fall hiking trail in the Smokies

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! Whether you want to take a scenic drive through the National Park or explore one of the scenic trails in the area, there are endless opportunities in the Smokies for leaf peeping! 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

dollywood great pumpkin luminightsMany wonderful special events take place in the Smoky Mountains throughout the fall! 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! Some of the other fall events in the Smokies include Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, 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, Rafting and Other Outdoor Activities

A happy group of people white water rafting near Gatlinburg at Smoky Mountain Outdoors.Some of the other top things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the fall include hiking, rafting, and other outdoor activities! Autumn temperatures in the Smokies are very pleasant, making it the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors! Take advantage of the hiking trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you’ll find hundreds of options ranging from short nature hikes to full-day adventures! This is also an excellent time to go for one of the last river rafting trips of the season at Smoky Mountain Outdoors

5. Camp Outside Among Nature

When it comes to fall in the Smoky Mountains, you won’t want to miss the chance to spend a few nights at our campground before we close for the season on October 31st! We are situated in an amazing location right along the Pigeon River and are surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, allowing you to feel fully immersed among Mother Nature! We offer a variety of campsites to meet your needs, including tent sites, RV campsites, and camping cabins for those who prefer a few extra amenities!

Check out all of the information about our campground in the Smokies today to enjoy the magic of fall in the Smoky Mountains! We look forward to seeing you soon!