Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are top destinations all year round. But there’s something about fall that is unbeatable in the Smokies: the colors!
Autumn in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is a stunning display of vibrant fall colors that typically peaks in mid to late October. The surrounding Great Smoky Mountains transform into a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, thanks to the diverse mix of tree species like maple, oak, and hickory.
Wondering where the best spots in the Smokies are to marvel at autumn’s magic? In this blog, we’ve curated the top places for fall foliage in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the surrounding areas.
Before we dive in, here’s a brief introduction about us:
At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer a variety of cabins with amenities like hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, cinema and game rooms, and even pet-friendly options. Check out our website to find the perfect cabin for your stay.
For more tips on what to do during your visit to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, head over to our destination blog. From the best rainy day activities to the top eats in each town, we’ve got tons of local spots and insider tips just waiting for you!
Ready for some autumn exploration?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the top spots to witness vibrant fall foliage, thanks to its wide range of elevations and diverse tree species, which create stunning displays of color. You can experience this spectacular scenery through scenic drives, hikes, and panoramic views from higher elevations within the park.
Here are some of the best locations within the park to experience the fall foliage:
Clingmans Dome
As the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, allowing visitors to see the full spectrum of fall colors from above. The observation tower at the top provides an even better vantage point. Colors peak here earlier, usually in early October, due to the high elevation.
The drive from Gatlinburg typically takes about an hour due to the winding mountain roads, but it’s a scenic route!
Newfound Gap Road
This scenic 33-mile road stretches from Gatlinburg, TN, to Cherokee, NC, climbing to an elevation of 5,046 feet. It offers diverse views of changing foliage as it passes through different elevations, with several pull-offs to take in the scenery. Mid to late October is ideal, as the varying elevations allow you to see a wide range of colors.
The road begins in Gatlinburg and runs for about 31 miles to Cherokee, with the distance from Gatlinburg to Newfound Gap itself being approximately 13 miles.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a beautiful valley known for its rich history, wildlife viewing, and stunning fall colors. The 11-mile loop road through the cove offers fantastic views of the surrounding foliage and is an easy drive for visitors. Late October to early November is when the lower elevations reach peak color.
The drive usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes due to the winding roads from Gatlinburg.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Known for its elk herds, Cataloochee Valley is a more secluded area of the park. The valley is surrounded by mountains and hardwood trees that put on a brilliant display of fall colors. Mid to late October is perfect for combining fall foliage with elk viewing. This trail begins just outside Gatlinburg city limits, approximately 3 miles from downtown Gatlinburg.
Cataloochee Valley
Cataloochee Valley is known for its elk herds and is a more secluded area of the park. The valley is surrounded by mountains and hardwood trees that put on a brilliant display of fall colors. Mid to late October is ideal for combining fall foliage with elk viewing.
The drive from Gatlinburg typically takes about 2 hours due to the winding mountain roads.
Deep Creek Area
This area near Bryson City, NC, features hiking trails that pass by waterfalls and streams, all surrounded by fall foliage. It’s a great spot for a peaceful hike amidst the changing leaves. The drive usually takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Ober Mountain Ski Area & Amusement Park
Ober Mountain Ski Area & Amusement Park in Gatlinburg is not just a winter destination—it also offers fantastic opportunities for fall foliage viewing. During the autumn months, the park is transformed into a stunning landscape of vibrant colors, with the surrounding Smoky Mountains providing the perfect backdrop for leaf peeping.
The Aerial Tramway offers one of the best ways to experience the fall colors from above. This 2.1-mile tram ride takes you up 11,000 feet from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Mountain, providing panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains as they turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Another scenic way to experience the foliage is the Scenic Chairlift at Ober Mountain, which offers sweeping views of the mountains. As you ascend, you’ll pass through forests of changing leaves, and the higher elevation gives you a broad perspective of the surrounding fall colors. The chairlift takes you to the summit of Mount Harrison, offering one of the highest vantage points for leaf viewing in the area.
Even without taking the tram or chairlift, Ober Mountain offers spectacular views from various spots throughout the park. The elevated location means you can take in sweeping vistas of the Smoky Mountains, which are blanketed in fall colors.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Yes, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is a fantastic place to view fall foliage! The Space Needle offers an observation deck that stands 407 feet tall, providing 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg. During the fall, this high vantage point allows you to see the vibrant colors of the changing leaves across the landscape, from the lower valley to the higher elevations of the mountains.
The Space Needle’s height gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding Smoky Mountains, offering one of the best ways to take in the full spectrum of fall colors from above.
Wears Valley
A short drive from Pigeon Forge, this quiet valley is lined with scenic roads and surrounded by rolling hills covered in fall foliage. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful drive through autumn colors.
The valley is surrounded by mountains, providing sweeping views of the colorful foliage. It’s also a gateway to less-traveled trails, such as the Metcalf Bottoms Trail and the Little Greenbrier Trail. These hikes provide a peaceful way to enjoy the fall colors up close, without the crowds.
As you drive or walk through Wears Valley, you’ll be immersed in a sea of red, orange, and yellow leaves, especially during peak season in mid to late October.
Anakeesta Treetop Skywalk
The Anakeesta Treetop Skywalk is a unique way to experience fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains. The Treetop Skywalk is a series of suspension bridges that are positioned high among the treetops, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding forests. As you walk through the canopy, you’re immersed in the vibrant fall colors, with trees displaying brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows all around you.
Unlike scenic drives or overlooks, the Skywalk places you right within the forest, allowing you to experience the colors from up close. This makes it feel like you’re walking through the fall foliage, adding to the immersive quality of the experience.
Big Rock Dude Ranch
Horseback riding at Big Rock Dude Ranch is a fantastic way to see the beautiful fall colors in the Smokies. This horseback riding attraction is located just a few minutes away from Pigeon Forge, providing a great escape from the more crowded spots in the area. The trails wind through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, where you’ll be surrounded by stunning foliage. The leisurely pace of horseback riding allows lots of time to enjoy and fully soak in the autumn scenery
Scenic Helicopter Tours
Want to see fall foliage and release some adrenaline? Take a helicopter tour and soar above the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Wears Valley. It’s a truly epic way to experience the beautiful fall colors from a unique perspective.
Founded in 1972, Scenic Helicopter Tours has over 45 years of experience offering a variety of tours to accommodate any budget. The helicopter tour provides a panoramic, aerial view of the fall colors that you simply can’t experience from the ground. Flying over the Smoky Mountains, you get a sweeping view of the colorful canopy, which extends for miles across the landscape. You can appreciate the mix of reds, oranges, and yellows from above, creating a beautiful patchwork of autumn hues across the mountains and valleys.
Where Should You Stay in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg?
Our short-term rental cabins provide the ideal blend of privacy, stunning mountain views, and a cozy atmosphere, ensuring a truly relaxing escape in the Smokies.
At Smoky Mountain Holiday, we offer cabins of various sizes and amenities, including hot tubs, full kitchens, fireplaces, cinema and game rooms, and even pet-friendly options. Explore our website to discover our fantastic range of cabin choices.
We’re dedicated to ensuring you and your family have the best possible experience in the Smokies. With Smoky Mountain Holiday, your vacation memories are guaranteed to be unforgettable.