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!

Surrounded by Great Smoky Mountains National Park and exciting urban hubs like Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg is a year-round adventure destination. While the best time to visit depends on you and your travel companions, the season transforms Gatlinburg into a winter wonderland. Here, you can ring in the holidays, indulge in a cozy cabin getaway, or both.

To help you plan your winter visit, we’ve put together a guide on what to do, what to pack, and what to expect weather-wise. Read on to learn more, and book your stay with Prestige Vacation Rentals to be close to all the winter fun.

Winter Weather in Gatlinburg

Photo Credit: Daniel Korzeniewski

Due to the city’s elevation, winter in Gatlinburg brings lower temperatures and the occasional snowstorm. But most of the time, you can expect sunny days and relatively mild temperatures. Lows typically stay in the 20s for the months of December, January, and February, with highs in the 50s and 40s.

Snow sometimes falls across the region during winter, giving the nearby Smoky Mountains a light dusting that appears magical in photos. But even if you don’t see a true white Christmas, trust us—the mountains will still look stunning at this time of year.

Best Things to Do in the Winter in Gatlinburg

Winter in Gatlinburg offers a variety of different experiences that are sure to pique any visitor’s interest. To give you a few ideas, here’s a taste of our favorite things to do at this time of year.

Take a Hike

Between frozen waterfalls, fewer crowds, and enchanting scenery, a winter hike allows visitors to see the Great Smoky Mountains in a new light. Plus, you won’t have to contend with as many cars on the roads, so parking will be a breeze (just check for road closures before you set out).

Here are some of our top picks for winter hikes:

• Laurel Falls Trail (2.4 miles, easy)
• Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls (6.8 miles, moderate)
• Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail (8 miles, moderate)
• Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte (11 miles, hard)

Slide in the Snow at Ober Mountain

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL

From the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, take the Aerial Tramway up to Ober Mountain and experience a true snow day. Though open year-round, the area is especially popular in winter. Ober is one of the region’s few ski resorts. It has a snow tubing hill and a family-friendly snow park.

Snow machines at Ober Mountain ensure that there’s always plenty of the good stuff to go around, even during our sunny winter days. When you’re ready to head indoors, check out the ice skating rink or bumper cars.

Get Above it All at Anakeesta

Located on a mountain peak just outside Gatlinburg, Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park has a little something for everyone in your group. Kids are sure to love all the winter activities, while a plethora of restaurants and shops will keep the grown-ups entertained.

Pro tip: as you explore all the different nooks and crannies of Anakeesta, make sure to set aside some time to admire the mountain views. The park has a number of well-placed Adirondack chairs for guests to take in the surrounding vistas.

Bend Your Brain at Ripley’s

Photo Credit: Joseph Hendrickson

After all that outdoor excitement, you might want to warm up inside. Luckily, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! has everything you might need for an exciting day in the great indoors—dozens of fascinating exhibitions, the sprawling Ripley’s Aquarium, and hands-on recreation await. Just be aware that Ripley’s hours do change at this time of year.

Sip Some ‘Shine on a Distillery Tour

Need a little help warming up? You’ll want to try our special local delicacy: moonshine. This unique concoction has been brewed in the region for centuries, and there’s no better way to put some pep in your step during the chilly winter months.

You can tour distilleries and sample different beverages at one of these local spots:

• Sugarlands Distilling Company
• Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
• Tennessee Shine Company

Winter Events in Gatlinburg

Rain, snow, or shine, several different celebrations take place around Gatlinburg during the holiday season, comprising Gatlinburg’s WinterFest. These Christmas and New Year celebrations are just a starting point, though—for more winter events, check out the city calendar.

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show

Photo Credit: JennLShoots

Get a head start on your holiday gift shopping at this annual show hosted by the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. You can browse through tables of handmade goodies, as well as vintage items like Victorian pottery. The show takes place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center over the course of a week in early December—the perfect time to start showing some holiday cheer.

Festival of Trees

Photo Credit: AlejandroCarnicero

Gatlinburg’s four-day Festival of Trees is not to be missed. The festivities typically kick off with a Candy Canes and Cocktails Reception, followed by a multi-day extravaganza of Christmas decor, which includes wreaths and, of course, trees. Kids can also meet Santa Claus himself. All proceeds go to charity, so you can celebrate in style, knowing your money will go to a good cause.

Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

This thrilling annual event has drawn visitors to downtown Gatlinburg for some 50 years. The Fantasy of Lights parade showcases huge floats, marching bands performing festive tunes, holiday-themed balloons, and much more. A tree-lighting ceremony kicks things off before the parade makes its way through the city.

You can attend for free, but officials recommend arriving early if you want a good spot to watch the celebrations. The Fantasy of Lights is hugely popular, so parking and seating may be tight.

Lights Over Gatlinburg

High above the city, the Gatlinburg SkyPark sets the night sky glowing in an array of different colors every winter. The Lights Over Gatlinburg features thousands of twinkling Christmas lights displays that are all but guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

This event runs for roughly a month between November and December, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to see the spectacle. But Lights Over Gatlinburg has attracted its fair share of media attention in recent years, so you should still reserve your tickets as early as possible.

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks Show

Photo Credit: Ted Abbott via Flickr CC 2.0

On December 31, head over to the Gatlinburg Space Needle to ring the right way in the New Year. This annual event is free to the public, though early arrival is once again recommended—some 50,000 visitors attend every year. Audiences can marvel at a drone lights show and an extravagant fireworks display to mark the occasion. Down on the ground, sample holiday-themed eats and listen to live music from local bands.

Packing for Your Winter Getaway

As temperatures cool, you should keep a few extra items in mind for your winter trip to Gatlinburg. Here’s what we’d recommend:

• Winter coat
• Winter boots
• Mittens or gloves
• Camera
• For hikers, trekking poles and/or shoe traction devices

Get Festive in with a Gatlinburg Winter Getaway

Whether you want to spend your winter hiking, exploring local history and culture, or simply admiring holiday lights displays, winter in Gatlinburg offers a truly magical experience for everyone. Thanks to a variety of kid-friendly and adult-oriented activities alike, visitors of all ages can enjoy the most wonderful time of the year here.

That said, you’ll need to plan your trip ASAP so you don’t miss out on any of the fun. Check out our options at Prestige Vacation Rentals and reserve your stay—we can’t wait to welcome winter with you!