If you’re coming to the Smokies during the autumn months, we know you’ll want to spend some time enjoying the beautiful fall foliage. The bright red, orange, and yellow colors light up the mountains to create a one-of-a-kind view. Here are 4 of the best places to see fall colors in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Foothills Parkway
If you’re looking for one of the best Great Smoky Mountains fall drives besides the popular Newound Gap Road or Roaring Fork Nature Trail, the Foothills Parkway is the perfect route! There are plenty of spots along this road to see the gorgeous fall foliage, including several overlooks that are great places to get some pictures of the views. At sunrise or sunset, the sun lights up the colors to create a view you’ll never forget.
2. Kuwohi
As the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Kuwohi sits at 6,643 feet above sea level. At the peak, there is an observation tower with a 360-degree view of the Smokies. During the fall, these views are outstanding! You can reach the tower by driving up Newfound Gap and taking Kuwohi Road toward the parking area. Make sure to snag a few pictures while you’re in the tower and take your time soaking in the views.
3. Cades Cove
Fall colors in Cades Cove are extra special, as this picturesque valley is surrounded by the beautiful mountain ranges of the Smokies. Plus, the historic homesteads, churches, and other buildings stand out even more against the hues of autumn. From guided horseback rides and hayrides to hiking trails or simply driving the loop road to catch glimpses of wildlife, Cades Cove is a must-do for anyone visiting during the fall season.
4. Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower
If you’re up for a challenging hike, then you’ll be rewarded with the best view of Great Smoky Mountains National Park fall colors! The trek up to the Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower is on the harder side when it comes to hiking trails in the Smokies, but if you start early in the morning, you’ll have plenty of time to complete this day hike and spend some time at the top admiring the brilliant foliage and breathtaking views.
Other Places to See Smoky Mountain Fall Colors
The best time to see fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains is normally from mid-October to early November, while this can vary year to year. If you don’t feel like venturing into the national park to see the views, many attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer easy access to the stunning colors of the autumn season:
- Mountaintop Adventure Parks: Attractions such as SkyLand Ranch, Gatlinburg SkyPark, Anakeesta, and Ober Mountain offer fall festivals with seasonal decor, food, and entertainment, along with unbeatable views of the foliage.
- Zipline Tours: One of the best ways to experience the Smoky Mountains in autumn is by ziplining high above the trees! The Cloud Catcher Zipline at Ober Mountain and Smoky Mountain Ziplines in Pigeon Forge are a couple of the top places to zipline.
Enjoy Fall in the Smokies at a Cabin With Mountain Views
Now that you know more about the best places to see fall colors in the Smoky Mountains, you can plan to visit a few of these places next time you’re vacationing in the area. Still looking for somewhere to stay? Check out all of our cabins with mountain views in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Wears Valley so you can see the views from the comfort of your rental!
