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    Newfound Gap

    4.7 (23 reviews)

    Newfound Gap Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Newfound Gap

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    Saranya D.

    Beautiful stop on our way to Clingman's Dome. Great photos from several overlooks. Scenic views from the parking lot and also from a stone observation deck. Cool spot with a valley view of the great Smoky Mountains! This is located on the boundary line of North Carolina and Tennessee. The road is busy as there are great views without any hikes. Plenty of parking with restrooms. Definitely worth driving thru Newfound Gap round if you are in the vicinity.

    Beautiful mountain views
    Richie D.

    Whilst driving through the Smokies via 441, don't pass by without stopping at this brief pull-off. I deem that besides the nearby Clingman's Dome, Newfound Gap has the prettiest views in all the National Park--particularly at sunset. You're at an elevation of 5,046 feet according to the sign, the highest easily accessible point by vehicle besides Clingman's Dome. The name comes after Indian Gap was originally the lowest mountain pass until 'Newfound' Gap replaced it--hence the name. A plaque designates the Smokey Mountains National Park as a World Heritage Site which allows it to be protected area due to "outstanding natural and cultural resources." Many visit the Rockefeller Memorial which is at the far end of the parking lot and is where former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt formally dedicated the park on September 2, 1940. There is some neat art deco touches on the stone monument too. If you're a fan of the movie "A Walk to Remember," or think the idea of 'being in two places at once' is fun, you can step foot in both North Carolina and Tennessee at the same time across the state lines. Otherwise, the Appalachian Trail passes through here if you care to stroll part of it. The Charlies Bunion and Indian Gap trailheads also take off from here and it is a fairly safe spot to park your car.

    Elise B.

    Beautiful overlook with a large parking lot. In mid October it was VERY busy but we found a spot, and it was more empty when we returned from a hike. Nice high elevation of over 5k' so you'll get a good view on a clear day. We parked here for the Appalachian Trail trailhead to hike to Charlie's Bunion. This was about 8-9 miles round trip and it was strenuous to us, I consider us to be average to seasoned hikers. Lots of climbing and some rock scrambles. The view (assuming it's a clear day) from Charlie's Bunion is incredible. There are also several spots for great unobstructed views along the way. Be sure to bring lots of water and some snacks! We went on a VERY busy day and the trail was pretty packed considering the difficulty. It did thin out a bit as we went further along and likely wouldn't be too packed on off times. But we highly recommend the hike and the experience!

    Michael A.

    What a drive!!! It was out second to last day staying in Pigeon Forge, and it was a little rainy. We decided to go on a scenic drive and picked Newfound Gap. The views and drive were outstanding. If I knew it was going to be as pretty as it was I would have went on a more sunny day! The clouds opened up a few times, I think the mountains were able to break them up a little.

    Mary Kate E.

    This is a mix of history, excitement to split 2 states, and simply another view of the Smokies. Some folks might not find it as exciting as I do, but I love it here and feel it is a must see. Newfound Gap is somewhere I have grown up coming to for my entire life. Every trip I have made to the Smokies, this is on the list of places I visit, my family visits, or that I bring people who have never experienced the Smokies and her grandeur. The Appalachian Trail comes through here. It's a nationally recognized trail that runs from Georgia to Maine. If you're lucky, you might run into people who are walking it. I saw a couple of hikers taking a break when visiting and had the chance to speak about their experiences hiking it. There is a massive parking lot that that accommodates the hoards of people who visit. Mind you, that it can get overcrowded, however, if you come later in the day - you are less likely to run into this problem. Come take in the views. You won't regret it.

    Gorgeous
    Katherine P.

    Newfound Gap is one of the bigger vista points in GSMNP, situated right on the TN/NC state line. It's huge, with lots of parking, and gorgeous views in all directions. We lucked out during our visit, and it wasn't as crowded as it often can be. This is definitely a must-stop place when you're visiting the park.

    The view. Spectacular.
    Kathy V.

    Super highlight: this trailhead and outlook point has a considerably sized parking lot! This makes me feel much safer than at other lookout points and trailheads along the road through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park But be aware it is very popular and will probably be very crowded. The view over the gap is absolutely lovely. For those who hate being unplugged, there seems to be reliable cell service, at least in the main parking area and some of the start of the trail. There are facilities. Flushable, clean toilets, but no drinkable water so bring your own. Access to the Appalachian Trail, and trails that go to overlooks at Charlies Bunion and the Jumpoff point, can be found here. Absolutely worth a visit!

    Newfound Gap
    Evan G.

    Newfound Gap at Great Smokey Mountains National Park in Bryson City is a beautiful and scenic portion of the park. I like that there is plenty of parking and restrooms as well as trails and overlooks. This area is well maintained and clean and is well worth and memorable it to experience it all.

    John M.

    Amazing views when you get to the top. I highly recommend it. You get a smooth winding ride through trees and sometimes get a view of a rocky river. Great place to watch the sunrise or sunset.

    Charlie's bunion
    Michelle S.

    WOW. Newfound Gap to Charlie's bunion is an amazing hike! We're not an avid hikers and do well with high elevation and most awesome views require a strenuous long 10+ mile hike in the smokies. We arrived at 9:30 and easily found parking and enjoyed breakfast and lunch and took our time on the hike. In the mornings it has been very foggy and Smoky but almost always clears up. It's great that it's out and back because we got the views on the way back! Once you hit Charlie's bunion it's such a treat!! But if you still have energy I recommend on the way back you hit the jump off! It's right off the boulevard trail. This part of the AT is amazing because at one point you're hiking on the ridge of a mountain overlooking other mountains. So fun and so doable. Ended up logging a little under 10 miles with the hike to Charlie's Bunion and adding the Jump off hike (quite literally a jump off if you take a few steps you will fall off the mountain!!)

    Two places at once.

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    5 years ago

    Love this drive, very peaceful and easy to do. Clingmans dome is also worth the short drive.

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    Review Highlights - Newfound Gap

    You can see the distance to walk to Maryland, and you can say you have walked on the Appalachian trail.

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    Alum Cave Trail - Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Alum Cave Trail

    4.9(41 reviews)
    3.1 km

    Today was our second time back to Alum Cave Trail, and we did the 2.3 miles to Alum Cave Bluff and…read morethen turned back, for a total of 4.6 miles. You can go on for a total of five miles to reach Mt. Leconte, but since the weather was turning and it was starting to rain we cut our hike short. Like others, I suggest getting to this trail head early, as at 7:30 am half the parking lot was full!! We love this trail in particular for its endless water features, lots of scenic spots to take pictures, unique bridges, and the breathtaking view from the top. Even with the bad weather today, it was something spectacular watching the fog lift above the golden trees. If you haven't been, this trail is definitely worth your time and attention. You will want to wear some sturdy walking shoes for this one and maybe even bring a walking stick!!

    Gorgeous trail with diverse beauty. We did the medium length hike to the bluff and loved it. Once…read moreyou pass the cave the whole hike is pretty much going uphill so come prepared to get a workout in and wear proper shoes and bring some water. The views are great from the bluff and totally worth it. We came during the week around noon and parking lot was full so we had to park further out and walk about a half mile or so to the trail so be prepared for that or plan your time. Totally worth it! One of my favorite hikes that we did in the area. Loved being by the creek, the log crossings, the cave, the moss, the trees, and the Mountain Views. the scenery was so pretty. There is a bathroom on-site at the start of the trail in case you are wondering.

    Photos
    Alum Cave Trail
    Alum Cave Trail - Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte | Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Alum Cave Trail - Perfect day for an autumn scenery hike.

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    Perfect day for an autumn scenery hike.

    The Sinks - The Sinks in its glory.

    The Sinks

    4.8(38 reviews)
    22.4 km

    I never met a waterfall that I didn't like. We did a driving tour along Little River in Great Smoky…read moreMountains National Park to see if we could spot some wildlife. The Sinks is a lovely waterfall along the river. There is a small parking lot with about a dozen spaces where we found parking. An observation area is a short walk from parking. A sign describes the area and that the falls were manmade. During the late 1800's the river was used to transport logs/timber to the nearby town of Elkmont. After a storm, flood waters caused a jam in the river. Dynamite was used to restore water flow. The blast resulted in a twist in the river and creation of the waterfall. A set of stone steps leads up a hill, offering lovey views of the falls. There are dozens of waterfalls in the Park. Sinks is one of the few that is drivable, which is great for people that cannot hike. I picked up a Waterfalls map at the visitor center that I found interesting and informative. Parking passes are required to park in the lot. There are no amenities at the falls. Plan 15-30 minutes for a stop and photos.

    We found a prime parking spot at The Sinks and looked at the area from above the bridge. People…read morewere cliff jumping from the cliffs using ropes, and just free jumping into the water below. Saw the waterfall, but we did not venture into the water. Very small parking lot, but worth a quick stop if you can find a spot to park the car.

    Photos
    The Sinks
    The Sinks - Observation patio

    Observation patio

    The Sinks - View from path to the platform.

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    View from path to the platform.

    Indian Creek Falls

    Indian Creek Falls

    5.0(2 reviews)
    13.7 km

    This is the third waterfall on the loop at Deep Creek. It's just off to the right of where you go…read morein with your tubes during the summer. Very easy to get to, once you're already up at the top. You can see all three waterfalls and do the loop in about an hour.

    Indian Creek Falls is very easy to reach from any of the multiple parking areas, making it perfect…read morefor everyone in the family. It's the 3rd tallest of 3 waterfalls you can easily reach from the same trailhead. It is also just a couple hundred feet upstream from the put-in for the tubes. If you continue past Tom Branch Falls about a quarter of a mile, you will see a bridge crossing Indian Creek. Here the Deep Creek trail intersects with Indian Creek Trail, which leads uphill to Indian Creek Falls. You will encounter a set of stairs just a few hundred feet along the trail that will take you down to view the falls. On the return hike you can break off on another connecting trail that leads to a third waterfall named Juney Whank Falls. You can then continue along the trail and it will loop you back to the parking area. We decided against Juney Whank Falls due to time since we were on a mission to visit a few other places, but we did take time to rent tubes from Smoky Mountain Campground. FAIR WARNING FOR ANY FAMILY RENTING TUBES - Deep Creek can be very fast moving, especially after heavy rains and our crew found it very difficult (the word traumatic was used) to get out of the river. Our 27 year old daughter and her husband as well as our 17 year old son did everything they could to safely get our 8, 7 & 6 year old grandsons to shore safely... even lost two of the tubes in the process. [ THINGS TO KNOW ] WATERFALL HEIGHT Indian Creek - 25' (attractiveness: 6 out of 10) Tom's Branch - 60' (attractiveness: 7 out of 10) ROUNDTRIP HIKE - 1.6 miles to both falls, add a quarter mile for all three falls PARKING - plentiful, but limited near the trailhead RESTROOMS - YES PICNIC AREA - YES TRAIL TO FALLS - flat, wide and all gravel BIKES ALLOWED - YES WARNING: Black bears are sometimes active in this area. Pets are not allowed on this trail. CAMPGROUND 92 individual campsites Each has grills, tables and campfire rings. Hookups & showers are not provided, but flush toilets and drinking water are available. [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] Indian Creek Falls was a great stop along our route from Metro Atlanta to Pigeon Forge, TN. We were so impressed with the Deep Creek campground area that we may return for an overnight stay. There are a number of hiking trails and nearby Bryson City has plenty of restaurants to make a food loving hiker happy! 2022 / 92

    Photos
    Indian Creek Falls - Indian Creek Falls

    Indian Creek Falls

    Indian Creek Falls
    Indian Creek Falls - Indian Creek Falls

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    Indian Creek Falls

    Anakeesta - Treetop Bridge

    Anakeesta

    3.6(998 reviews)
    13.8 km

    We paid to come up and then after $150 for our family realized that the sky walk was closed. Many…read morebridges and things were also closed. I was disappointed we weren't informed of this before purchasing. Our dinner at Clifftop restaurant was sub-par. I'm leaving this review at 4 stars since I know many people rave about the sky walk (we weren't able to see this so I'm unsure) and the kids play area was super fun. My kids could have played for hours. It's multiple levels and really large. I felt that staff could have been more present in the children's area though. They were just hanging out and talking and not helping to keep the slide area safe. While we were there a parent lost her child and no staff was present anywhere. That was discouraging. It's beautiful here. So many beautiful views. Entertainment, and lots of nice places to sit and relax. We even had a chance to see a black bear.

    We decided to take a trip up one of the mountains in Gatlinburg. There are several options, as far…read moreas different companies, to take a chair lift or gondola up one of the mountains, and each go to their own different mountain. And at the top of each the company that owns them has their little attractions area. I had searched online, but was not able to find much about Anakeesta being ADA friendly. After having visited, I can assure you it is not very ADA friendly at all. For reference point for any longer period of walking I need a walker, but I can go short distances with a cane. The "crystal" gondolas (basically meaning all glass except the roof) can hold up to six people. While you can board the gondolas with a walker or stroller, it will be a tight fit, but it is accomplishable. Otherwise access to the mountain is through a bus kind of situation. Once at the top of the mountain activities are limited if you are using a walker or wheelchair or have children in a stroller. The tree top walk has stairs at many points and while you may be able to switch to a cane, it is a very long course and you will likely not have the energy to complete it if you really rely on a wheelchair or walker. The overlook tower is only stairs. Thankfully, there are some decent places where you can sit and at least enjoy the view while your party goes and does all the different activities. However, I feel that for the inaccessibility, they should offer a discounted ticket for disabled as you're not going to be able to use any of the activities. That being said it is a pretty view but you'll pay a lot just for that view and there are equally great views at many unpaid or cheaper attractions.

    Photos
    Anakeesta - Bourbon and Ginger Beer

    Bourbon and Ginger Beer

    Anakeesta - Swinging Bridges entrance

    Swinging Bridges entrance

    Anakeesta - Bird House

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    Bird House

    Nantahala Outdoor Center - White water rafting adventure

    Nantahala Outdoor Center

    4.5(207 reviews)
    34.4 km
    $$

    Today we visited the Nantahala Outdoor Center for whitewater rafting and zip lining, and it was one…read moreof the highlights of our trip! Our rafting guide, Carter, was phenomenal. His customer service was amazing. He made the entire experience fun from start to finish. We laughed the whole way down the river, learned so many interesting facts about the area, and always felt safe. If you're visiting with young kids, this is an amazing family adventure, and Carter made it even more memorable. After rafting, we went zip-lining, and the experience was just as enjoyable. Cole and his crew were fantastic--patient, professional, encouraging, and accommodating. They made everyone feel comfortable, whether it was their first time or not. We 100% recommend Nantahala Outdoor Center for families, couples, or anyone looking for a fun day outdoors. The staff truly made the experience exceptional. Our only suggestion would be to make tipping easier. Currently, guides can only be tipped with cash, and many people don't carry cash anymore. It would be great if the guides had a Cash App, Venmo, or QR code so guests could tip digitally using their phones. They absolutely deserve it! Overall, an unforgettable experience that we'll be recommending to everyone. Thank you, Carter, Cole, and the entire team for making our day so special!

    absolutely loved this place. Very nice, rooms were clean and neat, guides were very knowledgeable…read more I did enjoy the rafting more so than the zip lines, but that's just a personal preference. I would advise if youre doing both to go rafting in the afternoon and zip lining in the morning. The river water is cold and personally would be too cold for a morning trip

    Photos
    Nantahala Outdoor Center - Andy and Donna Ferris Sebastian, FL 9/26/23

    Andy and Donna Ferris Sebastian, FL 9/26/23

    Nantahala Outdoor Center - Plenty of chairs to sit and relax. This isn't "us" but someone our age. LOL

    Plenty of chairs to sit and relax. This isn't "us" but someone our age. LOL

    Nantahala Outdoor Center - Part of the climbing activities area. Children can pretend to be pirates.

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    Part of the climbing activities area. Children can pretend to be pirates.

    Newfound Gap - localflavor - Updated June 2026

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