades Cove Loop Road doesn't allow motor vehicles on Wednesdays from May through September, so cyclists and pedestrians can have the road all to themselves.

02 of 10

Mt. LeConte

A strenuous 11-mile roundtrip hike brings you to the top of the iconic Mt. LeConte, which rises 6,593 feet into the clouds and is the Smokies’ third highest peak. Those who are willing to take on the challenge will be rewarded with lots of photo-worthy landmarks along the Alum Cave Trail (one of several trails that’ll get you nearly to the top) like Inspiration Point, Arch Rock, and Alum Cave Bluffs. For the best experience, book one of 60 spots at the 100-year-old LeConte Lodge which features multi-room lodges and rustic cabins.

03 of 10

Clingmans Dome

Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Clingmans Dome is one of Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s most visited destinations. So, if you want to snag a parking spot (the lot often exceeds capacity), come early or be prepared with a backup plan. As the highest point in the Smokies, you can’t miss an opportunity to walk out onto Clingmans Dome’s circular observation tower and soak in all the beauty below.

04 of 10

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

One of the Great Smoky Mountains’ biggest draws is its accessibility. You can certainly enjoy the mountains by hiking miles and miles to summit its peaks, but you can also experience the area’s splendor from the comfort of your own car. The 5.5-mile, one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is one of the best drives in the park. Around every hairpin turn, you’ll find something new to ooh and ahh. Rushing mountain streams, historic log cabins, and dazzling color in the fall are all part of the scenery rushing by.

05 of 10

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the country’s most recognizable natural features, and the 469-mile parkway that run along their length, from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park, is a Southern icon. The views of the Smokies from this legendary road are a picture you’re sure to replay in your head for years to come.

06 of 10

Laurel Falls

Take a moderately difficult 2.6-mile hike to see the 80-foot waterfall at the end of the Laurel Falls Trail. Laurel Falls features two sections that are divided by a walkway that crosses over a stream at the base of the upper falls. Visit after a hard rain for the most dramatic cascades.

07 of 10

Newfound Gap

Use this dip in the mountain ridge to take in the surrounding scenery. The lowest drivable pass through the national park, Newfound Gap is still nearly a mile high, so you’ll still have a great vantage point. The 34-mile road winds through several ecosystems from cove hardwood to northern hardwood to pine oak to spruce fir. Stop in the large parking area to snap some photos before you continue your drive.

08 of 10

Chimney Tops

This steep uphill climb is worth the effort for its striking views of not only Sugarland Mountain’s rocky ridgeline, but also the beautiful, wooded walk across rushing streams in a dense forest. Though the top section of the Chimney Tops Trail (along with its rocky pinnacles) are closed due to fire damage, this is still one sight worth seeing.

09 of 10

Abrams Falls Trail

Abrams Falls Waterfall — Visit Cades Cove

Part of Cades Cove, this picturesque waterfall trail is a popular choice for adventurers looking for a moderate hike with a rewarding view at the end. At only 20 feet high, Abrams Falls’ stature isn’t its most impressive quality; however, the sheer force of water that tumbles down it is an experience to enjoy with several senses—certainly sight, but also sound and feel too.

10 of 10

Cataloochee Valley

Elk grazing in field in Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Andy Anderson

Wildlife abounds in the Great Smoky Mountains. The American black bear is the universal symbol of the Smokies, but around 65 species of mammals, 200 types of birds, 67 native fish species, and more than 80 varieties of reptiles and amphibians call this area home. One of the best places to see all kinds of animals, and specifically one of the park’s two main herds of elk, is in Cataloochee Valley in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.

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