Family Photos in the Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains are a perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with your family. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, a family reunion, or a special occasion, the Smokies offer countless opportunities for stunning family photos. From picturesque mountain vistas to charming historic sites, here are some of the best spots in the Smokies to capture beautiful family photos that you’ll cherish for years to come.

1. Clingmans Dome: A Scenic Overlook with Panoramic Views

Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers breathtaking panoramic views that make it an ideal location for family photos. The observation tower at the top provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, and on a clear day, you can see for miles.

• Why It’s Perfect: The dramatic landscape and expansive views create a stunning backdrop for family photos. Whether you’re posing at the observation tower or along the trail leading up to it, the natural beauty of the Smokies shines through in every shot.
• Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and golden. Sunrise and sunset at Clingmans Dome are particularly magical and can add a warm, glowing touch to your photos.

Location: Clingmans Dome Road, accessible from Newfound Gap Road

2. Cades Cove: A Historic Valley with Diverse Backdrops

Cades Cove is one of the most picturesque spots in the Smokies, offering a blend of open fields, historic buildings, and mountain views. The 11-mile loop road around Cades Cove provides plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos, with a variety of settings to choose from.

• Why It’s Perfect: Cades Cove offers a variety of backdrops in one location. You can capture family photos in front of historic log cabins, churches, and barns, or pose in the open fields with the mountains in the background. The area’s abundant wildlife, including deer and wild turkeys, can also add a special touch to your photos.
• Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or late afternoon, when the lighting is soft and wildlife is most active. Visiting on a weekday or during the off-season can help you avoid crowds and capture more intimate, peaceful photos.

Location: Cades Cove Loop Road, accessible from Laurel Creek Road

3. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A Forested Wonderland

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile one-way loop road that winds through a lush, forested area of the Smokies. Along the trail, you’ll find rushing streams, historic cabins, and beautiful wildflowers, making it a perfect spot for capturing the natural beauty of the mountains in your family photos.

• Why It’s Perfect: The shaded forest, bubbling streams, and rustic log cabins create a serene and enchanting atmosphere for family photos. The trail offers a variety of scenic spots, from moss-covered rocks along the stream to the historic Ephraim Bales Cabin.
• Best Time to Shoot: Late spring or early summer, when the forest is lush and green, and the wildflowers are in bloom. Overcast days are also ideal, as the soft light enhances the colors and details of the forest.

Location: Access via Historic Nature Trail/Airport Road in Gatlinburg

4. The Gatlinburg SkyBridge: An Iconic Experience Above the Trees

For a unique and adventurous family photo, head to the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. As the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, the SkyBridge offers stunning views of the Smoky Mountains and the town of Gatlinburg below. The bridge is beautifully lit after dark, making it a great spot for both daytime and nighttime photos.

• Why It’s Perfect: The SkyBridge provides a one-of-a-kind setting for family photos, with the dramatic backdrop of the mountains and the thrill of being suspended high above the ground. The glass-floor section in the middle of the bridge adds an element of fun and excitement to your photos.
• Best Time to Shoot: Just before sunset, when the light is soft and the mountains are bathed in a warm glow. For a different vibe, try an evening shoot when the bridge is illuminated by twinkling lights.

Location: Gatlinburg SkyPark, 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

5. The Sinks: A Rushing Waterfall with a Natural Charm

The Sinks is a powerful waterfall located along Little River Road in the Smokies. The waterfall’s rushing water and surrounding rock formations create a dynamic and dramatic setting for family photos. The area around The Sinks also features beautiful forested trails and smaller cascades, offering plenty of options for different photo angles.

• Why It’s Perfect: The Sinks offers a rugged, natural backdrop that highlights the beauty and power of the Smokies. The sound of the rushing water and the lush greenery make it a peaceful and visually stunning spot for capturing family memories.
• Best Time to Shoot: Mid-morning or early afternoon, when the sun is high enough to illuminate the waterfall but not so harsh that it creates too much contrast. Be sure to visit after a rainfall for an even more impressive flow of water.

Location: Little River Road, 12 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center

6. The Chimneys Picnic Area: A Family-Friendly Spot by the River

The Chimneys Picnic Area, located along Newfound Gap Road, is a popular spot for families to relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. With its picturesque river, large boulders, and shady trees, the area offers plenty of opportunities for capturing candid, joyful moments with your family.

• Why It’s Perfect: The Chimneys Picnic Area combines the beauty of the river with the convenience of picnic tables and open spaces, making it easy to capture both posed and candid shots. The gentle flow of the river and the surrounding forest create a serene and timeless setting for your family photos.
• Best Time to Shoot: Late afternoon, when the sun filters through the trees and casts a warm, dappled light over the area. The picnic area is especially beautiful in the fall, when the leaves change color and create a vibrant backdrop.

Location: Newfound Gap Road, 6 miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center

7. Laurel Falls Trail: A Waterfall Hike with Rewarding Views

Laurel Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Smokies, and the trail leading to it is a relatively easy hike, making it accessible for families with children. The 2.6-mile round-trip hike takes you through beautiful forest scenery, with the waterfall itself serving as a stunning reward at the end.

• Why It’s Perfect: The combination of a scenic hike and a beautiful waterfall makes Laurel Falls Trail a great spot for family photos. The waterfall provides a dramatic backdrop, while the hike offers opportunities for capturing candid moments along the way.
• Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or late afternoon, when the trail is less crowded, and the lighting is soft. Visiting in the spring or early summer ensures that the waterfall is flowing at its fullest.

Location: Laurel Falls Trailhead, accessible from Little River Road

The Smoky Mountains are filled with beautiful locations that provide the perfect backdrop for family photos. Whether you’re seeking dramatic mountain views, peaceful forest settings, or unique attractions, the Smokies offer endless opportunities to capture memories that will last a lifetime. So grab your camera, gather your loved ones, and explore these stunning locations for a family photo session you’ll never forget.