Photograph the Smokies from Morton Overlook

U.S. 441, Tennessee

4.3/5

based on 6 reviews

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Added by Joshua Moore

Take photographs from one of the most iconic views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Morton Overlook is one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks most well known and visited overlooks. Morton offers a wide view of the Great Smoky Mountains and is a perfect spot for some really good photography opportunities. Coming from Gatlinburg, TN it is roughly 13 miles from the visitors center along 441 towards Cherokee, NC.

Sunset is the best time of the day for color in the skies here, however on a cloudy day at sunrise you can get some nice color as well. This location is perfect for any time of the year and is a great place to catch storms rolling through. Keep your eyes open to your surroundings as well, there are some beautiful shots from the sides as well. The Morton Overlook is a great place to catch some nice foggy scenes as well. Keep it mind, it can get crowded at times.

Note: Birds of prey have been seen here as well.

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Forest

Scenic

Reviews

Explorer

Jon Mattrisch

Explorer

Photograph the Smokies from Morton Overlook

05/18/22

We drove the road through the Smoky Mountains and this was easily one of the best overlooks in the entire park. You can see so far in the distance and the mountains/valley create a beautiful scenic view. We went during sunset and were able to watch the sun slowly descend over the mountains in the far distance. The overlook definitely had a few people with the same thing in mind, but it wasn't overcrowded at all. It was an enjoyable experience and a very memorable one as well.

5.0

PRO

Lucas Bremer

PRO

Photograph the Smokies from Morton Overlook

09/22/20

Regardless of crowds, try to stop here, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing. Worth every click of the camera.

5.0

Explorer

Jared Beeler

Explorer

Photograph the Smokies from Morton Overlook

09/15/20

This is a great place for photography but don't bother trying to stop on the weekends it gets pretty full quick and has a small pull off area so it can get dangerous.

4.0

Natalie F

Photograph the Smokies from Morton Overlook

07/31/20

Great spot to stop! Beautiful, but crowded. Worth the stop though!

4.0

John Clairmont

Photograph the Smokies from Morton Overlook

06/18/20

We wanted to park and enjoy the sunset here but the entire lot was full. Guess we were just a tad bit late. We did end up just stopping in the middle of the road for a few minutes to snag some pictures before more cars came along. This is definitely one of the best spots to get good sunset pictures in the area!

4.0

Emma LaFleur

Photograph the Smokies from Morton Overlook

04/27/19

this is a wonderful spot to view the sunset, easy to find and easily assessable. with that being said, plan on being accompanied by at least two or three photographers as well as some other families. this is a very popular location for a sunset viewing.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Photograph the Smokies from Morton Overlook

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Mount LeConte Lodge via the Boulevard Trail

Catch a Sunrise at Newfound Gap

Hike to the Jump-Off

Hike to Clingman’s Dome via Newfound Gap

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