Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook

The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook is a set of roadside pull-offs on the Gatlinburg Bypass, high above town. From here, all of downtown Gatlinburg spreads out below, with the ridges of Great Smoky Mountains National Park rising behind it. There's no trail and no ticket. Just pull off, step out, and take in the view.

What you'll see

The whole valley opens up below you: the Parkway running through the middle of town, the rooftops of downtown, and the national park's ridges stacked toward the horizon. On a clear day, the view reaches deep into the park in layers of smoky blue. After dark, the town lights up the valley floor with dark mountains all around it. It's one of the few places where you can see Gatlinburg and the mountains together in a single view.

The best times to go

Sunrise in Gatlinburg

Sunrise is a favorite time at the overlook. Morning light spreads across the valley, and mist often hangs in the low spots before burning off by mid-morning. You'll also beat the crowds. Staying in a cabin nearby makes an early start easy.

Fall color

In fall, the mountains around town turn orange, red, and gold. Color usually peaks in town from mid-October into early November, starting higher up and working its way down. Arrive early on fall weekends, since the pull-offs fill fast. See our guide to fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains.

After dark

At night, the lights of downtown glow against the silhouette of the mountains, a completely different scene from the daytime view. For more evening ideas, see our guide to things to do in Gatlinburg at night.

Every season has something to offer, from spring green and summer storms rolling over the ridges to snow on the high peaks in winter.

Getting to the Gatlinburg Bypass

The Gatlinburg Bypass connects the Parkway near the north end of Gatlinburg to the national park entrance, running above town instead of through it. It's also a handy way to skip downtown traffic on the way into the park. The overlook pull-offs are along the Bypass, a few minutes from downtown. Enter "Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook" in your navigation app for directions.

Know before you go

Parking — there are several pull-offs along the Bypass, with limited space in each. They fill quickly on fall weekends.

Parking tag — the Bypass is inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A quick stop is free, but you'll need a park parking tag to stay longer than 15 minutes. Buy one online or at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

No facilities — there are no restrooms or services at the overlook. The nearest are in downtown Gatlinburg.

Winter closures — the Bypass can close during snow and ice, so check road conditions before an early winter trip.

Dogs — leashed dogs are fine at the pull-offs, which makes it an easy stop if you're traveling with a pet.

Photography tips

Shoot early or late — the first and last hour of daylight bring the best light and the strongest contrast between the ridges and the valley.

Go wide — a wide lens captures the whole view from town to ridgeline, and a zoom lens can pull in the distant peaks.

Bring a tripod at night — a long exposure captures the town lights much better than a handheld shot.

Go on cloudy days, too — clear days show the distant ridges, but low clouds in the mountains make for moody photos.

More views near Gatlinburg

Make it a scenic day. Drive up to Newfound Gap and Kuwohi, or loop through the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. For a bird's-eye view from town, ride to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, take the chairlift to the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, ride the gondola to Anakeesta, or take the tram to Ober Gatlinburg. See more in our guides to scenic drives, Smoky Mountain sunsets, and Smoky Mountain elevations.

Nearby

After a sunrise visit, head down for breakfast at Crockett's Breakfast Camp, then spend the day in downtown Gatlinburg or Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more free fun, see our list of free things to do in Gatlinburg.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook?

It's a series of pull-offs on the Gatlinburg Bypass, the road that runs above town between the Parkway and the national park entrance.

Is the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook free?

Yes, it's free to stop and look. Because the Bypass is inside the national park, a parking tag is required to park longer than 15 minutes.

When is the best time to visit?

Sunrise for the light and the mist, fall for color, and after dark for the town lights.

Is the overlook open at night?

Yes. You can visit any time, unless the Bypass is closed for winter weather.

Are there restrooms?

No. The nearest restrooms are in downtown Gatlinburg.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes. Leashed dogs are welcome at the pull-offs. See our pet-friendly cabins.