Great Smoky Mountains' Best Photo Spots

15 Fotospots

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in the southeastern United States, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was once home to indigenous Cherokee people who lived off the land and utilized the abundant resources. In 1934, the park was established, becoming America's most visited national park, known for its stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and the preservation of Appalachian culture. Check out a few of our favorite photo spots below. For a more comprehensive guide, download the Fotospot App to access our offline guides that work even when you don't have an internet connection!

Little Greenbrier School

Metcalf Bottoms Trail, Gatlinburg...

Metcalf Bottoms Trail, Gatlinburg, TN

Saves: 11

Check-ins: 1

Living up to its name the Little Greenbrier is a tiny one-room schoolhouse set within a clearing in a dense green forest. It was built in 1882 to serve the small community until its closure in 1936. It's a part of this scenic trail through the ghost town, one which includes the Walker Cabin and the Greenbrier Cemetery. To see this old Appalachian town start your hike at Metcalf Bottoms Trailhead and work...

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Spruce Flats Falls

Upper Tremont Rd, Townsend, TN

Saves: 61

Check-ins: 1

The Smokies have some of the best natural attractions on the planet. Spruce Flats Falls is one of the prettiest cascading displays in these mountains characterized by a waterfall tumbling down a few levels before hitting a flat pool. One of the nice features of Spruce Flats Falls is that it is less populated with tourists even at the height of the season.

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Emerts Cove Covered Bridge

Hills Creek Rd, Pittman Center, TN

Saves: 18

Check-ins: 5

A lovely wooden covered bridge built to look like a log cabin crosses a stream running through a woodsy area. It was named after Frederick Emert, who was the first settler in 1790. You can get a great view of the Smoky Mountains skyline from the bridge. There are plenty of attractions nearby, including Dollywood, a Smoky Mountains zipline tour, and Wild Bear Falls Water Park.

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John P Cable Drive Thru Barn

Cable Mill Rd, Townsend, TN

Saves: 7

Check-ins: 4

Although the hollowed out space in the middle of this well-preserved barn is the perfect size for a vehicle to fit into, there were other reasons for the design. It created a draft of air to cool the barn in the sweltering summer months as well as giving wagons ease of access to the storage area. Built somewhere around the 1870s this barn is in great condition - it was built to last.

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Mountain Farm Museum

1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC

Saves: 5

Check-ins: 2

Once located in mountain coves this group of log cabins and historic buildings were moved the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the 1950s. Notable buildings include the Davis House made entirely of chestnut wood, a barn, hen house, smoke house, and blacksmith shop. You can also access the Mingus Creek Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail near the entrance of the museum. Don't forget to visit the nearby...

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Mingo Falls

Sherrill Cove Rd, Cherokee, NC

Saves: 49

Check-ins: 2

This cascade waterfall descends a total of 120 feet. Near to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mingo Falls is located on Mingo Creek. You can reach the falls via Pigeon Creek Trail which is a short but very steep hike. The name Mingo is the Cherokee word for "big bear."

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Willow Man Troll Sculpture

576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

Saves: 53

Check-ins: 11

He's not the nightmarish monster who lives under a bridge in order to scare and eat unwitting billy goats. This troll is a friendly sort of fellow, a nonthreatening giant sitting on the path in Vista Gardens at Anakeesta Amusement Park. While you're there check out the gnome homes that neighbor the Willow Man Troll. (Photo by Alida Bigham)

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Soco Craft & Tower

6638 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC

Saves: 1

Check-ins: 0

Soco Craft & Tower is a retail store located at 6638 Soco Road in Maggie Valley, NC. It specializes in selling a variety of handmade crafts and gifts, such as pottery, jewelry, candles, and quilts, made by local artisans in the area. In addition to the crafts, Soco Craft & Tower also has a tower where visitors can climb up to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

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Newfound Gap

Newfound Gap Parking Area, Bryson...

Newfound Gap Parking Area, Bryson City, NC

Saves: 2

Check-ins: 1

The Newfound Gap Overlook is a popular tourist destination and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It sits at an elevation of 5,046 feet (1,538 meters) and is one of the highest points accessible by car in the park. Visitors can see the Appalachian Trail crossing the road at this location which makes it a popular starting point for hikers.

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Shuckstack Fire Tower

Appalachian National Scenic Trail...

Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Robbinsville, NC

Saves: 4

Check-ins: 1

The Shuckstack Fire Tower is a historic fire lookout tower located in Robbinsville, NC. The tower is situated atop Shuckstack Mountain which is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The tower was originally constructed in 1934 as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) program during the Great Depression. It stands at a height of 60 feet and offers panoramic views of the surrounding moun...

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Alex Cole Cabin

Roaring Fork Rd, Gatlinburg, TN

Saves: 3

Check-ins: 0

Just down the road from Ephraim Bales Cabin, you'll find the Alex Cole Cabin. This one-room cabin is open to the pubic and is an interesting example of life back in the late 19th century.

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Charlies Bunion

Appalachian Trail, Gatlinburg, TN

Saves: 0

Check-ins: 0

Charlie's Bunion is a mountain summit located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, TN. The summit stands at an elevation of 5,565 feet and is part of the Appalachian Trail. The name "Charlie's Bunion" comes from a man named Charlie Conner who hiked in the area in the 1920s. According to local legend, Charlie suffered from a bunion on his foot that was so large it looked like a seco...

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Ben Morton Overlook

Newfound Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN

Saves: 3

Check-ins: 1

The Ben Morton Overlook is located on Newfound Gap Rd. in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, TN. It is named after Ben Morton who was the first superintendent. The overlook provides a scenic viewpoint with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can park their vehicles at the overlook and take in the views which are especially stunning during sunrise or...

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Alum Cave

Alum Cave Trail, Gatlinburg, TN

Saves: 2

Check-ins: 0

The popular Alum Cave is a geological feature located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Gatlinburg, TN. The Alum Cave Trail hiking trail leads to the cave and is considered one of the most scenic trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is 5.5 miles roundtrip and is rated as moderately difficult.

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Great Smoky Mountains' Best Photo Spots

Little Greenbrier School

Spruce Flats Falls

Emerts Cove Covered Bridge

John P Cable Drive Thru Barn

Mountain Farm Museum

Mingo Falls

Willow Man Troll Sculpture

Soco Craft & Tower

Newfound Gap

Shuckstack Fire Tower

Alex Cole Cabin

Charlies Bunion

Ben Morton Overlook

Alum Cave

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