The Smoky Mountains offer a wide range of attractions and activities during the fall season, from vibrant fall foliage and scenic drives to lively festivals and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful hike, a family-friendly celebration, or a taste of local culture, the Smoky Mountains have something for everyone in the autumn months.
Fall Festivals
The Smoky Mountains come alive with a variety of fall festivals that celebrate the season’s bounty and the region’s rich heritage. From the Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta to the Dollywood Harvest Festival, these events offer a unique blend of entertainment, food, and local crafts.
Bear-Varian Fall Festival
- Dates: September 13 – October 31, 2024
- Location: Anakeesta
- Features: Seasonal decor, haunted rides, nighttime zip line rides, and movie nights.
Oktoberfest at Peaceful Side Social
- Date: September 16, 2024
- Location: Peaceful Side Social
- Features: Entertainment, food, and live music.
Dollywood Harvest Festival
- Dates: September 9 – October 28, 2024
- Location: Dollywood
- Features: Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Southern Gospel Jubilee.
Townsend Fall Heritage Festival
- Dates: September 27-28, 2024
- Location: Townsend Visitors Center
- Features: Bluegrass music, arts and crafts, food, and fall festivities.
Annual Rotary Club Craft Fair
- Dates: September 27 – October 26, 2024
- Location: Patriot Park
- Features: Handmade items from 75 artisan booths.
Fall Festival at Ober Mountain
- Dates: September 27 – October 20, 2024
- Location: Ober Mountain
- Features: Food, live music, giant pumpkin carving, hay mazes, and spooky movies.
Fall At Kyker Farms
- Dates: September 28 – October 31, 2024
- Location: Kyker Farms
- Features: Corn mazes, hayrides, petting zoo, bonfires, and pumpkin patch.
Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
- Dates: October 3-20, 2024
- Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
- Features: Artisan demonstrations and shopping.
Chalkfest at The Island
- Date: October 6, 2024
- Location: The Island
- Features: Professional and aspiring chalk artists showcasing food-themed art.
Wears Valley Fall Fest
- Dates: October 18-20, 2024
- Location: Wears Valley
- Features: Crafters, entertainers, and interactive activities.
Grains & Grits Festival
- Date: November 2, 2024
- Location: Townsend Visitor’s Center
- Features: Craft spirits, gourmet food, and live music.
Scenic Drives and Hiking Trails
The Smoky Mountains offer a breathtaking canvas of fall colors, with scenic drives and hiking trails that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.
Clingmans Dome Road
- Features: Fall colors above 4,000 feet.
Blue Ridge Parkway
- Features: Fall colors above 4,000 feet.
Foothills Parkway
- Features: Fall colors above 4,000 feet.
Cades Cove
- Features: Scenic drives and wildlife viewing.
Newfound Gap
- Features: Scenic drives and wildlife viewing.
Other Activities
In addition to the vibrant festivals and scenic drives, the Smoky Mountains offer a variety of other activities to enjoy during the fall season.
Backpacking
- Features: Immersive fall color experiences and solitude.
Wildlife Viewing
- Features: Elk rutting season and other wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fishing
- Features: Cooler weather and fewer biting insects.
Bicycling
- Features: Scenic rides through the park, especially in Cades Cove.
Accommodations and Planning
To make the most of your Smoky Mountains fall getaway, it’s important to plan ahead and book accommodations early, as the region is a popular destination during this time of year.
Book Accommodations Early
- Due to high demand, it is advisable to book accommodations as early as possible.
Plan Your Visit
- Check the National Park Service’s list of autumn drives and hikes for recommendations.
Additional Tips and Insights
As you plan your Smoky Mountains fall adventure, keep these additional tips and insights in mind:
Best Time to Visit
- Late October to early November is prime time for fall colors.
Crowds
- Be prepared for crowds, especially during the last three weeks of October.
Weather
- Fall is typically the driest season with warm days and cooler evenings.
Fall Foliage
- The park’s diverse tree species create a vibrant display of colors, especially above 4,000 feet.
Reference Links
- https://www.pigeonforge.com/smoky-mountains-fall-festivals/
- https://wildlandtrekking.com/great-smoky-mountains-visitor-guide/visiting-great-smoky-mountains-in-fall/
- https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm
- https://www.smokymountainstarlight.com/autumn-fall-gatlinburg-pigeon-forge
- http://www.mysmokymountainvacation.com/things-to-do-in-the-fall-in-the-smoky-mountains.html