For one of the best views in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to catch a sunset while you’re in town. There are plenty of places throughout the Smoky Mountain area and in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where you can watch the sunset. To help you choose the best spot to see a Smoky Mountain sunset, we’ve made a list of 7 places you can choose from.
1. Kuwohi
The highest point in all of Tennessee is one of the best places to see a Smoky Mountain sunset! At 6,643 feet, the colors from the sunset linger for a long time. Park your car and hike the short distance to the observation tower, which offers 360-degree views of the mountains. Bring a camera with you because the tower is a great spot to capture photographs! You’ll also want to be sure to bring a flashlight with you for your hike back to the parking lot once the sun goes down.
2. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5 mile one-way loop that allows you to take in the scenery from the comfort of your vehicle. It offers views of mountain streams, an old-growth forest, log cabins, grist mills, and a Smoky Mountain sunset! Even though on many parts of the road there’s too much vegetation to catch a good view of the sunset, if you bear right near the end of the trail, you’ll run into lookout points that offer fantastic views.
3. Morton Overlook
Morton Overlook is another popular place to view a Smoky Mountain sunset. When you’re coming from Gatlinburg on U.S. 441, Morton Overlook is a small pullout on the right-hand side. If you’re going north on U.S. 441, it’s the third pullout on the left after Newfound Gap. It is 5,048 feet above ground, offering great views of the sunset. The mountain ridges create a beautiful background!
4. Look Rock Tower
Look Rock Tower is located along the Foothills Parkway and is a perfect place to see a Smoky Mountain sunset! The hike to the observation tower is about .9 miles there and back and is great for all skill levels! The trail to the tower starts on the east side of the parking area. Once you get to the observation tower, you’ll have a 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains.
5. Gatlinburg Space Needle
From the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, not only can you see panoramic views of Gatlinburg, but it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset! The 407-foot observation tower provides 360-degree views of the area. While you’re there, you’ll ride the glass elevators to the top of the Space Needle, where you can take in the views as well as learn interesting facts about the history of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
6. Anakeesta
If you’re looking for both fun and an amazing view of a Smoky Mountain sunset, head to Anakeesta! Anakeesta is a family adventure park that features ziplining, shops, restaurants, and more. After a fun time on the Dueling Zipline or the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster, stop by Cliff Top Bar and Grill to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink as you watch the sunset. You’ll have no trouble finding a great spot at Anakeesta to watch the sunset unfold!
7. Smoky Mountain Cabin
When you stay in a Smoky Mountain cabin, you won’t even have to leave to see an amazing Smoky Mountain sunset. There are numerous cabins with incredible mountain views that provide the perfect place to relax and watch the sunset. Kick back and relax in the rocking chairs on your deck, soak in the hot tub, or curl up indoors and watch through the glass-paneled windows! You don’t want to miss the chance to enjoy the sunset from the comfort of a Smoky Mountain cabin.
Enjoy a Smoky Mountain Sunset in Your Backyard
Now that you know the best places to see a Smoky Mountain sunset, it’s time to plan your visit. There's nothing better than not having to leave your own home away from home to see a gorgeous sunset! Imagine taking a dip in the cabin hot tub as you soak up the gorgeous orange and purple skies of the Smokies! Start by taking a look at the best Smoky Mountain cabins and booking the perfect place to stay, where you can enjoy all the best things about nature.
