4 Unique Ways to Explore the Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage

The Smoky Mountains fall foliage is nearing its peak! Not only does that mean that the beautiful fall colors are here to stay for awhile but that also means that traffic in the area is starting to pick up, especially around the weekends.

However, there are quite a few ways that you and your family can experience the Smoky Mountains fall foliage without getting stuck on long lines of traffic. Find out our favorite unique ways to explore the fall colors below!

(See Related: 6 Scenic Smoky Mountain Fall Drives Near Wears Valley)

Segways of Pigeon Forge

The brand new Segway attraction in Pigeon Forge is hands down one of the most-unique ways that visitors can explore the area. After a quick 30 minute tutorial, guests, along with their guide, will be free to tour the streets of Pigeon Forge in style from the comfort of their two-wheeled taxi.

If you have never ridden on a Segway before, don’t worry. As we mentioned, the experienced staff at the Segway attraction in Pigeon Forge will walk you through a step by step lesson on how to operate the machines. Also, when you are riding, you will notice that the Segways are self-balancing. This means that if you accidentally lean back or forward too far, then the Segway can automatically adjust, so you don’t have to worry about tipping over.

Click here to learn more about the new Segway attraction in Pigeon Forge.

Rent a Motorcycle

If you are looking for a more exciting two-wheeled experience than what a Segway can offer when exploring the Smoky Mountains fall foliage this year, why not consider taking a motorcycle ride on one of the many beautiful fall drives in the area? Imagine, the wind rushing by you as you tackle the many twists and bends on either Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road or Foothills Parkway.

If you don’t plan on bringing your bike with you to the mountains, or if you don’t own a motorcycle, there are quite a few Smoky Mountains businesses that offer rentals for a small fee. Please keep in mind, all of these business do require that renters have a valid motorcycle license from their home state, and they require a helmet to be worn at all times when riding a motorcycle in the Smoky Mountains.

• Smoky Mountains Harley Davidson
  One of the most trusted names in the motorcycle industry, Harley Davidson has a long-standing tradition of providing riders with some of the highest-quality bikes on the market.
  • Phone number: (865) 977-1669
  • Smoky Mountains Harley Davidson Website
• GSM MotoRent
  One of the industry leaders when it comes to motorcycle rentals in the Smoky Mountains, GSM MotoRent specializes in day rides, adventures, touring and on/off road riding.
  • Phone number: (865) 448-6090
  • GSM MotoRent Website

Smoky Mountain Helicopter Tours

What better way to avoid the traffic altogether than by viewing the leaves from a few hundred feet in the air? That is just what guests can do when they choose to explore the Smoky Mountains fall foliage during one of the many helicopter tours in the area. Tour times can last anywhere from 4 minutes to half an hour.

A few of our favorite Smoky Mountain helicopter tour companies include:

• Smoky Mountain Helicopters

• • Location: 1101 Winfield Dunn Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37876; 380 Rainbow Rd., Sevierville, TN 37862
  • Phone number: (865) 429-2426
  • Smoky Mountain Helicopters Website

• Scenic Helicopter Tours

• • • Location: 1949 Winfield Dunn Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37876
    • Phone number: (865) 453-6342
    • Scenic Helicopter Tours Website

• Sevier County Choppers

• • Location: 1255 Airport Rd., Sevierville, TN 37862
  • Phone number: (865) 365-1206
  • Sevier County Choppers Website

Bike Ride in Cades Cove

Cades Cove is one of the most popular areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, especially in the fall. You and your family should not be surprised to find a high level of traffic when visiting this area to view the Smoky Mountains fall foliage. However, you can easily maneuver around this traffic if you decide to explore the 11-mile loop road from the comfort of a bicycle.

If the full 11 miles is a little too strenuous for you and your group, you can always cut the ride down by using one of the many cross streets that run through the center of Cades Cove, including Hyatt Lane.

If you forgot your bike at home, you can easily pick one up at the Cades Cove Campground Store, located near the Cades Cove Campground. Now through November 5, guests to the area can rent their very own bike for only $3.25 an hour. Please keep in mind that all children ages 16 and under are required to wear a helmet by state law.

If you would like to learn more about these and other fun ways to explore the Smoky Mountains fall foliage, be sure to check out the Smoky Mountain attractions section of our website. There you will find up-to-date information on all the fun and exciting things in the Smoky Mountains.