When fall reaches Gatlinburg, Tennessee, leaves change color in a spectacular display throughout the Great Smoky Mountains. As a result, visitors arrive from all over the world — but fall in Gatlinburg is about so much more than just leaf-peeping.
To help you decide where to go, what to do, and what to see during the fall in Gatlinburg, we’ve created a visitor’s guide that will cover all the essentials, including what to pack for your fall adventure.
Book your stay with Prestige Vacation Rentals to discover all the excitement of the season.
Fall Weather in Gatlinburg
Fall in Gatlinburg starts off relatively warm — in September, temperatures might range into the 80s during the day and drop to the 50s at night. However, temperatures will gradually begin to cool into mid-October, and highs in early November are typically in the 60s, with lows in the 30s and 40s.
You may see some snow during the fall in Gatlinburg, but more often than not, you can expect rain. It typically rains seven to eight days per month during the fall, and frost is also common. Be prepared for potentially slick roads and sidewalks.
Best Things to Do in the Fall in Gatlinburg
As mentioned, there are countless things to do in the fall in Gatlinburg. Some activities can be enjoyed all year round, but others are at their best during autumn.
You may have to jam-pack your itinerary to fit in all of this fall fun:
Visit Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Photo Credit: Miro Vrlik Photography
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! is open all year round in downtown Gatlinburg and features hundreds of fascinating exhibits and hands-on activities. But fall is an especially good time to visit — at least if you’re a fan of haunted houses and heart-pounding fright fests.
Ripley’s Haunted Adventures, the museum’s annual Halloween haunted house, usually kicks off from early to late October. With costumed actors lurking around every corner, this is an adventure you’ll not soon forget. For more ghosts and ghouls, check out the Mysterious Mansion near the Parkway.
Catch Some Panoramic Views on a Hike
Photo Credit: Jason Sponseller
Of course, it’s never a bad day for a hike in Gatlinburg — with Great Smoky Mountains National Park just a short drive away, you can pick from dozens of trails in any season. The effort is especially worthwhile during this time of year since you’ll be rewarded by our spectacular shows of fall foliage.
Here are a few of our favorite hiking trails for the best views:
- Clingmans Dome Observation Tower (1.3 miles, moderate)
- Abrams Falls Trail (5 miles, moderate)
- Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail (8 miles, moderate)
- Mount Cammerer via Low Gap Trail (11.1 miles, difficult)
Soak Up the Views from Anakeesta
Photo Credit: Joseph Hendrickson
Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park is packed with unique entertainment that will suit visitors of all ages. Thanks to its high elevation, Anakeesta allows for panoramic views of the fall colors — and those views look all the better with a cold beer or ice cream cone in hand. Anakeesta also gets spruced up with fall decorations, as Hallow Mountain runs from September to October.
Take a Scenic Drive Down the Blue Ridge Parkway
Photo Credit: anthony heflin
If you’d rather take in the views from the comfort of your car, embark on a scenic drive near Gatlinburg. You can choose from several, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, which starts in North Carolina near the town of Cherokee, or the Cades Cove Loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
All of these different drives have their own appeals, including viewpoints and scenic locations for a picnic lunch. This is a great way to get to know the area a little better during an especially incredible time of year.
Fall Events in Gatlinburg
Besides the many fall activities Gatlinburg has to offer, the city also hosts several events that transform Gatlinburg and its surroundings. Here are at least a few that you’ll want to add to your itinerary:
Oktoberfest
Photo Credit: CL-Medien
Every year, Ober Mountain (formerly Ober Gatlinburg) puts on the Fall Festival, an exuberant celebration of the season that includes a large Oktoberfest. Munch on themed eats like Bavarian-inspired brats, schnitzel sandwiches, and pumpkin spice fudge, and raise a glass from the YeeHaw Brewing Company.
You can also listen to live music performances and try your hand at the hay maze with the kids. Or, swing by the Giant Pumpkin Festival, in which pro jack-o’-lantern carvers tackle 1,000-pound gourds.
Veterans Day Celebration
Photo Credit: Red Lemon
Gatlinburg’s annual Veterans Day Celebration takes place at Ripley’s Aquarium. The event recognizes the sacrifices and hard work of America’s armed forces veterans. Audiences will be treated to live music, a parade, and an aircraft flyover in honor of our women and men in uniform. Best of all, this event is completely free to attend, though you may want to arrive as early as possible to snag a good seat since space can fill up quickly.
Dollywood Harvest Festival
Photo Credit: Christen Strang
Located in the neighboring town of Pigeon Forge, the Dollywood theme park is a highlight of any visit to Gatlinburg. But fall is especially exciting.
Come by to hop on the amusement park rides, enjoy apple- or pumpkin-flavored treats, and simply marvel at the park’s seasonal decor, which includes more than 12,000 pumpkins. Hoot Owl Hollow is a must-see, featuring a giant, glowing owl made out of jack-o’-lanterns.
Boo Bash at Gatlinburg SkyPark
As its name implies, Gatlinburg SkyPark is located high in the mountains above Gatlinburg. The park is an ideal spot to admire the fall colors, and besides stopping by to see the SkyBridge and the SkyLift, guests can ring in autumn at the annual Boo Bash.
The event runs for the month of October, and the SkyPark is thoroughly decked out with fall-themed decor. It also includes the two-day-long Fall Fest, which boasts live music, games, and face painting for the kiddos.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
The October edition of the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair provides the perfect opportunity to score some great holiday gifts. Stop by the Gatlinburg Convention Center for one week in October to peruse everything from textiles to wood carvings.
Hundreds of vendors participate, so you’re sure to find something you love — or just window shop and listen to live music on a chilly fall afternoon. Of course, you can choose from several snack stops to fuel your shopping adventures.
Packing for Your Fall Getaway to Gatlinburg
No matter what you want to plan to do during your fall visit to Gatlinburg, you should pack a few essential items to make sure your trip goes smoothly. Your full packing list may vary, but try to keep at least some of these basics in mind:
- Sweaters, jacket, and raincoat
- Binoculars
- Shoes with good traction
- Camera
Don’t Miss Gatlinburg’s Fall Festivities
Fall in Gatlinburg is one of the most wonderful times of the year. Make the most of the season by booking your stay at Prestige Vacation Rentals, then head out to the Smokies for a gorgeous autumn getaway that you won’t forget.
Whether you want to celebrate the spooky season or just spend time in the great outdoors, fall in Gatlinburg won’t disappoint. Just come prepared for the cooler temps and the occasional frosty morning — it’s all part of the experience!
