Experience Fall in the Smokies

Bathe yourself in the hues of the Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains’ beauty is exponentially increased during the autumn color change. In fall, the mountains are awash in brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds as the fall leaf season brings glorious color to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and all of east Tennessee.

Leaves can change their color from as early as mid-September all the way through early November. Typically, the second and third week of October are the peak times.

Stretching over 500,000 acres into both North Carolina and Tennessee, the mountains are home to thousands of species of plants and wildlife that have been thriving and diversifying for millennia, as one of the world’s few International Biosphere Reserves.

Take a drive along one of the scenic highways or perhaps travel down one of the 800 miles of trails or just sit on the deck of your American Patriot Getaways cabin and enjoy the profound lifecycle of trees as they change their summer canopy into a crazy quilt of flaming reds and coppery oranges.

Take in the views from wherever you are: Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, downtown Gatlinburg, Cades Cove, dinner by the river or the deck of you cabin.

We are Family!

Here are some ideas for your fall adventures in the Smokies.

The Smokies are most definitely family friendly, with theme parks, musical theater, roller coasters, zip lines, hiking, fishing, museums, an aquarium and so much more.

Dollywood's theme parks are always great for family fun. Enjoy Dollywood’s signature rides and attractions, plus all the music you would except from something with Dolly Pardon’s name on it.

Home of plenty of thrills, from mild to wild, Dollywood has a roller coaster for just about anyone in your group who loves them.  Guest favorites include the Wild Eagle – America’s first wing roller coaster reaching 21 stories above the park, giving riders a chance to feel like they’re flying above the mountains.  There’s also the Tennessee Tornado – a zooming roller coaster with a 128-foot drop through the mountainous hillside, hitting speeds of nearly 70 mph!

Big Bear Mountain is the longest coaster at Dollywood, taking guests of all ages on a family-friendly expedition in search of the Big Bear. Circling Wildwood Grove for nearly two minutes on a 3,990 ft. track, this gigantic coaster is a first of its kind at Dollywood with onboard audio, including music and announcements from Ned Oakley himself.

Harvest Festival at Dollywood is annual festival which includes Great Pumpkin LumiNights, featuring 12,000  glowing pumpkin displays, live music, artisan crafts, seasonal fall foods, and fall-themed shopping. The festival also extends to Dollywood's resorts with special activities, culinary options, and live music.

“Brilliant colors, mouthwatering flavors, and enchanting evening glow: Experience the greatest fall moments in the Smoky Mountains during America's #1 Fall Family event as voted by USA Today Readers,” Annakeesta

Anakeesta

Anakeesta is another place to play and eat and enjoy the incredible views of the mountains.

This mountaintop adventure park is 600 feet above downtown Gatlinburg, Anakeesta is more than “70 acres of pristine mountain terrain with breathtaking views, exhilarating attractions, and deeply immersive natural experiences for guests of all ages.”

Take the scenic Chondola or the Ridge Rambler ride from the busy Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain and step into the magic and whimsy.

AnaVista observation tower is 86 steps up to 360⁰ views of the Smokies and is surrounded by Vista Gardens, a lush botanical garden with meandering walking trails and interactive areas of play. The BirdVenture is an aviary-inspired adventure zone where guests play and imagine life as a bird in the Smokies with larger-than life bird house, serpentine slides with light features that wind more than 50 feet down the mountain.

https://www.patriotgetaways.com/blog/activities/unique-theme-parks-in-sevierville-pigeon-forge Check out our blog post on other unique theme parks! 

When planning your fall trip, consider these Smoky Mountain fall events:

How about Halloween in the Smokies! There is lots of spooky fun, including the 11th Annual Gatlinburg Halloween Spooktacular and Ripley’s Aquarium Trick or Treat Karnival 

More fall fun: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Thanksgiving Show is Nov. 25-30.  

Gatlinburg's Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff is Nov. 6.

Love is in the air

Oh the mountains, the music, the fall air – how romantic.

You can rent a romantic cabin, secluded from the world but close enough to enjoy adventures, festivals, evening strolls in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, music and fabulous food.

Here are our ideas for a romantic day:

Take a hike together in Cades Cove.

There’s an 11-mile loop that you can walk, drive, run, bike – all while holding hands? The road traverses around a large open meadow and is one of your best bets to see wildlife in the Smoky Mountains.  Give yourself all day to complete this leisurely and scenic drive and make sure to take plenty of breaks. You can park and have a picnic, and learn about the Cherokee and settlers who called this land home before the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There are some events that can be romantic you might plan your romantic Smoky Mountains trip around including the Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival - is Aug. 16 in Townsend. The skies will be filled with beautiful colorful balloons. Watch them take the skies and enjoy live music and local food.

More fun fall adventures

Townsend Fall Heritage Festival  

The next Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair 

Wears Valley Fall Fest 

Winterfest

Ready to book a cabin and get started on your fall getaway?

Find a cabin near all the fun in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, whether you are looking for something for you and your sweetie, the whole family or maybe just your best friends, American Patriot Getaways has a cabin for you.

Be sure you check out all our amazing featured deals.

Let us help plan your trip to the Smokies with these useful vacation guides! Insider tips to help you plan the perfect Smoky Mountain vacation.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest area information.