Visiting Newfound Gap Overlook (Helpful Tips + Photos)

Newfound Gap Overlook GSMNP — Newfound Gap Overlook

Newfound Gap Overlook Description

This overlook and mountain pass is a must-see in the park. Here you can look out on the majestic Smoky Mountains and see what makes this area so beautiful.

In the fall this overlook is a feast for the eyes with brilliant, kaleidoscopic reds, yellows, and oranges nearly everywhere you look. Be sure to add this one to your list!

Things to Know Before You Visit Great Smoky Mountains

Entrance Fees

None! But, if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months we suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be purchased at any national park) and gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.

Cell Service

Cell Service is not bad in the park, but as you get away from more developed areas around mountains and narrow gorges you’ll lose it.

Guide Book

Best Guide Book is this one which can help you plan on the fly once you’ve embarked on your roadtrip.

Map

The best map for Great Smoky Mountains is without a doubt this one by National Geographic.

Getting to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The park is conveniently located around the mountain tourist town of Gatlinburg, TN, which is just south of the larger tourist town of Pigeon Forge.

You can fly in to McGhee Tyson Airport (Knoxville, TN) on most domestic airlines, from there you can rent a car and make your way into the park which is a little more than an hour away.

Don’t feed or approach wildlife!

Seriously, there have been problems here with visitors feeding or approaching wildlife that have resulted in serious, even fatal incidents. And in many cases the animals involved have to be euthanized.

Be prepared for crowds.

It is the most visited national park in the country after all. Thankfully, owing to the layout of the park, we’re not talking about Yosemite or Zion level crowds. But in the summer this park is bursting at the seams with tourists and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a campsite or empty parking space (particularly in the Cades Cove area).

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in the fall. With the hectic and cramped summer season over and kids back in school visitation to the park tapers off and access becomes much easier. The fall also provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and some of the best fall foliage found anywhere in the world.

Maps of the National Parks

National Parks Checklist Map: This beautiful National Parks Checklist Map can be ordered to your house.

Framed National Parks Map: We’re a sucker for maps, this framed national parks map is the best.

Where to Stay at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Here’s our favorite hotel to stay in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Best Time to Visit Newfound Gap Overlook

The best time to visit Newfound Gap Overlook is in the fall when the rolling mountains display their magnificent autumn colors. Sunset or sunrise gives you the best light for a beautiful view (and picture!).

Things to Note

This is a popular overlook right off of the road and may not have parking available at times. Make sure to safely pull your car off the road and watch for oncoming cars.

The Great Smoky Mountains Film

This film is the culmination of two weeks exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We chose Great Smoky Mountains as our second ever park film because of it’s extraordinary display of fall colors, it’s incredibly diverse wildlife population, and it’s prominence as the most visited national park in the country.

This film was shot entirely in 4K UHD.

https://youtu.be/i_WME0gAO_g

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS National Park 4K (Visually Stunning 3min Tour) (https://youtu.be/i_WME0gAO_g)

Great Smoky Mountains NP Guide: Expert Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains NP: 15 (INCREDIBLE) Things to Do Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tennessee National Parks: 15 AMAZING Tennessee National Parks Worth Visiting (Guide + Photos)

Best East Coast National Parks: Top 10 Best East Coast National Parks Ranked

National Monuments Ranked: ALL 128 US National Monuments Ranked (Best to Worst)

National Parks Ranked: ALL 63 US NATIONAL PARKS RANKED By Experts

Free Downloadable National Parks Map: LIST & MAP of National Parks By State (+ Printable Checklist)

Most Visited National Parks: Top 10 Most Visited US National Parks

Georgia National Parks: 10 Amazing Georgia National Parks Worth Visiting