Best Places for Family Photos in Gatlinburg, Tn.

from a local Smoky Mountain Photographer

If you are visiting the Gatlinburg, Tennessee area and planning family photos I have created a list of two of the best spots. As a local Smoky Mountain family photographer, I have photographed families throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas for years. And I have selected a couple of my favorite spots to share. My hope is to make planning your family session in the Smokies super easy. These spots are beautiful anytime of year and feature stunning river, wooded or mountain views.

Whether you are wanting a location that is right outside of the Downtown Gatlinburg area or you are up for a bit of a drive over to Cades Cove this list will help guide your family to a beautiful location! Also, I would love to work with your family during your Gatlinburg vacation, to find out more about the family session packages I offer click here.

The Gatlinburg Trail

First, located right outside of Downtown Gatlinburg is the Gatlinburg Trail. And this is a beautiful location tucked right inside the Smoky Mountain National Park. As a photographer, who works with a lot of families vacationing in Gatlinburg, Tn. I know that having a location that is close to your rental is ideal. If you are staying near downtown Gatlinburg this location is less than a 5 minute drive. The Gatlinburg Trail features a beautiful wooded riverside trail, a bridge over the water, access to a waterfall via a short walk and an entrance sign for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The trail is easily accessible with close parking too. And you will need a parking permit for any of the locations within The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The closest location to purchase a parking pass for this location is The Sugarlands Visitor Center.

A big bonus – this the only trail within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is dog friendly. So all you dog lovers definitely use this spot! If you book my Smoky Mountain Package we can also check a beautiful nearby overlook with scenic views of the Smoky Mountains.

Greenbrier

If you are looking for beautiful river location in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; it does not get any better than Greenbrier. This location is a short drive from the main downtown area of Gatlinburg. If you are wanting to avoid some of the traffic and are okay with a little bit of a drive I recommend this location. It features a beautiful scenic riverside spot for photos and certain times of year you can catch a glimpse of the mountains. The Smoky Mountain foliage is so stunning here in the fall.

There is super close parking an a short 2 minute walk opens up to the gorgeous river views. I also love that this location can be used in later mornings or early afternoons. Usually I prefer to book sessions after sunrise or before sunset due to lighting, but that is not an issue at this location. You are able to book my premier package at this location. To inquire for a session please head over to my contact page.

Greenbrier is within the Great Smoky Mountains National park as well, so you will need a parking permit.

Ready to book your family session in Gatlinburg, Tennessee?

I would absolutely LOVE to work with you and your family while traveling to the Smoky Mountains. To see my family packages click here. I also have a location guide that features over 10 beautiful spots in the area, fill out my contact form and I will send it your way.

I hope the tips from these two beautiful locations in Gatlinburg help with planning your next family session in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. These two spots are some of my favorite as a Gatlinburg Family Photographer. Here is a post that features the beautiful mountain location that is available close to the Gatlinburg trail.

Ashley Leffew Photography is a Gatlinburg Family Photographer specializing in family sessions, maternity sessions and extended family sessions. I work in the Smoky Mountain area and beyond, including Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. I love documenting the love and adventure of families in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains.