Look Rock

Look Rock on the Foothills Parkway Located on the scenic Foothills Parkway, Look Rock is a natural observation ledge overlooking the park. An easy 1/2 mile hike leads to the observation tower which provides a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains. The Foothills Parkway is not as busy as other roads in the park, so this is a great place to get away from the crowds and traffic, especially during the peak fall leaf color viewing times in October. The Parkway is 18 miles long with many scenic pull-offs. Look Rock is at the highest point along the Parkway. The National Park Service maintains a picnic area and a campground at Look Rock. Look Rock Observation Tower The observation tower is open to the public and is accessible by the hiking trail. The tower offers amazing views on clear days. The railing is low, so keep an eye on younger kids. The very top level is closed. The trail to the tower starts on the east side of the parking area. There is also a natural observation ledge on the west side of the parking area that does not require hiking, but does not offer the 360 degree panaramic view that you get at the tower. See the map below. Observation Tower More Information Best times to visit In the Fall when the leaves are changing: most of the park is very crowded in mid to late October, but the Foothills Parkway and Look Rock are generally not crowded. The views are best on clear days. See the pictures below to compare the view on a clear day vs a hazy day. It is best when the visibility is 20 miles or more, but as long as it is at least 5 miles, it will be OK. See the weather section below for the current visibility. Don't come when it snows. The road is not usually closed, but it is a windy mountain road that is not safe to drive on when it snows. Look Rock Weather Hiking at Look Rock The only hiking trail at look rock is a 1/2 mile trail from the parking area to the observation tower. The observation tower is open to the public and provides views for as much as 40 miles on a clear day. The trail begins at one end of the parking area. On the other end of the parking area is an overlook which provides splended views without the hike. The trail is wide and well-maintained. It is great for kids (the rail on the observation tower is low, so keep a close eye on the kids). The trail starts on the east side of the parking area. It crosses the road and then goes up to an air quality moniroring station. It then runs along the ridge for a short distance and ends at the observation tower. Camping at Look Rock The Look Rock campground is currently closed. Picnicing at Look Rock The Look Rock picnic area is currently closed. Restrooms The restrooms at Look Rock are in the picnic area, which is currently closed.

Maps and Directions to Look Rock

Map of Look Rock

Key: Parking area Air quality station Observation Tower Picnic Area Campground Entrance Restrooms Note: Parking is also available at the picnic area and at the campground

Instructions for using the maps:

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General Information

Landmarks visible from Look Rock

View on a clear day vs view on a hazy day

View from LookRock on a day with a clear view	View from LookRock on a hazy day

Current view from Webcam

Look Rock Web Cam located at the top of the observation tower facing east (note: after dark, it will be black)

Air quality monitoring station

The Look Rock air quality station continuously monitors air quality and meteorlogical information for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The information collected is displayed at an exhibit at the Sugarlands visitor center. It is also available on line.

Recommended Reading

Great Smoky Mountains Wonder and Light This photo collection includes magnificent pictures of the Smokies including views of Cades Cove, Mount Le Conte, Clingmans Dome, and Cataloochee.

100 Hikes in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most informative books available about hiking in the Smokies. It gives detailed information about many of the hiking trails in the park.

Insiders' Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains provides good information about outdoor activities in the park. It also provides complete information about the surrounding areas including dining, lodging, and area attractions.

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