Newfound Gap Is One Of The Most Spectacular Places To Watch The Sun Rise In Tennessee
By Meghan Kraft|Updated on January 09, 2024(Originally published September 27, 2019)
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
When it comes to experiencing the expansive natural beauty of Tennessee, sometimes it’s hard to figure out where to start. There are so many beautiful places! What waterfalls should you traverse, and what hiking trails should you follow? You have to start somewhere, and we’d recommend falling in love with Tennessee by way of the famous Newfound Gap. Beautifully situated on the eastern side of the state, it’s a beautiful place to meet the day. Seeing the sun crest over the peaks on a foggy morning is a magical experience. It is a Smoky Mountain must and like us will make the words “sunrise Newfound Gap” invoke sweet memories.
Newfound Gap is located over 5,000 feet in the Great Smoky Mountains, a pass that is shared by both North Carolina and Tennessee. It's the lowest drivable pass in the national park and one of the most beautiful places to see the sunrise. To experience a Newfound Gap sunrise you will have to drive the Newfound Gap Road either from Gatlinburg on the Tennessee side or up from Cherokee in North Carolina. The peak is right where the two states meet with a large parking lot.
The views are expansive, making for a stunning drive at any time of the day. There are plenty of pullouts if you're looking to take a moment and really revel in the beauty of the mountains. Once the sun has completely risen over the peaks on your way back is a great time to use those pullouts. Offering many good angles of these incredible mountains is something we have taken advantage of many times in our travels.
That dreamy, candy-colored sky. Does it get any better? Just look at these Newfound Gap photos! We hope it inspires you to get up early and witness this spectacular natural wonder. Here is a local tip; one of the best viewing spots is actually just left of the Newfound Gap parking lot. There are alot fewer people and the view is slightly higher making it one of our favorite places to see the sunrise.
Since Newfound Gap is roughly a mile high, you'll find that it's a bit chillier than its surrounding areas. Take in the scenic views and straddle both North Carolina and Tennessee on your drive. There are also plenty of hiking opportunities if you're looking. The Appalachian Trail runs right through the peaks of this mountain range and the popular Charlies Bunion Trail is a great spot to see fantastic views of the Smokies.
Just south of the Gap itself, you can make your way to Clingmans Dome Road which will lead you to Clingmans Dome. It's the highest point in the park, and a half-mile hike with take you to the epic observation tower.
In order to see the sunrise chances are you will need a place to stay the night before. If you are looking to have a Smoky Mountain vacation do it in style at the Heaven's Mountain Lodge. This is one of the most luxurious cabins in Gatlinburg and an incredible place to stay for a Smoky Mountain adventure.
What do you think? We believe that once you hear the three sweet words of “Sunrise Newfound Gap” then you too can look back on that serene moment you saw the sun crest over the fog-covered mountains. If you’re looking for more information about Newfound Gap Road? Please visit The Great Smoky Mountain National Park website for any additional information. If these Newfound Gap photos haven’t inspired you enough check out this Adventuring in the Moment video where we saw the sunrise over Newfound Gap.
If you’re out exploring, you’re bound to find yourself a little hungry. Check out this neat hidden gem of a BBQ restaurant!
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