December 27, 2018

6 of the Best Places to Take Photos in the Smoky Mountains

Whether you’re looking for the perfect location for your next family photo or profile picture for social media, there are tons of breathtaking places that will add that wow factor to all your snapshots! The Smokies are filled with scenic spots and attractions that are sure to make your photos stand out. With hundreds of destinations to choose from, you might feel a little overwhelmed to select the best one. For your convenience, we put together a list of the top 6 places to take photos in the Smoky Mountains.

1. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Sign

Taking a picture in front of a Great Smoky Mountains National Park sign is an absolute must! You can find a sign at every entrance to the national park with each one offering its own pull-off just for you to stop and take some group pictures. All you really need to do is pose in front of the sign and the natural lighting and beautiful scenery will take care of the rest! However, you can also get creative with your pictures by jumping in the air or peeking your head out from behind the sign. The possibilities are endless!

2. Newfound Gap

Another very popular place for photos in the national park is Newfound Gap . This scenic road stretches from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC and contains numerous pull-offs where you can get out the car for a family picture with a stunning mountain backdrop. Newfound Gap also sits on the Tennessee and North Carolina border, so you can take the classic “standing in 2 states” picture. The Rockefeller Monument, which is where President Roosevelt dedicated the national park, is built into the mountainside and offers some great photo-ops as well.

3. The Gatlinburg Sky Lift

Take a selfie from the best seat in the house on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift! This scenic chairlift departs from downtown Gatlinburg and takes guests on a breathtaking 1,800-foot climb to the top of Crockett Mountain. The Sky Lift will take you higher than both the Space Needle and the overlook on the Gatlinburg Bypass! Whether you’re a couple on a romantic getaway or visiting with your kids, you can snap some amazing pictures while you ride this attraction.

4. The Old Mill

A family photo with the iconic Old Mill as the backdrop should be at the top of your to-do list! This amazing tribute to the pioneer days is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most photographed mills in the country! It is also one of the oldest structures in the Smoky Mountains. You can even tour it to see how farmers once used hydropower technology to grind flour and to learn how pottery and candy were made by hand. After you snap a few great shots, you can grab a delicious bite to eat at the Old Mill Restaurant!

5. Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is one of the most visited destinations in the national park. The roundtrip distance to the 80-foot waterfall and back is a little over 2.5 miles and takes about 2 hours to complete. The falls are divided into 2 sections, with a walkway crossing the stream at the base of the upper falls. You can take some great pictures on the bridge with the falls in the background. However, the best and most accessible spot for photos is arguably right after you cross the bridge and can stand directly in front of the waterfall! You can also take some fantastic photos at the bottom portion of the falls, but you can’t get there by way of a traditional trail. You have to climb down a rockier, and steeper path, but the views at the base of it are well worth the effort. Just keep in mind that some of the rocks around the falls can be slippery, and climbing on them can be dangerous if they’re wet or icy.

6. Your Cabin

You don’t need to leave your home away from home to take the perfect picture. When you stay with us at Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you can simply walk outside to your front or back deck and use the stunning, natural scenery as the backdrop for your pictures! For the most amazing photo-ops, you can even choose from one of our cabins with mountain views.

Start planning the picture-perfect getaway today, and browse our selection of Gatlinburg cabins to find a wonderful place to stay. We look forward to seeing you at Hearthside Cabin Rentals!