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The Best Time & Places to See Fall Foliage

Fall overhead shot of the mountains
Fall overhead shot of the mountains

It’s almost time – for fall colors! 

If you’re planning a trip to see fall foliage in the Smokies, timing is everything. Just a couple weeks too early or too late makes all the difference in you want to see the expansion of colorful beauty. Here is a breakdown of the best times and places to see the fall foliage this year.

Mother Nature is fickle, so an exact date is impossible to pin down. However, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, it looks like Tennessee will be at the peak of its transformation Oct. 12-28. 

Check out this fall foliage prediction map from American Forests. 

What affects color?  

Car driving down a scenic mountain road

Where can I see the Fall foliage in Gatlinburg? 

An autumn drive is an excellent way to take in the endless rows of gorgeous scenery the area has to offer. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers plenty of places to see the fall colors without walking or hiking a mountain peak.  A few of our favorites places to see Fall foliage in Gatlinburg: 

Driving tours to see the leaves

Foothills Parkway: 

This years-in-the-making scenic drive outside of Pigeon Forge, TN, has recently been extended to reach Wears Valley.  Visitors to the Foothills Parkway can expect to see breathtaking mountain views and stunning fall colors in October and November. These 16 miles between Wears Valley and Walland were only completed in 2018 and offer multiple pull offs to hop out of the car and take in the scenery.  

And if you’re wanting to see more, continue underneath Highway 321 and drive up the east side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for another 17 miles.  The Foothills Parkway ends at US-129, also known as The Tail of the Dragon. If you can handle 318 curves in 11 miles, continue the drive for more sightseeing! Please note: there are no services, such as gas stations, on the Parkway. 

Scenic Stops

There are many scenic stops to make along the way including Parson Bald Overlook where visitors can see Parson Bald mountain on the right and Gregory Bald on the left. Parson Bald stands at 4,732 feet tall. Happy Valley Overlook, Look Rock – which is the tallest point on the parkway, and Great Smoky Mountains Overlook with its panoramic view of the mountains. This area also has one of the largest parking lots. 

The crest of the Great Smokies runs in an unbroken chain of peaks that rise more than 5,000 feet for more than 36 miles. Elevations in the park range from 876 to 6,643 feet – at Clingman’s Dome. 

The U.S. Board of Geographic Names voted in September 2024 to officially change the name Clingman’s Dome back to its Cherokee name – Kuwohi, which translates to “mulberry place,” according to a press release from the National Park Service. 

Check out our guide to Townsend and the Foothills

The Blue Ridge Parkway: 

Experience America’s Favorite Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a great way to see the leaf changes in 2024.  The Blue Ridge Parkway is located on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This classic 469-mile drive was built to connect The Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park all the way in northern Virginia!   

And you can hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway just before entering Cherokee, North Carolina and enjoy driving your way up to the higher ridgelines of the mountains. With multiple pull offs to stop and enjoy the mountains as you go. You can take in the fall foliage in the smokies from both sides. Please Note: there are no services, e.g., gas stations, on the Parkway. 

Check out our blog on a daytrip through the parkway

Newfound Gap Road: 

Newfound Gap Road is also known as US highway 441.  This road traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a classic scenic drive.  This 32-mile long highway connects Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC. Along the way, there are multiple pull off spots for you to hop out, stretch your legs, and take in the stunning scenery.  When you reach the state line approximately 15 miles from Gatlinburg, stop and take a walk along the famous Appalachian Trail. Or, continue your drive to Clingman’s Dome or even Cherokee! 

View of Cade's Cove

Cades Cove if you are short on time

If visitors only have one day in the Smokies, we would most certainly recommend seeing Cades Cove.  There’s plenty to see and do here, from hiking to biking to history walks.  With something for everyone, this 11-mile loop 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. 

We write about Cades Cove a lot because it’s one of our favorite places. Check out Six Reasons to Visit Cades Cove and Cades Cove Hikes

More motor trails to explore

Roaring Fork: 

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile long, one-way drive just outside of the heart of Gatlinburg.  Feel like you’re driving through history while taking in historic buildings, a mountain vista or two, and listen to the babbling streams.  You’ll forget you’re only minutes away from town when you see wild turkey, grazing deer, and even the most famous Smokies resident – the American Black Bear. 

Looking for the easiest route to get to these scenic roads?  Be sure to check out our post on how to avoid traffic while you’re in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. 

Colorful Fall Hikes  

Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is another great way to see the Fall foliage.  Because our elevation ranges from less than 1000 feet above sea level to 6600 feet above sea level, you can see the fall foliage in the Smokies from many locations.

Top of Clingman's Dome

Clingman’s Dome, or Kuwohi: 

One of the highest points in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is easy to access.  Visitors will enjoy driving on the highest road east of the Mississippi River to get to the parking area of Clingman’s Dome.  Once you arrive, follow the paved trail for a steep half mile to the observation tower and on a clear day, stunning 360-degree views await.  You’ll be able to observe the fall color from the high elevation. Also, depending on your visit, you’ll see that it’s changing slowly on its way up the hillsides. 

Make sure to bring a jacket on this hike.  Temperatures at Clingman’s Dome are 10-12 degrees cooler than they are in Gatlinburg. 

Chimney Tops Trail: 

The trail to Chimney Tops has been extensively changed since the 2016 wildfires.  This hike may be less than 4 miles round trip, but don’t let the distance fool you.  This steep hike is definitely a workout where you will climb nearly 1100 feet in less than 2 miles.  There, you can take in the fall colors of the valley below and look to the Chimney’s “next door neighbor” – the famous Mt. LeConte. 

Always make sure to obey the signs and never climb past a barrier.  The extensive fire damage in this area makes the rock surfaces past the barriers unsafe. 

Looking for more fall color hikes?  Check out our blog post dedicated to the best places to see the fall foliage in the Smokies. 

View of the mountains

Book Your American Patriot Getaways Cabin Today! 

Of course, a cabin in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg with an incredible mountain view will also be a great location to view the spectacular fall colors!  Let American Patriot Getaways be your destination for fall foliage in 2024.  With cabins for every group size and budget, you’re sure to find the perfect home away from home this autumn.  Book online or give our friendly Reservation Department staff a call at 800-204-5169 today. 

Be sure to check out all of our vacation guides for planning your Smoky Mountain getaway.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest area information! 

The post The Best Time & Places to See Fall Foliage appeared first on American Patriot Getaways.

Published on Thursday, September 26, 2024