Observation Tower.

Most Photographed View in the Smokies

It's old school crowdsourcing, where the multitude has spoken with its snapshots. This view, from the property of the Soco Craft gift shop, is the most photographed in all the Smoky Mountains.

The claim was first put on a sign by Johnny Johnson and a Mrs. Campbell, who opened the gift shop in 1947.

Current owner Fred Nicholas said that the observation tower was added in 1988. It was hauled here by Jim Ray (Johnson's nephew) from Hazelwood, about 12 miles away, where it had held up the town water tank.

Rival signs in the region proclaim other spots to be "One of the Most Photographed Views in the Smokies," but don't be fooled; this is Number One.

Most Photographed View in the Smokies

Soco Craft and Tower

Address:: 6638 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC
Directions:: Soco Craft and Tower. North side of US Hwy 19/Soco Rd, 6.5 miles west of its intersection with US Hwy 276/Jonathan Creek Rd, or 14 miles east of Cherokee.
Hours:: Seasonal; call ahead to make sure it's open. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 828-926-2807
Admission:: 50 cents to climb the tower.

More on Most Photographed View in the Smokies

Nearby Offbeat Places

Indian Death Tiki of Awesomeness, Maggie Valley, NC - < 1 mi.

Wheels Through Time, Maggie Valley, NC - 3 mi.

Caged Monument of Important Rocks, Maggie Valley, NC - 3 mi.

In the region:

ATOM: Aluminum Tree and Ornament Museum, Brevard, NC - 29 mi.

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