Photography

Wow! Where do we begin to tell you about the photographic opportunities available to you in Gatlinburg and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Let's start with Gatlinburg. The most popular subjects in town are the smiling faces of the family, spouse, or significant other as they portray what a great time they're having! Video is the media of choice for Gatlinburg, because nothing's standing still here! Once you shoot, it's likely to become just the ticket to stirring fond memories of your latest visit. Take a couple or family picture at the same location each time you visit, and in just a few visits you'll have your own photographic and historic growth chart!

Now, for the novice to serious photographer, the National Park is just for you. You can trek a few miles into the forest or a few hundred feet off the roadway, and you'll likely find photo ops that don't exist anywhere else in America . Flora, fauna, waterfalls, and streams are yours for the shot, and it's all ever-changing, so come back again to the same spot to shoot something different next time. The vistas are phenomenal, where you can see up to seventy miles on a clear day! Sunrises, sunsets, homesteads dating back to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and it's all yours, with free admission to everyone! Fall in love with nature while you're here; you'll likely spot a black bear, hundreds of deer, and maybe some of the newly-introduced elk. Every shot will be memorable.

Here is just a sampling of some easy-to-get-to areas with plentiful photographic subjects:

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail -- There's a whole lot of variety on this seven mile one-way loop that starts at the top of Cherokee Orchard Road and ends on Roaring Fork Road , both in Gatlinburg. You'll find one nice mountainscape, two log cabins, an early frame home, grist mill, several streams and low water crossings, and lush forest growth.
Greenbrier -- A lesser-used area of the Park, Greenbrier Road runs alongside the East Prong of the Little Pigeon River into a nice day-use area with several walking paths and the trailhead for the strenuous Ramsey Cascades Trail, a four-mile trail to the scenic 100-foot waterfall. The river has some nice drops to it, and is a favorite swimming hole for the locals. Plenty of lush growth along the river, as well.
Gatlinburg Trail -- A wide, flat two-mile walk starting by the Water Department near River Road and Ski Mountain Drive, this trail is frequented by morning and evening exercise buffs because of its smooth trail surface and the peaceful feeling of walking for a good part of the trail alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. There's a foot bridge about mid-way, and the trail comes close enough to the highway to go up and take the traditional "Intro Page" photo standing by the National Park entrance sign. Once you get to the end of the trail, walk along the roadside another few hundred yards to a little-known primitive cemetery, then on past Park Headquarters to Sugarlands Visitor Center for a short rest before the return trip.
The Chimneys Picnic Area -- Located just off Hwy. 441 heading south, the Pigeon River passes over huge boulders in a rapid descent, making for a great background to human subjects. Don't be surprised if you find a bear ambling through the picnic area around dusk. Walking paths and trails are at the uppermost section of the day-use area, and there's a beautiful arched bridge made of stone near the area's entrance.
Newfound Gap -- You're at the gap; a natural opening in the ridgeline for the road to follow on over into North Carolina . The Appalachian Trail passes through the gap, as well, and the Boulevard Trail portion is the least strenuous 8-mile route to Mt. LeConte and its significant vistas. One photographic precaution--because of its elevation, Newfound Gap may be in the clouds or haze on less-than-clear days, so plan to arrive after noon on other than sunny days, giving time for the fog to lift. On a clear day, you can see over 70 miles. The huge rock wall and upper podium-style overlook at the entrance to the parking area was used as the podium for Franklin D. Roosevelt's formal dedication of the National Park in 1940.
Cades Cove -- This 11-mile, one-way road is one of the most popular day trips into the Park, known for its grazing pastures for deer, turkey, bear, and horses. There are 19 marked stops along the road, with historic structures being the primary focus. Because of its popularity, the road can become quite congested at times, but it's closed for use only by cyclists on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Early morning arrivals are the best from a traffic standpoint, although you might encounter low-lying fog on a cool morning--a beautiful photographic setting. You're also likely to come upon a live demonstration of some nature during the spring-to-fall season.