The Smoky Mountains explode with screaming color every fall. Make sure you know exactly when and where to visit for the best autumn scenery!
Put on your coziest sweatshirt, grab a hot drink, and make your way to a magnificent display of gold, burgundy, and auburn when you visit the Smoky Mountains in the fall. Meandering down hiking trails and pulling over to gaze at sweeping vistas is the name of the game during this time of year. Great Smoky Mountains' fall views are impressive displays of natural beauty!
Wondering when is the best time to visit Smoky Mountains in fall? The Great Smoky Mountains, located near Pigeon Forge, TN, and Gatlinburg, TN, truly show off from September to November. This spectacular finale of the year is one last bash before the area drifts into sleepy winter. It’s truly one of the best times to visit the Smokies.
Make sure you make it to the mountain range before the colors fade! Figure out when the best time to see Smoky Mountains' fall colors is and where are the best places to go. Then, use our handy guide to map out a plan so you can bask in the wonder of the Smoky Mountains fall season.
When is the Best Time to See Fall Colors in the Smoky Mountains?
First things first. Determine when the best time to see fall colors in the Smoky Mountains is so you can put in that vacation request at work! Your fall trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just around the corner.
September
Warm colors begin to dust the treetops in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg mid-September. However, you won’t see much change below an elevation of about 4,000 feet, so this may not be the best time for fall foliage in Great Smoky Mountains.
Related Post: Smoky Mountains Fall: An In-Depth Guide
A few trees do start to show their true colors in September, though! American beech, mountain maple, and pin cherry trees are some of the first to transform into shades of red, yellow, and orange.
Pro Tip: This is prime time for driving through the Smoky Mountains. Make your way to higher elevations for Smoky Mountain fall colors! We suggest driving on Parsons Branch Road, Newfound Gap Road, or Clingmans Dome Road for the best chance of seeing fall colors. Check out our complete guide to The Best Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains for Fall Colors!
October
By October, the Smokies are awash in brilliant color. Mid-October is ideal for visiting Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg! This is the best time to see fall colors in the Smoky Mountains.
Pro Tip: The Smoky Mountains stretch into North Carolina, too! Visit both Tennessee and North Carolina for the complete experience.
Most leaves at lower elevations peak around the third week of October. Colors should stay vivid for the rest of the month. Smoky Mountain's fall color truly stuns during this time of the year!
Related Post: Smoky Mountain Packing List: The Ultimate Checklist
Whether you want to take a scenic drive or go for a hike, you can’t go wrong in October! The best time for fall colors Smoky Mountains is now.
Photo Alert: If you decide to take a drive, don’t forget to stop at a scenic overlook. Snap a photo and let the stunning backdrop speak for itself! Once the leaves have finished falling, you’ll be able to look back on the glory of autumn days past.
November
The leaves will be fading and falling by this time, but traces of fall beauty still linger in Tennessee in early November. Unfortunately, by Thanksgiving, the autumn wonderland will likely be replaced by winter.
photo credit: Great Smoky Mountains Association via Facebook
Where to Go
Location, location, location. Strategize your fall strolls to see as much fall color as possible! Here are some of the best spots for autumn sightseeing.
Clingmans Dome
The 360-degree view from the observation tower at Clingmans Dome in Gatlinburg is perfect for scouting gorgeous fall foliage. In fact, it’s the highest point in the Smoky Mountains! So take advantage of this first-rate vantage point during the best time to visit Gatlinburg in the fall.
Check out 5 Must-See Smoky Mountain Sights to make the most of your trip!
Chimney Tops Trail
The fairly strenuous hike to the top of the Chimney Tops Trail pays off with a spectacular scenic view of Smokey Mountain fall scenery. During the two-mile trek to the top, you’ll be going up 1,400 feet. This is a great trail to traverse during the best time to visit Smoky Mountains for fall colors.
Looking for more waterfall trails? We have a complete guide to 12 of the Best Waterfall Hikes: Smoky Mountains!
Rainbow Falls
Hike alongside LeConte Creek to journey to Rainbow Falls in Gatlinburg during the best time to see fall foliage in Smoky Mountains.
Not only will you see fall colors, but you’ll see rainbows in the waterfall mist if the light hits it just right! This 80-foot tall spectacle is a sight in and of itself to enjoy alongside leafy scenes.
photo credit: Pixabay
Cades Cove
It’s best to visit this valley area, close to Pigeon Forge, near the end of October. Due to its low elevation, Cades Cove is one of the last places to change. Once it does, though, the autumn bliss of the fall in Smoky Mountains is striking here!
Check out our Essential Guide to Cades Cove: Smoky Mountains to discover what you need to know before you go!
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Those who prefer to take in the views from the comfort of their car will enjoy weaving around the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This one-way loop road is easy to navigate and includes various overlooks so you can stop and revel in the autumn artistry during the best time to see fall colors in Smoky Mountain National Park!
Where to Stay
Once you’ve had your fill of leaf sightseeing, there’s nothing like drifting off to sleep in idyllic fall temperatures amidst the best time to visit Smoky Mountains for fall colors 2022.
Dive into a pile of crisp sheets and fluffy pillows at one of these great hotels after soaking in the fullness of the Smoky Mountains in fall.
If you’re visiting Gatlinburg, we recommend:
For Pigeon Forge tourists, we suggest:
Come see the Smoky Mountains' fall foliage for yourself!
It’s the season of bonfires and hayrides. Leaf chasing is another essential autumn activity to add to your list! There’s no better place than the Great Smoky Mountains to soak in the chilly air and dreamy, leafy sights.
When you’re ready to come in from the cold, cozy up at a Pigeon Forge show or Gatlinburg indoor attraction, both cities are classic destinations for the ultimate fall vacations!
What Did We Miss?
Do you have any tips to add? Leave us a comment below!
