If you’re ready to “pop the question” to your sweetheart, you need a beautiful place to do it. You’ll be happy to know that the Great Smoky Mountains have lots of them. While it may be tough to pick one, we’ve got you covered! Here is a list of the best Smoky Mountain proposal spots in the national park:
1. Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a beautiful area on the Tennessee side of the Smokies with lots of excellent proposal spots. There are pull-offs on the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road that boast picturesque mountain views! Other spots along this scenic drive include the area in and around the 3 historic churches. If you want to propose on a hike, consider the Abrams Falls Trail. It has a roundtrip distance of 5 miles, and the 20-foot waterfall makes the perfect backdrop for a romantic proposal!
Keep in mind that Cades Cove is the most-visited area of the park, as it receives an estimated 5 million visitors every year. With that being said, a morning or evening proposal could help you beat some of the crowds during peak seasons like summer and fall! It will also allow you to get quality photos during and after. Don’t want to deal with a lot of cars in the background of your photos? Visit during Vehicle Free Wednesdays from June to September.
2. Newfound Gap Overlooks
Newfound Gap Road is a scenic drive that runs from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina. There are some great overlooks along the way. One of them is the Newfound Gap Overlook. It is 5,046 feet in elevation, which makes it the lowest drivable gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Another overlook on this road is the Campbell Overlook. It is on the 4-mile mark of Newfound Gap Road. You can look out and see gorgeous views of Mount LeConte. This is the third-highest peak in the Smoky Mountains! There is no wrong choice when it comes to choosing an overlook here, as they all have amazing views. There is even space for a celebration picnic afterwards. Get some beautiful engagement photos with the mountains in the background!
3. Kuwohi
Kuwohi is the highest point of the Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet. You can go up to the observation tower to see for more than 100 miles on a clear day. This makes it a great proposal spot! See all the lush green leaves in the spring. When it gets a little cooler, they transform into spectacular fall foliage. When Kuwohi Road is open, you just have to take a 1-mile hike from the parking area to the observation tower. Kuwohi Road closes seasonally to cars from December through March, but if you’re still determined to propose here in the winter, you can still get to the observation tower by walking Kuwohi Road or accessing the area via the Appalachian Trail. Just note that these routes are strenuous and best suited for experienced hikers.
Now you know some of the best Smoky Mountain proposal spots! Thinking about having your wedding ceremony in the Smokies? Discover some things you should know about planning your dream Smoky Mountain wedding!
