5 of the Best Places to Visit in Gatlinburg in Fall
Are you planning a fall vacation to the Smoky Mountains? In fall, the area comes alive with vibrant fall foliage, cool weather, and seasonal activities that you won’t want to miss! There are so many great things to do and see this time of year, and it can be difficult to decide where to go to experience the fall season. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together this list of 5 of the best places to visit in Gatlinburg in fall so you can have fun and enjoy the scenery this season.
1. Anakeesta
If you’re looking for a place to visit in Gatlinburg in fall that offers both exciting activities and beautiful scenery, then you’ll love visiting Anakeesta during the Bear-Varian Fall Festival! This event lasts from mid-September through the end of October. It features autumn decor throughout the park as well as seasonal entertainment and Bavarian-inspired food and drinks. You can also enjoy all the usual fun activities at Anakeesta, including the Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Observation Tower, mountain coasters, ziplining, and more! Everywhere you look you’ll see spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg covered in fall colors, creating the perfect fall photo ops!
2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
A favorite thing to do in Gatlinburg in fall is attend the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair! This seasonal event takes place in the month of October and features more than 200 booths filled with unique, handmade crafts. Local craftsmen and artisans are joined by crafters from around the country at this incredible fair. You’ll get to see craft demonstrations and artists at work as they demonstrate their skills as well as hear live music performances. This is a great place to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and finish your holiday shopping early!
3. Mysterious Mansion
Celebrate spooky season in Gatlinburg in fall at Mysterious Mansion, the most terrifying haunted attraction in town! If you love to get scared, you’ll definitely want to visit this haunted mansion! Take an unguided tour through the mansion where you’ll make your way along dark corridors, secret passageways, and spooky chambers that are sure to awaken your fears. This haunted attraction features live actors who are lurking around every corner and maybe even behind you, so keep your eyes peeled and prepare to scream! Mysterious Mansion is open year-round, but there are special Halloween events that take place in October.
4. Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
Are you looking for the perfect place to visit in Gatlinburg in fall to see autumn colors? The Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook provides magnificent views of downtown Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains! From this vantage point, you can see a vast landscape dotted in shades of red, orange, and yellow. This is a beautiful spot to breathe in the crisp autumn air and take photos. You can reach the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook from the Gatlinburg Bypass, which travels between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Spur. You can access the Bypass from either end of downtown Gatlinburg.
5. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
If you want to be surrounded by fall foliage and immersed in nature, then a can’t-miss place to visit in Gatlinburg in fall is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail! This 5.5-mile loop travels through an old-growth forest past historical structures, hiking trailheads, waterfalls, and other landmarks. This scenic drive is located just on the edge of downtown Gatlinburg. As you make your way along the trail, you’ll get to see spectacular fall colors all around you, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the season! Get out and hike one of the trails to see the fall leaves up close and to explore breathtaking waterfalls like Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls!
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg in Fall
These are some of the best places to visit in Gatlinburg in fall! To avoid missing out on a thing, you’ll definitely want to stay close to all the action. A cabin nestled in the woods is the perfect place to stay this season because you’ll be surrounded by fall colors and mountain views on all sides! Book your stay at a Gatlinburg cabin rental to fully enjoy all that fall has to offer in the Smoky Mountains!
