When you visit the Smokies, you’ll definitely want to check out the places where the best views of the Smoky Mountains are. There are a ton of areas you can go to see mountains off in the distance, but these areas are some of the best ones. Here are the top 5 places to find the best views in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Andrews Bald
See incredible mountain views and get your exercise in by hiking the Andrews Bald Trail. The roundtrip length for this hiking trail is 3.5 miles. It is considered moderate in difficulty. Along the trail, you have rock steps and stairs to help you climb up the mountain. Once at the top, you’ll come out to the bald. A bald is like a meadow but on the top of a mountain, named because it looks like a bald spot. In the spring and early summer, Andrews Bald is full of azalea and rhododendron. You’ll have a great view of all the fall colors in autumn, and year-round you’ll have incredible views of the mountains.
2. Anakeesta
Want to do something fun and have great views of the mountains? You need to visit Anakeesta! When you take a chondola or jeep ride to the top of the mountain, you’ll step into Firefly Village. Ride a mountain coaster, zipline down the mountain, shop around, or grab a bite to eat all at Anakeesta! There are also playgrounds for kids, a walk through the treetops, and beautiful Vista Gardens you can walk through. Sit in a rocking chair and enjoy the view of the Smokies at Anakeesta!
3. Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a great way to see a 360-degree view of the mountains. You’ll ride glass elevators to the top of the lookout tower, which is about 400 feet tall. There are plaques in the tower that provide you with interesting facts about the Smokies. The views from the Space Needle are beautiful, with spring and summer full of green, and the fall has a huge color range. You’ll even enjoy going to the top at night because you’ll be able to see the twinkly lights from downtown Gatlinburg.
4. Ober Mountain Aerial Tram
If you’re in downtown Gatlinburg riding to Ober or going from Ober to downtown, you’ll have a great view of the surrounding mountains when you ride the aerial tram. You’ll sit in the tram on benches and be able to look
out the windows to see yourself rise up the side of a mountain, with great views of the rest of the mountains and downtown Gatlinburg. It’s a great way to easily see mountain views!
5. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Want to see mountain views you can’t see anywhere else? You need to hop aboard the Gatlinburg SkyLift! This classic ride is known for providing you with great views, especially when you come down the SkyLift. But when you get off the chairlift and step onto the SkyDeck, you’ll be able to walk around the deck and see views you won’t have seen before. Find even more mountains in the distance when you cross the SkyBridge to another observation deck!
Many places have some of the best views in the Smoky Mountains. Looking for other fun things to do while you’re in town? Look at these other attractions in the Smokies for some ideas!