5 Great Activities for Experiencing Fall in the Smoky Mountains National Park
With the amazing display of color that sweeps across the Smoky Mountains during fall, it is no wonder why people love coming to visit the area during this spectacular time of year. When you come to experience fall in the Smoky Mountains, one of the best places to take in the views and immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty is at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While there are plenty of fun and interesting ways to explore the park on your own, there are also a number of ranger-sponsored events that regularly take place at the park. These events allow you to see the park from new perspectives, learn interesting information, and more! Read on to learn more about some of the awesome activities that are available for experiencing fall in the Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. The Beauty of the Appalachian Highlands at Newfound Gap
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday until October 31st, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the high-elevation ecosystem of the Smoky Mountains while taking in stunning views with The Beauty of the Appalachian Highlands at Newfound Gap. During this event, you can learn about wildlife, history, and more from one of the park’s rangers while exploring Newfound Gap’s scenic locations. With this event taking place at over 5,000 feet in elevation, it presents an amazing opportunity to learn about the local ecosystem while taking in the gorgeous sights of fall in the Smoky Mountains.
2. Forney Ridge Ramble at Clingmans Dome
Occurring each week on Tuesday and Wednesday through November 4th, the Forney Ridge Ramble at Clingmans Dome presents another great option for visitors looking to take in the sights of the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains. During this activity, visitors will hike with a ranger through coniferous rainforest, providing an interesting look at the native ecosystem. The peak of this hike takes place at Andrew’s Bald, a great spot for taking in the views here in the Smoky Mountains. The total round trip for this event is 3.6 miles and features 1,200 feet of elevation change.
3. Appalachian Crest Trek at Clingmans Dome
Another good choice for visitors who want to explore the area near Clingmans Dome, the Appalachian Crest Trek at Clingmans Dome provides a shorter and easier route than the Forney Ridge Ramble, making it perfect for groups that have kids or older members. This ranger-guided hike will take you past beautiful views of Sugarland Mountain and to the base of the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower. This presents an ideal spot for visitors to soak in the sights, take some photos, and enjoy the beauty that comes with fall in the Smoky Mountains. You can enjoy the Appalachian Crest Trek at Clingmans Dome every Thursday and Saturday until November 4th.
4. Hidden Lives of Smokies Mammals at Cades Cove
If you are interested in the native species that call the Smoky Mountains home, the Hidden Lives of Smokies Mammals at Cades Cove is a perfect activity for you. Head over to the Cable Mill Historic Area each Thursday until October 26th to learn about the mammals that live in the Smoky Mountains National Park, then head out for a self-guided adventure at Cades Cove. You’ll have the chance to spot lots of interesting creatures, especially given the nice weather that is often present during fall in the Smoky Mountains.
5. A Walk in the Woods at Sugarlands Visitor Center
One of the easiest activities to join in on, A Walk in the Woods at Sugarlands Visitor Center occurs every day of the week until the end of October. This event allows visitors to immerse themselves in the woods of the park while learning about the history and natural wonders of the park from a ranger. You’ll love walking past the orange, yellow, and red hues of fall in the Smoky Mountains as you learn about some of the facts that make the area unique!
When you check out some of these awesome activities, you’ll be able to enjoy fall in the Smoky Mountains from new and unique perspectives while learning interesting information about the area. If you want to find out about even more fun events, check out our calendar of events in the Smoky Mountains and start planning your next adventure today!
