Taking pictures of the Smoky Mountains fall colors is one of the most exciting things to do on vacation. The Smoky Mountains are beautiful year round, but the trees filled with beautiful fall colors are exceptional, so it makes for a great backdrop to any family photographs, and it’s also perfect for enjoying the natural scenery.
Here are our top 5 places to take pictures of Smoky Mountain Fall colors:
1. Ramsey Cascades
If you are looking for a relaxing waterfall for the backdrop of your pictures of the Smoky Mountains fall colors, look no further than Ramsey Cascades. It’s the tallest waterfall in the Smoky Mountains and one of the most popular to visit as well. If you choose to hike to this waterfall for your fall photographs, be sure to wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes. The waterfall area is very damp and we want you to be as safe as possible while you’re on the trail.
2. Newfound Gap Road
This road is a Smoky Mountain driving trail that connects Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC. Along the roadway, there are several pull-offs and lookouts; from these overlooks, visitors can see miles upon miles of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the fall colors from the Smoky Mountains viewing area which are spectacular.
(See Related: 6 Tips for Your Vacation to See the Smoky Mountains Fall Colors)
3. Mount LeConte
As the third highest peak in the national park, this is one of the most popular hiking trails. You will experience beautiful, panoramic views, as well as a little restaurant where you can pick up lunch and enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains. Although, the trails are a little long, so you may want to pack a camera to capture the beautiful Smoky Mountains fall colors, and maybe a few snapshots of the famous llamas that are known for carrying supplies up and down the mountainside to and from Mount LeConte.
4. Clingmans Dome
The observation deck, found at the peak at Clingmans Dome, offers you a complete 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains. This gives you a magnificent chance to capture the miles and miles of the beautiful fall colors. Overall, the hike to the overlook is only 1/2 a mile long, but we still encourage you to wear comfortable shoes that will not slip off your feet. The hike is pretty steep, so be prepared for that when you arrive.
5. Cades Cove
There is absolutely no doubt that this is one of the best places to view the mountains. It’s one of the most popular places, too. The 11-mile car ride along the loop road is a great way to experience the history of the Smoky Mountain area. You will be able to capture historical buildings and homes as well as churches, some wildlife and, of course, a lot of beautiful fall colors.
To make plans to visit each of these places in the national park, be sure to check out our Great Smoky Mountains National Park map! See you in the Smoky Mountains!
We hope you enjoyed our list of the top 5 places to take pictures of Smoky Mountain Fall colors!
