On the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park comprises lush greenery, creeks and streams, cultural sites, and more. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that the Smokies are America’s most-visited national park.

You can enjoy that gorgeous Smoky Mountain scenery on one of the park’s dozens of trails. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains with a view. Stunning panoramas, 360-degree vistas, and more await.

Book your stay with Prestige Vacation Rentals to be close to all these — and more — exciting hikes.

1. Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail

Photo Credit: Zack Frank

This short but steep trail leads to one of the most iconic spots in the Smokies: 6,644-foot tall Clingmans Dome. The highest point in the Smokies is further elevated by a striking observation tower, from which you can see sweeping views of seven different states on a clear day.

Since this is one of the most popular landmarks in the park, parking can be limited, so try to arrive as early as possible. Bring a light jacket since the top of the tower can often be breezy, and binoculars to try and identify the landmarks noted at the viewing platform. Note that the parking lot is closed in winter, so you’ll have a longer hike — seven miles each way — at that time of year.

2. Andrews Bald Trail

Photo Credit: Melinda Fawver

Andrews Bald Trail also starts at the parking lot for Clingmans Dome. You’ll descend downhill for about a mile before climbing upward to Andrews Bald, one of the Smokies’ many mountains that are topped by grassy clearings rather than the typical dense tree cover. This will allow for panoramic views of your surroundings (plus, it’s a great location for a picnic).

The trail can be rocky and uneven in many places, so make sure you’re wearing boots with good ankle support. Trekking poles aren’t a bad idea, either. You may see wildlife like black bears and colorful blooms during spring wildflower season.

3. Charlies Bunion

Photo Credit: digidreamgrafix

The 2,190-mile-long Appalachian Trail runs from Georgia to Maine, and 70-ish miles of it fall within the borders of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Hop on this historic trail for an 8-mile round-trip jaunt that will take you to Charlie Bunion, one of the best day hikes in the Smokies and one of the best viewpoints on the whole A.T.

The trail starts with a gradual ascent from Newfound Gap, just 30 minutes away from Gatlinburg. As you hike, you’ll pass numerous spots with good views, but the pièce de résistance is Charlies Bunion, a rocky outcropping that allows for 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountain peaks. If hiking with kids, keep a close eye on everyone in your group, as the drop is steep.

4. Rich Mountain Loop

Cades Cove, another hugely popular Smoky Mountain landmark, is the starting point for a number of short but beautiful waterfall hikes, including the trails to Abrams Falls and Laurel Falls. But if you’re seeking some more expansive views, put in a little extra legwork on the Rich Mountain Loop.

You’ll pass the historic John Oliver cabin and can glimpse wildlife as you climb up roughly 2,000 feet. When you get to the summit of Rich Mountain, the views of Cades Cove will be well worth the effort. As an added bonus, this trail is typically less crowded than others in Cades Cove.

5. Chimney Tops Trail

Photo Credit: Gabriel Quiles

Named for the rocky towers on its peak, Chimney Tops is one of the most instantly recognizable peaks in the Smokies. You’ll certainly have to break a sweat to get here—the trail climbs roughly 1,400 feet in less than two miles—but you’ll be rewarded by views of the Smokies and of the chimneys themselves.

The final quarter mile of the trail that leads to the summit is closed to the public at the time of writing, but you’ll still get to see plenty of stellar sights along the way. The trailhead is just a few miles away from Sugarlands Visitor Center on Newfound Gap Road, making it one of the closest hikes to Gatlinburg.

6. Shuckstack Tower

Near Fontana Dam, Shuckstack Tower is one of the first landmarks that A.T. thru-hikers see after crossing into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You, too, can see it on a bite-sized hike of the famed long trail.

This out-and-back trail isn’t for the faint of heart since its steep climbs will test the mettle of even the strongest hikers. But once you reach the top, you can climb just a little further — up the few flights of stairs that lead to the top of historic Shuckstack Tower — for incredible views of Fontana Lake and the Smokies.

7. Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte

Photo Credit: Theron Stripling III

Several different trails wind up the sides of Mount LeConte, the third-tallest mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains. Alum Cave Trail is one of the most popular hikes on the mountain, alongside the Trillium Gap and Rainbow Falls Trails.

As you hike up to the summit of Mount LeConte, you’ll pass Inspiration Point, Arch Rock, and the trail’s namesake cave. Take a moment to snap some photos at Alum Cave Bluff, a picturesque rock wall composed of orange clay.

Though the views from the top of Mount LeConte are excellent on any clear day, try to time your hike for either sunset or sunrise for an experience you won’t forget.

8. Mount Cammerer

Mount Cammerer is topped by another fire tower, but this is a far cry from the smaller wooden structures seen around the area. This perch is made up of local stone, perfect for a picnic and photo ops. Even more impressive are the views of the sprawling Pigeon River Gorge, which you can soak up from the tower’s outdoor observation deck.

The Low Gap Trail, which you’ll follow for most of this hike, starts from Cosby Knob Campground. Since this is the most-used route to Mount Cammerer, expect to share the parking lot and trails with many of your fellow hikers. Trust us, you’ll understand the appeal when you reach the trail’s end.

9. Baxter Creek Trail

If you’re looking for a serious leg-burner with views to match, the Baxter Creek Trail is calling your name. It runs along the ridgelines of several of the Smokies’ most notable peaks, including Mount Sterling (which also has a fire tower), ascending and descending several times. When you’re up on the mountaintops, you’ll see amazing vistas that will motivate you to push onward and upward to the next peak.

Note that this trail is nearly 16 miles from end to end, meaning that you’ll need two cars and drivers to complete it in its entirety (unless you can hike 31.4 miles out and back). Consider hiking with two groups that start from either end of the trail and swapping car keys in the middle to avoid difficult carpooling logistics. You can all celebrate together afterward.

Smoky Mountain Views Await

Now that you know the best Smoky Mountain hikes with a view, you can start planning your trip to the area. Everyone from the most skilled hikers to the proudest couch potatoes will surely be impressed by these trails and sights.

Book your parking permit in advance, and try to arrive as early as possible at the trailheads. Even so, you likely won’t have these hikes to yourself. But their popularity is just a testament to their timeless beauty.

Book your stay at Prestige Vacation Rentals today!

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