Summary
- Experience the beauty of Gatlinburg’s fall foliage by walking across the breathtaking Gatlinburg Sky Bridge and taking in the scenic views of the Smoky Mountains.
- Capture stunning photos and immerse yourself in the vibrant fall colors at the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook, located between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg Spur.
- Indulge in a unique wine-tasting experience at the Smoky Mountain Winery, one of the oldest wineries in East Tennessee, amidst the rolling hills and forests of Gatlinburg.
Set against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers a fun-filled fall gateway for anyone looking for an unforgettable escape into the heart of autumn’s splendor.
Whether it’s the cool crisp temperature, cozy nights, pumpkin-spice lattes, or just a cup of creamy hot chocolate while enjoying scenic views, this city seems to whisper an invitation to savor the season. Moreover, it’s one of the best places to see fall foliage in the world.
With numerous trails winding through this fall-rich landscape, hiking enthusiasts will find Gatlinburg a paradise. During fall, this mountain resort city transforms into a living canvas of nature’s most exquisite palette, with leaves ablaze in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.
So, travelers wondering where to go in the Smoky Mountains during fall should look no further than Gatlinburg. To prove that, here are some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountains in the fall.
10 Cross The Majestic Gatlinburg Sky Bridge
The Majestic Sky Bridge in Gatlinburg, USA
There are many things tourists need to know before visiting the Gatlinburg Sky Bridge. For instance, the bridge stretches 680 feet across a deep valley, offering breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. It soars 500 feet above the ground, allowing travelers to feel the windy surrounding.
Located at Gatlinburg Skylift Park, this bridge is a great spot to take photos of Gatlinbrg’s surroundings. Moreover, travelers can listen to the birds chirping in the trees while they walk across the gently swaying bridge.
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Location
: Gatlinburg Skylift Park -
Hours of Operation
: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
Travel enthusiasts who fear heights may find walking across the Gatlinburg Sky Bridge a bit challenging.
9 Take In The Breathtaking Fall Scenery From The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
Views from the Gatlinburg overlook during sunset
The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook is a premium location and showcases some of the best fall foliage in Gatlinburg. This overlook is among the most photographed parts of the city, and it’s open throughout the year.
The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook is located between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg Spur, off the Gatlinburg Bypass. Bring a camera and take panoramic shots of the Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg.
Every season offers a new view of flowers, foliage, and more. After taking in the sight, go hiking on the Gatlinburg Trail, which is one of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg in the fall
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Location
: Gatlinburg Bypass -
Hours of Operation
: Open 24/7
8 Indulge In The Smoky Mountain Winery Experience
A group of people awaiting a taste of wine
While there are many wineries in Gatlinburg, the Smoky Mountain Winery lets visitors to this region experience something truly unique. As one of the oldest wineries in East Tennessee, this winery offers a variety of award-winning wines to sample.
From dry whites to sweet reds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is happy to help you find the perfect wine for your taste.
Moreover, the rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling streams create a stunning backdrop for the winery’s tasting room and gift shop.
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Location
: Cherry St, Gatlinburg -
Hours of Operation
: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
7 Drive The Cades Cove Loop Road & See Some Of The Most Beautiful Fall Foliage In Gatlinburg
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, USA
The Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile, one-way paved road that winds through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a popular tourist destination, especially when the leaves change color in the fall.
The road is slow-going, with a speed limit of 20 miles per hour. This is to allow drivers to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. There are many pull-offs along the road where travelers can stop to take pictures, stretch their legs, or enjoy the peace.
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Location
: Great Smoky Mountains National Park -
Hours of Operation
: 24/7
6 Attend The Smoky Mountains Harvest Festival
A Group of People Walking Down A Street in Gatlinburg, TN, USA
The Smoky Mountains Harvest Festival is a celebration of the fall season in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The festival is a 12-week celebration of the fall season and features many activities and events.
Pick your pumpkin from one of the many pumpkin patches during the festival. Enjoy delicious food, live music, and family-friendly activities at one of the many harvest festivals held throughout the region.
Dozens of life-size scarecrows are scattered throughout Gatlinburg, each more creative than the last.
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Location
: Gatlinburg, Townsend, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville -
Duration
: Mid-September through late November
5 Join Ober Gatlinburg’s Oktoberfest Celebration
A crowd of people on the streets of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
Celebrate Oktoberfest in the Great Smoky Mountains at Ober Gatlinburg’s annual festival. There’s something for everyone at Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg. Kids can enjoy the petting zoo, face painting, and games, while adults can dance the night away to live music.
When tourists arrive, they are transported to a different world. The streets are lined with vendors selling traditional German souvenirs, and the Biergarten is overflowing with revelers enjoying a cold beer.
What’s more, there are several unique places to stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for those who want to turn their Oktoberfest experience into a few days.
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Location
: Ober Gatlinburg -
Duration
: Late September to Late October
4 Marvel At The Panoramic Smoky Mountains Views From Anakeesta
A brown wooden fence near a mountain at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, USA
Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, that offers stunning panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. As such, soaking up the scenic views of foliage here is one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg during the fall.
Visitors can ride on the Chondola, a four-person gondola lift, to the top of the park, where they can explore the attractions, including the Treetop Skywalk, the AnaVista Tower, and the Firefly Village. The Treetop Skywalk is a series of 14 bridges that hang 50-60 feet above the forest floor.
With its breathtaking vistas, exciting attractions, and charming village, Anakeesta will surely leave visitors wanting more.
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Location
: Parkway, Gatlinburg -
Hours of Operation
: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
3 Meet Aquatic Life At Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium in the Smokies, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is an excellent family-friendly attraction in Gatlinburg and is great for those who want a break from driving along scenic roads and marveling at spectacular fall foliage.
This is a sprawling aquarium located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It is home to over 10,000 sea creatures from over 350 species. Visitors can explore the aquarium through a series of exhibits, including the Ocean Realm, the Shark Lagoon, the Tropical Rainforest, and the Coral Reef.
People can walk through a moving glide path that takes them over the Shark Lagoon or get up close and personal with the stingrays in Touch a Ray Bay.
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Location
: Smokies, Gatlinburg -
Hours of Operation
: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
2 Enjoy The Scenic Fall Views From Gatlinburg’s Space Needle
Arcadia and the Space Needle in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
The Space Needle in Gatlinburg is a one-of-a-kind observation platform providing an unparalleled panoramic view of the city. This includes the cityscape and some of the best fall views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The all-steel observation tower ascends to an impressive height of 124 meters, offering an ideal vantage for capturing stunning photographs of the city’s allure. The tower has two elevators that can hold up to 20 persons each.
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Location
: Historic Nature Trail -
Hours of Operation
: Thu – Fri 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM; Sat-Wed 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
1 Attend The Fall Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
An aerial view of the mountains and landscapes of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA, one of the most charming towns south US states have to offer
The Fall Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is a two-day event where anglers of all ages can compete for cash and prizes. Over 10,000 trout will be stocked in over 20 miles of streams before the tournament begins, so there’s sure to be plenty of fish to catch.
The tournament is held in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, where the mountains meet the rivers. Gatlinburg is known as an adventurous getaway in the Great Smoky Mountains because of its pristine waters and abundant wildlife.
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Location
: Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge -
When
: The first full weekend of October, 4:00 PM, Saturday to 2:00 PM, Sunday
