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The Official Guide to Gatlinburg in the Fall
Gatlinburg is known as the “Gateway to the Smoky Mountains,” which means you can expect incredible fall foliage and breathtaking autumn views throughout the season. From mid-September through November, Gatlinburg becomes a fall paradise with amazing hiking trails, outdoor dining options and chances to see wildlife.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or like to do things indoors, fall in Gatlinburg offers fantastic opportunities to experience the city in a new light. In this guide, we’ll cover the top things to do in Gatlinburg in the fall, go over an essentials checklist for your travels, and cover some frequently asked questions so you’re ready to plan your next Gatlinburg family vacation.
Gatlinburg offers outdoor adventures, local exploration, theme parks, and the tranquility of nature!
Things to Do During Fall in Gatlinburg
Fall in Gatlinburg usually kicks off in mid- to late-September. With the heat of summer slowly slipping away, more people are eager to get outdoors and appreciate the incredible nature and hiking trails that Gatlinburg has to offer.
There are also several seasonal events worth your time and energy, like Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and the annual Smoky Mountains Fall Festival, for the whole family to enjoy.
#1. Hike or Drive Through Great Smoky Mountains National Park
With more than 140 types of trees, the national park is one of the top places to see fall foliage in Gatlinburg. You’ll see colors start to shift in mid-September, but they’re most vibrant in mid-October through November.
There are trails for all levels and the park welcomes dogs as long as they are kept on leashes at all times. You can also choose to stay in your car as there are several scenic driving routes through the park that offer glimpses of wild bears, birds and the changing leaves.
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a great five-mile driving route that includes views of two of Gatlinburg’s most beautiful waterfalls and offers easy access to some of the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. You can also take The Foothills Parkway for incredible views that curve along the mountainside.
#2. Play at Wild Bear Falls Water Park
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is home to the famous Wild Bear Falls Water Park in Gatlinburg. This family-friendly, mountain-themed attraction features indoor, heated pools, water slides, splash zones, and 60,000 square feet of aquatic fun!
Glide down the lazy river, or make a splash in the massive pool as you plunge down a water slide. Fall is a great time of year to visit Gatlinburg, and a stay at Westgate Resorts makes it even better thanks to this world-class water park.
#3. Go to the Dollywood Harvest Festival
Dollywood is a beloved Gatlinburg attraction that includes live music and amazing horseback riding shows over a multi-course dinner. The annual Harvest Festival runs from September to late October and features amazing light displays, live musical performances, and exciting rides for the whole family.
Snap a pick in front of the giant glowing guitar, and enjoy the towers and fields of pumpkins that transform Dollywood Theme Park into a fall paradise. The rides include kid-friendly attractions, like the Dolly Express train, and thrills like the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster.
#4. Attend the Smoky Mountains Fall Festival
Formerly known as Oktoberfest Gatlinburg, the new Smoky Mountains Fall Festival invites families to enjoy authentic Bavarian-style food, drinks, and music surrounded by gorgeous scenery at Ober Gatlinburg.
It all starts with a ride on the Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway, which takes you 2.1 miles up the mountain and offers incredible fall views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hay rides, fall foods, and a giant pumpkin festival all await at this event that runs from late September through October each year.
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#5. Shop at the Gatlinburg Farmers Market
Fresh produce and handcrafted items await at this charming farmer’s market that occurs every Saturday throughout fall, usually ending around October 20th. Dozens of vendors set up booths and displays from the back of their trucks filled with artisan goodies, tasty treats, and locally grown produce.
The farmers market is entirely free to attend and run mostly by volunteers. It’s a great way to experience Gatlinburg like a local and enjoy the beautiful fall weather while you sip a hot coffee on a crisp Saturday morning.
#6. Visit the SkyPark BooBash and Fall Fest
The annual BooBash at Gatlinburg SkyPark and Smoky Mountain Sunrise access takes place throughout October. Then, on October 27th and 28th, guests can ride the SkyLift from 3 to 6 PM to experience amazing views of downtown Gatlinburg, then step into an incredible fall wonderland with pumpkins and decorations that perfectly complement the backdrop of the Smokies.
Fall decorations, family-friendly Halloween delights, face painting, live music, and games with prizes all await!
#7. Attend the Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta
You don’t have to go to Germany for some authentic Bavarian cuisine — just visit the Bear-varian festival at Anakeesta for a fall-tastic time. This event runs daily throughout October. Enjoy bretzels, seasonal beers from local breweries, and autumn decor with sweeping views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Be sure to cross over the suspension bridge while you’re there for unprecedented views of the autumn leaves.
#8. Tackle the Kyker Farms Corn Maze
Every fall, this family-run farm opens its doors to guests who want to enjoy seasonal delights like a winding corn maze, hay rides, and pumpkin picking. Kids and adults can enjoy a wide range of activities ranging from corn hole and corn cob tosses to tunnel slides and the Bee Line zip line!
You can round your visit off by picking up a friendly gourd waiting to become your jack o’ lantern pal this season.
#9. Tour the Old Mill District in Pigeon Forge, TN
Just a short drive from Gatlinburg, the famous Old Mill District takes you back in time. Tour the historic Old Mill overlooking a peaceful river, and spend a sunny autumn afternoon touring the shops and dining at the local restaurants.
You can feed ducks, watch a real blacksmith work, and sample traditional Tennessee moonshine at the Old Mill Distillery. For a sweet treat, visit the Old Mill Candy Shop. And when hunger strikes, a warm bowl of soup and sandwich from The Pottery House Cafe & Grille will surely hit the spot.
#10. Take a Gatlinburg Ghost Tour
Do you feel that chill in the air? Is it really just the turn of seasons or something more? Appalachian GhostWalks offer an exciting all-ages encounter with the supernatural. The guide will meet you in the TGI Friday’s parking lot, where you’ll get a crash course in ghost hunting before heading out on an expedition through the town, all under the glow of lantern light.
The tour includes spooky stories and unsolved, ghost-infused mysteries of Gatlinburg that can offer a fun thrill on a chilly October night.
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Places to View Fall Foliage in Gatlinburg Tennessee
It’s impossible to miss the fall foliage in Gatlinburg, and there are so many awesome places to spend a day picnicking, hiking, fishing, or just admiring the beauty. Horseback riding is another great option. Some of the top locations to see fall foliage in Gatlinburg include:
#1. The Gatlinburg SkyBridge
The SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, spanning 680 feet across the Valley of the Smoky Mountains. The views are incredible, and the middle of the bridge features 30 feet of glass panes to let you look down into the forest 140 feet below.
#2. The Gatlinburg Space Needle
Once you reach the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, you’ll step out onto the outdoor observation deck for incredible panoramic views of the mountains. Stretching 407 feet high, this attraction is a great way to see sweeping views of the mountains and downtown Gatlinburg.
#3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers plenty of trails and amazing places to get fall views. Top locations include Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, and Newfound Gap Road.
Since there are so many open trails for beginners, it’s easy to spend a scenic morning or afternoon strolling through the park and capturing its magic through the lens of your camera (or smartphone!)
#4. Anakeesta
This nature theme park is one of the most acclaimed spots in the entire city. The views are epic year-round, but they are truly magical during the fall. The Anakeesta Hallow Mountain Event decks the entire park out in Halloween decor.
From the stunning Vista Gardens to the Magical Firefly Village, Anakeesta is a great weekend trip for families seeking all the fall vibes and fun in Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg Fall Travel Checklist
Before heading to Gatlinburg this fall, be sure to pack your essentials like:
Conclusion
There are so many wonderful things to do in Gatlinburg, TN, during the fall. Whether you enjoy being outdoors surrounded by nature or appreciating the views from the comfort of a resort balcony or one of the best places to stay in Gatlinburg, you’ve got plenty of options.Visit Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort to plan your next getaway in the Great Smokies region!
Frequently Asked Questions
October is a wonderful time to visit Gatlinburg. The second and third week has amazing colors since the leaves have shifted from yellow to bright reds and vibrant oranges. The weather is cooler, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer. There's also plenty of free or cheap things to do in Gatlinburg that are worth exploring during this time of the year!
There are dozens of fun fall activities to do in Gatlinburg during the fall. There are festivals and events at major theme parks and attractions like Dollywood Harvest Festival, Anakeesta Hallow Mountain Event, and the Gatlinburg SkyPark BooBash.
Families also enjoy hiking in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, taking scenic drives to look at the leaves, having picnics, and visiting pumpkin patches for hayrides, corn mazes, and Halloween events.
Trees in higher elevations begin to yellow in mid-late September. The best time to see all the fall colors is the second week of October, continuing through the end of the month and through the first two weeks of November.
Expect to see fall decorations around Gatlinburg from early October through early November. October is the best time to visit for the full fall experience.
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