Gatlinburg’s Most Instagrammable Spots

Park and walk, take the trolley, catch a lift or ride the tram - Gatlinburg’s Downtown Parkway spots are readily accessible year-round. These iconic Gatlinburg locales have seen generations of travelers smiling for the cameras.

Picture yourself at the Gatlinburg entrance sign, the town mural, the art installation in front of the Gatlinburg Convention Center, or the Trolley stop sign to mark your trip in your photo folder. Travel back in time with a stop at the Ogle cabin, Gatlinburg’s first family homestead, circa 1807. Sidle up for a selfie alongside bears, scarecrows, or Snowpeople on a Downtown bench.

Strike out on the Parkway for dynamic travel shots. Rise above the crowd at the Arch Bridge at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – or go “underwater” for a snap in its Shark Tunnel.  Don’t miss the Downtown Christmas lights tunnel in front of Ripley’s if you’re here near the holidays. Finally, head up to The Village to capture photos with European flair, by the fountain or red phone booth.

When it comes to food and drink, the Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler sign is a fan-favorite place marker. Guests of all ages will smile for taffy making at Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, a stack of pancakes at Pancake Pantry or a footlong corn dog at Fannie Farkle’s.

Don’t forget to mark your stay by capturing the view outside your cabin or accommodations. You’ll thank yourself later.

Gatlinburg’s ridgetop attractions offer a bird’s-eye view of our Great Smoky Mountains wonderland. Photo ops abound at Anakeesta, from the willow man and twig heart to Gatlinburg’s highest point – the AnaVista Tower. Take flight at SkyPark with photos from the chairlift and the bridge’s glass opening. Towering 400 feet over Gatlinburg, the Space Needle  is an epic shot, whether you’re atop it or putting it in the background. Ober Mountain delivers on inspiring images – from ice skating to snow sports. Timeless Ober tram shots top our list.

Set your sights on Gatlinburg’s Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, our 8-mile loop of art studios, artisan shops, eateries and other interesting attractions. You’ll want to snap a shot at the Arts & Crafts Community entrance sign and covered bridge to mark your creative outing. Whether you prefer painting, woodwork, jewelry making or other mediums, photo options abound here. Our favorites include watching pottery tossing at Fowler’s Clay Works and Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts.  While you’re in the area, grab a shot at the historic Ely’s Mill for an “Old Gatlinburg” memory.

It’s not you, it’s the mountains! That time-standing-still feeling strikes many of us upon entering the verdant sanctuary that is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take home some transcendence with photos documenting your Smokies escape. You’ll want a pic by the park entrance sign to remember your adventure. The Gatlinburg bypass scenic overlook always delivers on sweeping views, as does Morton Overlook and the top of Clingmans Dome. Step behind Grotto Falls for your own memento of waterfall-chasing bliss.