7 Best Scenic Overlooks to Watch Smoky Mountain Sunsets and Sunrises

March 21, 2025

Seeing Smoky Mountain sunsets and sunrises should be on everyone’s bucket list when they visit the area! Why? The Great Smoky Mountains are a great source of inspiration and peace, and there is something especially magical about these mountains when illuminated by a morning sunrise or an evening sunset. So let us tell you about some of the best places to see a sunset or a sunrise in the Smoky Mountains:

1. Kuwohi Observation Tower

The Kuwohi Observation Tower (formerly Clingmans Dome) is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet! The 1-mile paved path to the observation tower is steep but well worth the climb, and there are several benches to rest along the way. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the Smokies, ideal for both sunrise and sunset! Planning to hike in the area? We recommend taking the Forney Ridge Trailhead off the Kuwohi parking lot that leads to Andrews Bald. The sunset views from this grassy meadow are also nothing short of spectacular!

2. Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a lush valley in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with an 11-mile loop road that takes you through meadows and rolling hills. Many historic buildings and homesteads are scattered along the way with a picture-perfect backdrop of the mountains in the distance. Beginning or ending your day in Cades Cove is the best time to visit for scenic views, as the Smoky Mountain sunrise or sunset casts a beautiful glow and creates a truly peaceful atmosphere.

3. Oconaluftee Valley Overlook

You’ll find the Oconaluftee Valley Overlook about a half mile from Newfound Gap towards Cherokee, North Carolina. This scenic overlook faces east, making it an excellent place to watch a sunrise in the Smoky Mountains. Oconaluftee is a calm place to watch the sunrise and get some great pictures. If you don’t want to go all the way to Cherokee, the Charles A. Webb Overlook is on the way, not too far over the North Carolina border.

4. Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook

Another of the best places to see the sunset in Gatlinburg is a pull-off spot along the Gatlinburg Bypass Road. The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook offers incredible views of downtown Gatlinburg surrounded by the walls of the mountains, and the gorgeous hues of the fading light paint the sky and town below. You’ll love watching the twinkling lights start to appear as the sun disappears!

5. Carlos C. Campbell Overlook

Named after one of the early promoters of the national park, the Campbell Overlook is the first scenic overlook on Newfound Gap, around 5 miles from Gatlinburg. The panoramic views provide ample opportunity to enjoy both a Smoky Mountain sunrise and sunset.

6. Ben Morton Overlook

Another scenic overlook named after a key figure in establishing the national park, the Morton Overlook is a popular place to see the sunset in the Smokies. The overlook is less than a mile from the parking area on the Tennessee side of Newfound Gap.

7. Foothills Parkway

The Foothills Parkway is divided into several sections and connects several major highways. It is an ideal detour to see the Great Smoky Mountains during a road trip. A particular section near Townsend, TN facing west is a great spot to watch the sunset. Since the overlook here faces west you will get to watch the sun disappear across the Cumberland Plateau in the distance.

Check out our tips for watching a Smoky Mountain sunset or sunrise!

Don’t want to wake up really early or stay out late? Watch Smoky Mountain sunsets and sunrises from the comfort of your cabin with a mountain view! You and your loved one can sip your morning coffee together watching the sunrise or marvel at a picture-perfect sunset from the bubbling hot tub. Browse our Smoky Mountain cabins with mountain views to find the perfect one for your family!