5 Fun Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains This Fall With Your Family
Once the temperatures begin to cool down and the leaves change over from green to the vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red, you know that autumn has arrived in the Smokies. This time of year is also when you will find exciting festivals and events happening throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. With so much to see and do, it is no wonder why guests return year after year during this marvelous season. Here are 5 fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains this fall with your family:
1. Enjoy the Natural Scenery
While the backdrop of the mountains will make any vacation special, there is something truly remarkable about the fall foliage in the Smokies. While you can enjoy the view from anywhere, there are a few ways to get an up-close view of the scenery. You can take your group on an exciting hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you will find trails that feature historic buildings, waterfalls, and plenty of autumn views. Another plus of hiking in the fall is that the temperatures are mild, creating the perfect weather for a hike with the family. If you aren’t big into hiking, you can still take in the views with a scenic drive through the Smokies! Some of the most popular routes for visitors include the Cades Cove Loop Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and the Foothills Parkway.
2. Attend a Fall Festival
In addition to all the wonderful year-round attractions in the Smoky Mountains, there are special festivals that you can only experience during the autumn months. Be sure to take your crew to Dollywood, which is home to the incredible Harvest Festival. This event features dozens of homemade treats, incredible thrill rides, and the spectacular Pumpkin LumiNights with over 12,000 illuminated pumpkins that light up the night sky. There are also some wonderful fall festivals taking place in Gatlinburg, including OktOBERfest at Ober Gatlinburg. At this event, you can celebrate autumn with music performances, a Bier Garten, and plenty of fun for the entire family.
3. Rent a Cabin in the Smokies
To make the most out of your fall vacation in the Smokies, you should consider spending the week inside a gorgeous cabin that is surrounded by stunning fall foliage. You can find plenty of Smoky Mountain cabins that offer the best of both worlds when it comes to location. From the deck of your cabin rental, you can sit outside and soak up the scenery while you relax in the hot tub after a busy day of sightseeing. Also, you will be just a short drive from all the exciting fall activities that are happening throughout the Smokies, so you can be the first in line for all the action.
4. Spend the Day Outdoors
If you want to soak up every second of the beautiful weather, be sure to check out one of the many outdoor attractions throughout the Smokies. In Gatlinburg, you will find one of the most unique miniature golf courses in the country, Hillbilly Golf. To get to the first hole, you will take a ride on the incline to the top of the mountain. From there, you will take part in the only miniature golf course that was built on the side of a mountain! As you compete against your family to obtain the lowest score possible, you can also soak up the natural scenery of the colorful trees in the mountains. For another exciting way to capture the view, take a seat on the Gatlinburg SkyLift and ride to the top of Crockett Mountain to the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park!
5. Try Something New
Are you looking for a new adventure to take part in as a family? There are many unique things to do in the Smoky Mountains that you might not have the chance to experience anywhere else. Throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you will find multiple thrilling mountain coasters that will lead you straight through the brilliant fall foliage. Most of these attractions allow you to control your own speed, so you can go fast to feel the cool autumn breeze or take it slow to soak up every second of the view. Some of the other rare activities include horseback riding, zip line tours, and even ATV rides! There is always a new adventure awaiting in the Smoky Mountains, so be sure to check them all out this fall!
Are you ready to start planning your dream fall vacation? Explore some of the other amazing things to do in the Smoky Mountains while you are in town! We look forward to seeing you soon!
