Top 5 Things to Do During the Fall in the Smoky Mountains
Although the Smoky Mountains are a stunning destination at any time of year, the fall season is an extra magical time to visit! In addition to the breathtaking fall colors, you’ll find fun special events, delightful weather for outdoor activities, and much more! Here are the top 5 things to do during the fall in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Leaf Peeping
You may have seen photos of the fall foliage colors in the Smoky Mountains, but there is nothing quite like seeing it for yourself! There are endless opportunities in the Smokies for leaf peeping, and one of the best ways to experience the beautiful colors is by taking a scenic drive through the national park. Newfound Gap, Foothills Parkway, and Cades Cove Loop Road are a few of our favorite routes! The autumn leaf season lasts several weeks as the fall colors travel down the mountain from high elevation to low, with the peak at mid and lower elevations usually taking place between mid-October and early November!
2. Special Fall Events
Many wonderful special events take place in the Smoky Mountains throughout the fall season! One of the area’s premier events is the Dollywood Harvest Festival, which features delicious seasonal treats, craft artisans, live music, and over 12,000 glowing pumpkins during the Great Pumpkin Luminights! Some of the other autumn events in the Smokies include fall fun at Skyland Ranch in Sevierville, the Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta, and the Fall Festival at Ober Mountain!
3. Spooktacular Fun
If you’re visiting the Smokies in October and want to get in the Halloween mood, there are lots of fun spooky activities to enjoy! Gatlinburg is home to two year-round haunted attractions, Mysterious Mansion and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, which ramp up the scares during the fall! You can also enjoy a walking ghost tour in downtown Gatlinburg with the Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg or the Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg!
4. Hiking & Other Outdoor Activities
Exploring the national park’s hiking trails is another of the top things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the fall!! Autumn temperatures in the Smokies are very pleasant, making it the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors! You’ll find everything from short nature trails to full-day hikes; we suggest checking out Rainbow Falls against the stunning backdrop of fall foliage, as well as the climb to Chimney Tops for the best mountain views!
You can also go ziplining for an adrenaline-packed adventure and a way to admire fall colors at the same time! The best ziplines in the Smokies offer guided tours featuring miles of cable, transporting you high above the treetops like the Dueling Ziplines at Anakeesta or the Cloud Catcher at Ober Mountain. Want something a little less exhilarating but equally fun and exciting? Ride a thrilling mountain coaster! Whether you try the nation’s first racing coaster or the nation’s first single rail mountain coaster, you can expect unbelievable views, and the best part? You can control your speed using the handbrake!
5. White Water Rafting
One of the best things about the Smoky Mountains in fall is that the weather is still warm enough to go white water rafting! You’ll be able to take advantage of one of the last rafting trips of the season at Smoky Mountain Outdoors.
You won’t regret visiting during fall in the Smoky Mountains! Find more things to do and get ideas for what to do during your next trip!
