Best Photography Spots in Gatlinburg, TN
By Leif Palmer
Posted on April 25, 2024
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a photographer's dream come true. Nestled at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this charming mountain town offers an abundance of scenic vistas, enchanting landscapes, and unique landmarks that make for stunning photos. Whether you're a professional photographer or just someone who loves to snap pictures on vacation, there's no shortage of beautiful spots to capture the magic of Gatlinburg.
If you're planning a photography trip to Gatlinburg or just want to take home some unforgettable memories, here are some of the best photography spots in the area that are sure to inspire your lens.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The crown jewel of Gatlinburg's scenery, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is an absolute must for any photographer. With its misty mountain peaks, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, this park offers endless photo opportunities. Whether you're looking for sweeping panoramic shots or intimate close-ups of nature, you'll find it here.
Top Spots to Photograph:
Cades Cove: One of the most iconic areas in the park, Cades Cove is a stunning valley surrounded by the Smokies. It's perfect for capturing wildlife, historic buildings, and breathtaking mountain views. The cove is particularly famous for its picturesque morning light and wildlife sightings (you might spot deer, wild turkeys, or even black bears).
Clingmans Dome: The highest point in the park, Clingmans Dome offers 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains. The observation tower provides an elevated perspective that's ideal for wide-angle shots of the rolling hills and valleys.
Laurel Falls Trail: For waterfall lovers, the Laurel Falls trail leads to the park's most popular waterfall. It's an easy, short hike to a stunning 80-foot waterfall, perfect for capturing the natural beauty of the Smokies.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
If you're looking for aerial views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains, a ride up the Gatlinburg SkyLift is a must. This iconic chairlift takes you up Crockett Mountain, offering stunning panoramic views of the town, the Smokies, and the nearby Gatlinburg Skylift Park. The SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, is located at the top and provides an incredible vantage point for photos.
Best Shots:
Sunset or Sunrise Views: The early morning or late evening light bathes the town in golden hues, making this a perfect time to snap photos of the rolling mountains, especially from the SkyBridge.
The Town Below: Capture the winding streets of Gatlinburg as they meander through the valley, with the mountains in the backdrop.
Ober Gatlinburg
For a different perspective of the Smoky Mountains, head to Ober Gatlinburg, a ski resort and amusement park located at the top of the mountain. While Ober Gatlinburg is well-known for its winter sports and year-round attractions, it's also a great place for photography, with sweeping views of the town and surrounding peaks.
Best Shots:
Aerial Views: From the Aerial Tramway, you'll get a fantastic bird's-eye view of Gatlinburg, the ski slopes, and the distant mountain ridges.
Snow-Capped Mountains: In winter, Ober Gatlinburg offers the perfect opportunity to photograph snow-covered landscapes and snowy mountain scenes.
The Gatlinburg Strip
While Gatlinburg's natural beauty takes center stage, the town itself offers its own set of photogenic moments, especially around the Gatlinburg Strip (the Parkway). The colorful lights, charming storefronts, and eclectic mix of attractions create a vibrant atmosphere that's perfect for both day and night photography.
Best Shots:
Night Photography: The illuminated streets of Gatlinburg come alive after dark, with neon lights reflecting off wet pavement. The lights of the Gatlinburg SkyLift and other attractions make for dynamic night shots.
The “Welcome to Gatlinburg” Sign: This iconic entrance sign is a favorite for both tourists and photographers alike. It's a classic shot that immediately conveys the spirit of Gatlinburg.
The Village Shops: This charming, European-style shopping center is known for its cobblestone pathways, unique boutiques, and cozy ambiance. It's a great spot for capturing Gatlinburg's more quaint and picturesque side.
Rainbow Falls
For photographers who love waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is a must-see. Located on the Trillium Gap Trail, this 80-foot waterfall is known for the beautiful rainbows that form in the mist on sunny days. The short but moderately challenging hike to the falls rewards you with amazing opportunities to capture the water's power and beauty as it cascades down the rocks.
Best Shots:
Waterfall Shots: The falls themselves are breathtaking and offer great opportunities for long-exposure shots that capture the movement of the water.
Rainbow Effects: If you're lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, you can catch the rainbow in the mist, adding a colorful element to your landscape photos.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
For a scenic drive that's full of photo-worthy spots, take a trip down the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a one-way loop that takes you through an old-growth forest, past mountain streams, and historic buildings. This 5.5-mile trail is a prime location for capturing the Smoky Mountains' natural beauty, including serene streams, lush foliage, and charming log cabins.
Best Shots:
Mountain Streams: The trail follows the Roaring Fork stream, with plenty of opportunities for close-up shots of the rushing water.
Historic Cabins: The trail passes several old homesites and cabins, offering a glimpse of the Smokies' past.
Autumn Foliage: If you visit in the fall, the colorful leaves transform the area into a vibrant palette of red, orange, and yellow.
Elkmont Historic District
The Elkmont Historic District is another hidden gem in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This area features an old resort town that was once a popular getaway for wealthy families in the early 1900s. Today, you can capture the historic cabins and the surrounding woods, making it a fantastic spot for those who love capturing both nature and history.
Best Shots:
Historic Cabins: The decaying but picturesque cabins offer a sense of nostalgia and charm.
Fall Foliage: The area is known for its vibrant fall colors, especially around the historic district and the nearby streams.
Tips for Capturing the Best Photos in Gatlinburg:
Golden Hour: The best time for capturing the beauty of Gatlinburg is during the “golden hour” just after sunrise or just before sunset when the light is soft and warm.
Bring a Tripod: For long-exposure shots, especially when photographing waterfalls or night scenes, a tripod is essential to get clear and sharp images.
Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in the mountains. Fog, mist, and rain can add a mystical element to your photos but be sure to check the forecast.
Wildlife Photography: Always keep a safe distance from animals, especially if you're photographing bears, deer, or other wildlife. Use a telephoto lens for close-up shots.
Conclusion
Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are filled with stunning photography opportunities. Whether you're capturing the sweeping vistas from Clingmans Dome, the enchanting waterfalls at Laurel Falls, or the charm of Gatlinburg's cozy streets, there's no shortage of beautiful moments to freeze in time. So, grab your camera, explore these picturesque spots, and capture the magic of the Smokies through your lens!
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in Gatlinburg. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.