If you’re considering when would be a good time to visit Gatlinburg and the Smokies, don’t miss out on experiencing the autumn season! Gatlinburg in the fall is a little cooler, still has plenty of daylight hours for longer hikes, and of course, features some of the best fall foliage in the country. Our guide explains when and where you’ll see autumn colors, the best fall hikes and scenic drives, plus other fun things to do in Gatlinburg in the fall! 

Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage

Mid to late September is when you’ll start to notice the tips of the trees beginning to turn their brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the higher elevations. Mid-October is usually when the lower-elevation trees really start to turn and the autumn colors typically last through mid to late November. 

Best Fall Hikes in the Smokies

Every trail in the Smoky Mountains provides incredible scenery, from old-growth forests to vistas overlooking the mountains, so you really can’t go wrong with any hike you choose. However, these are some of our favorite fall hikes in the Smokies, listed from easy to difficult:

• The Gatlinburg Trail– an easy and flat trail that you can access from downtown Gatlinburg; also dog-friendly and great for bicycling! 
• Andrews Bald– a fairly easy trail located at the parking lot of Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi); a fantastic spot for a picnic!
• Abrams Falls– a moderate waterfall hike in Cades Cove with the perfect fall backdrop! 
• Mount LeConte– there are many hikes that lead to the summit of Mt. Leconte, including Bullhead and Alum Cave trails. 
• Mt. Sterling– a challenging day hike that leads to a fire tower with unbeatable panoramic views. 

Best Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives 

• Newfound Gap– this road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee features beautiful overlooks and pull-off areas, the Rockefeller Memorial, and more!
• Roaring Fork– another popular fall drive due to its roadside waterfalls, historic sites, and trailhead access to hikes such as Rainbow Falls.
• Cades Cove– perhaps the most visited area of the entire national park, the Cades Cove Loop Road is a must for anyone wanting to catch glimpses of wildlife, look at historic homesteads, and admire the lush valley in its fall splendor. 

Also, don’t miss the Gatlinburg Bypass road; tourists love taking this route to the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook, where you’ll be blown away by the aerial view of downtown Gatlinburg surrounded by the stunning autumn leaves and mountain scenery. 

Other Things to Do in Gatlinburg in the Fall

Besides exploring in the national park, the Smoky Mountain area is full of attractions and activities that are ideal for a beautiful fall day. You can simply enjoy the weather and fall decorations by walking the downtown Gatlinburg strip and window shopping at the many unique stores. You can take in the views from a rooftop bar or restaurant while enjoying good food and drinks. Local ziplining tours offer incredible views and a thrilling experience, but if you’d prefer to stay on the ground, try some unique moonshine flavors from Ole Smoky Distillery such as apple pie or pumpkin spice cream. If you’re looking for a unique attraction, then you’ll definitely want to visit our exotic car museum! You can get up close and personal with our collection of rare and exotic supercars, try out our racing simulators, and even sit in one for a photo!

Now you know all about what to do in Gatlinburg in the fall. We hope you’ll add Speedwerkz to your vacation itinerary, and if you want to learn more about what to expect, check out this first timer’s guide to our car museum in Gatlinburg Tennessee!