Discover Sevier
18 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
4342 Newfound Gap Road North
Newfound Gap on US‑441 (near 4342 Newfound Gap Rd N) is a high‑elevation roadside overlook and Appalachian Trail crossing offering sweeping panoramic views of the Smokies, layered ridgelines, fog, seasonal fall color and the Rockefeller Memorial. Best at sunrise for eastward light and morning fog, or late afternoon for warm side‑lighting; fall and spring offer the most dramatic color and cloud inversions. Accessible by car with a small parking lot at the gap (no fee), short paved paths to view-p
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a varied shoot location: misty mountain vistas, winding parkway overlooks, historic log cabins, bustling downtown streets and Ober Gatlinburg’s alpine scenes. Best at sunrise and golden hour for layered fog and warm light; fall (late Sep–Oct) for peak foliage. Weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Park entry is free but Smokies trailheads/parking fill early—arrive before sunrise. Downtown has paid parking and limited spots
Ben Morton Overlook
Ben Morton Overlook on US‑441 offers expansive panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains — layered ridgelines, seasonal fall color, and morning mist in the valleys. Easy pull‑off parking and a paved viewing area make it accessible year‑round; no park fee. Best at sunrise for soft light and valley fog, and at golden hour in autumn. Expect crowds mid‑day and on weekends; winter can bring clear, crisp vistas.
Hillside Haven - Cabin Rental
A private hillside cabin near the Great Smoky Mountains offering sweeping valley views, layered ridgelines, seasonal foliage and dark skies for Milky Way shots. Photograph sunrises and sunsets from the deck or nearby clearings; autumn and spring offer strongest color and atmosphere. Property is drive-up with onsite parking; access requires booking the rental. Weekday golden hours have fewer distractions; clear nights are excellent for astro photography.
The Place of a Thousand Drips
A compact waterfall curtain where dozens of tiny rivulets drip down a mossy rock face—perfect for intimate waterscape and texture shots. Best at dawn or after rain/spring melt when flow is strongest; fall gives vivid foliage colors. Located on the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail with very limited pull-off parking (3 cars); buy/display the park parking pass for stays over 15 minutes. Short, uneven, often slippery approach from the roadside—wear good shoes and be bear-aware. No entrancefee
Forbidden Caverns
Forbidden Caverns is a compact, guided limestone cave with dramatic stalactites, flowstone, and underground streams — ideal for texture and long-exposure low-light work. Tours run regularly (check schedule); arrive for an early weekday tour to avoid crowds. Parking is onsite; wear grippy shoes. Lighting is artificial and warm — exposures are low, and some areas are narrow, so plan for limited mobility and respectful shooting during guided segments.
Blowing Cave Mill
Blowing Cave Mill is a photogenic historic mill and creek setting—stonework, wooden mill details, and flowing water framed by mature trees. Best at golden hour or after rain when the stream runs higher; autumn brings rich color. Small roadside parking; trails are short but uneven. Respect private property and seasonal access; pack waterproof boots for creek-side shots.
Smoky Mountain Ziplines
High-elevation zipline courses threaded through mature Smoky Mountain forest offering dynamic action shots of riders, sweeping ridgeline vistas, and seasonal color/mist. Best at early morning for valley mist and soft light or late afternoon golden hour for warm backlight; weekdays and shoulder seasons reduce crowds. Located just off Mill Creek Rd in Pigeon Forge with onsite parking and guided tour schedules—expect safety briefings and signed waivers, limited freedom to roam off platforms. Drone/
Creekside Charm
Small creekside property with shallow flowing water, rustic bridges and mature trees — great for intimate waterscape and detail shots. Best light: golden hour and blue hour for reflections; overcast days soften highlights for long exposures. Easily accessible by car; street parking nearby. Weekday mornings are quieter. No formal entry fee; respect private property signage.
Elk Springs
Elk Springs is a forested Smoky Mountains cabin area with mature hardwoods, mountain views and seasonal color — great for intimate nature, cabin and mist/steam photography. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and valley mist; autumn and early spring offer peak texture. Property appears residential/rental: check access with host, park at designated lots or on-site driveways. Weekday mornings have few people; weather can change fast at elevation.
Gnatty Branch
Gnatty Branch is a small forested stream near Pigeon Forge with mossy rocks, shallow cascades and dense hardwoods — ideal for intimate stream and woodland compositions, seasonal fall color and misty morning shots. Best visited at dawn or after light rain when flow and atmosphere are richest; golden hour backlight through trees creates rim-lit leaves. Access is informal from nearby roads/trails; parking can be roadside, use sturdy shoes and watch for slippery rocks. No entry fee; respect private/
Wheatlands Plantation
Wheatlands Plantation is a well-preserved 19th-century plantation house and grounds offering a mix of historic architecture, mature trees and formal gardens — ideal for period-focused architecture and landscape shots. Visit in golden hours for warm light on the brick façade; autumn brings strong color and winter low-sun drama. Property access may be limited to tours or events—check opening hours and photography policies. On-site parking is available; arrive on weekdays or early mornings to avoid
Evanswood Magic Mansion
A quirky, themed mansion attraction with ornate façade, props and theatrical lighting—great for architectural detail, moody portraits and staged night shots. Best at golden hour for warm textures or after dark when colored spotlights create drama. Easily reached from Boyds Creek Hwy with on-site parking; check seasonal hours/entry fees and weekday openings for fewer crowds.
Select Koi
Select Koi is a specialty koi farm and retail pond near Sevierville offering brightly colored koi, landscaped outdoor ponds, and indoor display tanks — ideal for close-up color studies, water reflections and little-environment portraits. Visit early morning or late afternoon for soft light and calmer water; overcast days reduce harsh reflections and bring out saturated colors. Property sits on Boyds Creek Hwy with on-site parking; always ask staff permission before shooting close to tanks or net
Harvest Party Rentals
Harvest Party Rentals is a commercial event-rental yard and showroom ideal for photographing event setups, tents, tablescapes, props, and behind-the-scenes staging. Capture textures of linens, wood, and vintage props, and lifestyle shots of styled setups. Best visited weekdays for staff access and minimal crowds; golden hour soft light flatters outdoor tent displays. Ample on-site parking; request permission for interior access and staged shoots. Rural Seymour setting adds rustic Tennessee charm
2541 Bobcat Way
A residential address on the lower slopes toward the Great Smoky Mountains offering views of ridge lines, wooded neighborhoods and seasonal colors. Best for capturing mountain silhouettes, neighborhood-to-nature transitions, and Golden/Blue hour skies. Visit at sunrise or sunset for warm side-light on the ridges; autumn offers peak color. Accessibility is roadside — this is private property so stay on public sidewalks/streets, respect residents and parking restrictions. Weekday mornings are calm