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Top 3 Things to Know About Fall Colors in the Smokies

Vibrant fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains.
September 14, 2020

Enjoy the majestic fall colors in the Smokies when you rent a cabin in Gatlinburg. If there has been a lot of rain, the colors are usually bolder compared to a year when there hasn’t been as much rain. When you plan your trip to the Smokies, be sure to include some time at the festivals in the area that celebrate the autumn colors.

1. When to Come

You probably want to know when the best time to visit the Smokies is to see the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. The best time to view the fall colors in the Smokies is from September to November. Each month offers something a little different. September is typically when the highest elevation leaves start to change. They slowly trickle down into lower elevations as the months go on. October is usually when things start changing throughout the Smokies, and it lasts through November until the leaves drop. Coming at any point during the fall is great because the leaves changing are beautiful no matter when you are here.

2. What to Do

Want to know some of the best ways to see the fall foliage while you’re in town? We want to share some of them with you! There are several different ways you can enjoy the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains.

Go For a Drive

scenic drive in the fall

If you don’t want to get out of your car, you can always go on a scenic drive! Cades Cove is the most popular place to take a drive in the fall. You’ll be able to look out at the open fields and see the tree line where the leaves have changed. Other scenic drives that will give you great foliage include Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Newfound Gap, and Foothills Parkway.

Go For a Hike

Want to exercise and enjoy nature? Hiking is another great way to see the beautiful fall colors in the Smokies. No matter which hike you decide to do, you’ll be surrounded by the changing trees. It’s a beautiful sight to take in all throughout your hike.

Play at Attractions

There are several attractions in Gatlinburg where you can enjoy the autumn colors. Anakeesta has a ton of mountain views where you can look out and see the changing colors. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park has another incredible view you won’t want to miss. The Gatlinburg Space Needle also has amazing views from the top so you can enjoy looking at the leaves.

3. Ways to See at Home

fall colors in the Smokies

If you can’t make it to the Smokies this fall, don’t worry! There are actually some ways you can enjoy the fall foliage from home! There are several different Smoky Mountain webcams you can watch. From attraction webcams to webcams that have been set up throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you have several ways you can see the fall colors from home!

Now you know more about the fall colors in the Smokies. But do you know where you will stay while you’re in town? Look through our Smoky Mountain cabins and book one for your fall vacation today!

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