There are few things as special as starting the day with the warmth and beauty of a Smoky Mountain sunrise! Each morning, the sun peeks over the mountainous horizon and paints a soft, glowing, and lively beauty that makes you feel miles away from the daily grind of life. A stunning sunrise is the perfect start to the day, whether you’re planning on hiking the trails, visiting attractions, or looking forward to tasting homegrown wines at Tennessee Homemade Wines. Here are 5 of the best places to see a sunrise in Gatlinburg:
1. Newfound Gap Overlook
Panoramic views make Newfound Gap Overlook one of the very best places to see a sunrise in Gatlinburg! Towering more than 5,000 feet above sea level, this spot offers sweeping, bird ’s-eye views of the layers of Smokies mountain ranges. Soft purples and warm golds emerge in the morning sky as the sun slowly begins to appear. It’s a place where you feel totally at peace and look in awe at the natural beauty in every direction.
2. Kuwohi
What better place to enjoy a sunrise than the highest point in the state of Tennessee? Once called Clingmans Dome, Kuwohi offers up stunning views of the Smokies awakening below. The Kuwohi Observation Tower stands at an elevation of 6,643 feet and has 360-degree views of all the beauty below. To reach the tower, there’s about a mile roundtrip hike on a steep but paved trail. If you don’t want to hike to the tower, you can still see the sunset from the Kuwohi parking area!
3. Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook is an easily accessible place to see a sunrise in Gatlinburg. This convenient spot is close to town and located on the Gatlinburg Bypass. Soak up pristine views of Gatlinburg in the valley below as the morning sun brightens the skyline. This is the perfect option for guests who don’t want to hike to see a sunrise. If you have plans to stay near downtown on your trip, you won’t be far away at all.
4. Downtown Gatlinburg
Downtown Gatlinburg itself is a convenient place to see a sunrise! While the views aren’t as unobstructed as other options, it puts you near all the action to be one of the first to visit attractions or Tennessee Homemade Wines before the biggest crowds arrive. Early mornings tend to be less crowded on the Gatlinburg Strip, making it a great time to stroll and see what you find. As the sun comes up, you can see the glow of the sun reflecting off buildings and ridgelines.
5. Greenbrier Area of the National Park
If you’re looking for a quieter and more intimate way to see a sunrise in Gatlinburg, check out the Greenbrier area. This portion of the national park is tucked away in the calmness of the woods, meaning the morning light will slowly filter through the tall trees and glisten off the creek in the area. It creates an experience that feels almost magical. Spend some time by the water or take a morning walk through the stillness of the forest at this hidden gem spot.
Seeing a sunrise in Gatlinburg is the perfect way to start your day! Once the sun is up, we’ll be waiting for you here at Tennessee Homemade Wines to help you sweeten the rest of your day! Take a look at all of the Tennessee wines we offer to see what we’re all about.
