Making the most of your time in the Smoky's

This adventure makes the most of your time and provides you with a full day of sightseeing and adventure. You will start at the Sugarlands Visitors Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Leave Sugarlands and head 13.3 miles to the Newfound Gap Parking area, your going to catch a sunrise here. There are also a couple other good overlooks below this one heading towards Cherokee, N.C. and after you catch the sunrise here you can head down and check out the views to them as well.

Note: There are restrooms at the Newfound Gap Parking area as well.

Note: I would recommend being here about 30 minutes before the sunrise to get the best spot. This is a popular spot for many photographers.

After taking in the views in the morning head back up to the Newfound Gap Parking area for a mid day hike along the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail will provide you a great opportunity to experience the Smoky's. The forest is thick through here and provides plenty of opportunities for some great forest shots. If you are an avid hiker you could fit in the 8.1 mile round-trip hike to Charlie's Bunion (An Appalachian Trail highlight).

Note: I always recommend bringing plenty of water, this trail is strenuous.

ALSO, IF YOU PACK IT IN, PLEASE PACK IT OUT. People get tired of packing other peoples crap out, plus it's bad for the wild life.

After you catch your breath, it's time to sit back and relax and take in the sunset. Head down back towards the Sugar Lands Visitors Center .7 miles to the Morton Overlook. The Morton Overlook is a great, wide open view looking out into the Smoky's and is stunning in every season. When the sun begins to set, keep an eye out to the ridge-lines to your sides, they get pretty colorful as well.

Note: This location can fill up rather quickly and parking is limited.

This trip will give you the views and the full experience of the Smoky's, everything is centralized making it fairly easy going from one to the other.