Fall is considered one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit the Smoky Mountains. The mountain landscape comes alive with fall foliage in vibrant shades of yellow, red, and orange. There are many great ways to experience the season, from Smoky Mountain fall festivals to hiking trails. However, one of the best ways to enjoy the splendor of the season is driving through the mountains! Here are some of the most stunning fall scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road is one of the best fall scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains because it’s one of the first places to see fall scenery. This road, also known as Highway 441, climbs to a high elevation of 5,046 feet as it winds from Gatlinburg, TN, toward Cherokee, NC. The cooler temperatures at these higher elevations cause the leaves to start changing colors sooner. It also features pull-offs and parking areas with gorgeous panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains! If you’re searching for autumn scenery at the beginning of the season, Newfound Gap Road is a can’t-miss fall scenic drive!
2. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Another one of the stunning fall scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This one-way road travels six miles through lush forests, along mountain streams, and past waterfalls and historical structures. In the fall, the road is surrounded by colorful fall foliage on all sides! There’s also a chance you could see some local wildlife during your drive, such as black bears and birds. Along this route you’ll also come across hiking trails where you can park and explore the wonder of nature up close. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail begins just outside of downtown Gatlinburg, making it easy to reach from your Gatlinburg cabin rental!
3. Cades Cove Loop Road
Cades Cove is one of the most popular sections of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Cades Cove Loop Road is one of the most gorgeous fall scenic drives! This road is typically open from sunrise to sunset and winds through a picturesque valley and forest. In the fall, you can see the stunning mountain landscape dotted with colorful foliage and be surrounded by changing leaves as you drive through the trees! Cades Cove is also a great place to see Smoky Mountain wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and turkeys. Additionally, this 11-mile one-way loop offers access to a number of historical structures and hiking trails to explore!
4. Foothills Parkway
One of the most beautiful fall scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains is the Foothills Parkway. This route spans a total of 33 miles and features incredible mountain views! During the fall, you can see vibrant fall foliage surrounding the road and covering the mountain landscape. You can stop at one of the many overlooks and pull-offs to breathe in the crisp autumn air and admire the magnificent views. There are a few different stretches of the Foothills Parkway, one of which can be easily accessed from Wears Valley just a short drive from our Pigeon Forge cabins!
Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains This Fall
You’ll definitely want to explore these fall scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains this year! You can also enjoy spectacular fall views without leaving the comfort of your cabin rental! Our Smoky Mountain cabins offer the perfect retreat for a memorable autumn getaway, with gorgeous views, fantastic amenities, and convenient locations near all the best things to do this season! Find out why you’ll love spending your fall vacation at our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and book your next stay today!
