A trip to the Great Smoky Mountains provides some of the best opportunities to take in the beauty of the fall season. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are popular destinations all throughout the year, but the fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains attract millions of visitors each year. If you’re planning a visit the the Smoky Mountains this fall in hopes of seeing some of the gorgeous fall foliage, we can help! Here are the top six ways you can see fall colors in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is one of the most popular places to get a panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains. It’s also a good choice for people who want to see the area blanketed in fall colors but don’t want to do any strenuous hiking. You will ride in a glass elevator up 400 feet and will be able to see the mountains as well as Gatlinburg. After taking in the scenery from the top of the Space Needle, ride the elevators back down and enjoy some of the fun activities in downtown Gatlinburg!
2. Horseback Riding
Seeing the Great Smoky Mountains on horseback is an unforgettable experience! Five Oaks Riding Stables is one of the most popular horseback riding stables in the area, offering a wide choice of horses and providing guided trail rides through a gorgeous 70 acre nature park. This is one of the best ways to see fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains! You can also visit Cades Cove Riding Stables, which is perfect for everyone from beginners to expert riders. The guided trail rides take you through the wilderness of Cades Cove and offer the chance not only to see fall colors, but to see some wildlife!
3. Autumn Hikes
The Smoky Mountains are home to more than 850 miles of hiking trails. Depending on your schedule and level of fitness, you can choose easier or more challenging hikes. Some of the best hikes to take to see the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains are Gregory Bald and Rainbow Falls. Gregory Bald’s high elevation makes it a great spot to take in the fall foliage. The view on your way to the top is just as beautiful because you’ll hike through a forest that comes alive during the fall. Rainbow Falls is a great waterfall hike to do during the fall because you’ll be surrounded by the fall foliage every step you take. On sunny afternoons, you’ll be able to see a rainbow that’s produced by the mist of the 80-foot waterfall. Other fall hikes include Laurel Falls, Rich Mountain Loop, and Porters Creek.
4. Ziplines
If you’re looking for a fun and thrilling way to see the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains, go ziplining! CLIMB Works in Gatlinburg offers a Mountaintop Zipline Tour that’s perfect for seeing the gorgeous scenery. The tour includes constant 360-degree views of the Smokies and allows you to zip side-by-side with the person of your choice. You’ll also have the opportunity to walk across 4 aerial bridges, rappel off a platform, and enjoy a fun ATV adventure that takes you right through all the fall foliage.
5. Take A Scenic Drive
You don’t even have to leave your vehicle to get a great view of the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains. The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a 6-mile loop where you can glimpse some of the most spectacular scenery. It’s just one of many scenic drives you should take during fall in the Smoky Mountains. Other excellent fall drives include Newfound Gap Road and the Cades Cove Loop Road. Whichever road you choose to take, one thing is for sure: You’ll be surrounded by beautiful fall colors.
6. Stay in a Cabin With a View
How would you like to be able to take in the Smoky Mountain fall colors from the comfort of your very own cabin? When you stay with us at Timber Tops Cabin Rentals, you can! We have a wonderful collection of Smoky Mountain cabins with spectacular views. When you stay with us, you’ll be able to enjoy the magnificent fall foliage right from your cabin’s deck while you’re relaxing in a rocking chair or soaking in a hot tub. Our cabins also come with a variety of other amazing amenities, from fireplaces, to pool tables, to home theaters.
We bet you can’t wait to come see all the beautiful fall colors in the Smoky Mountains! Start planning your autumn getaway today by browsing all our available Smoky Mountain cabins and booking your stay.
