Best Ways to See Fall Colors in the Great Smoky Mountains

During the month of October, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park fall colors become vibrant, which means you’ll have many opportunities to experience the serene beauty and have fun exploring the area. We’ve put together a guide to the best ways to see fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains, so keep reading to learn more! 

Explore Cades Cove

It’s no secret that Cades Cove is the most popular area of the Smokies, and for good reason! During the fall, the valley is decked out in stunning yellows, oranges, and red leaves, making it a beautiful drive along the loop road and the perfect backdrop for all the historic structures. Cades Cove Riding Stables is also open until late November, so you can go horseback riding, take a carriage ride, or book a hayride through The Cove!

Enjoy a Scenic Drive

If you aren’t up for hiking or adventurous activities like ziplining, a drive through the Smokies can be just as exciting, and the best part is that it’s completely free! Wears Valley Road is an underrated route that actually leads to a secret entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Popular roads such as Roaring Fork and Newfound Gap are also great choices, but no matter which route you take, you certainly won’t regret doing any of these Smoky Mountain scenic drives in the fall!

Go Ziplining

One of the top zip lines in the Smokies is actually neighbors with the national park! CLIMB Works is both thrilling and educational, with guides who share interesting facts about the Smoky Mountains during the 2 hours tour with 4 sky bridges and the best views of fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains! 

Take A Helicopter Tour

If you want to experience breathtaking aerial views of the Smokies, then you should book a tour with Scenic Helicopter Tours. They offer many different packages and tour options, including a romantic tour that’s the ideal VIP experience for honeymooners and couples of all ages!

Hike To Mount LeConte

While we don’t think there is any “bad” hiking trail in the Smokies, there are certainly some that are extra beautiful during the autumn season like Chimney Tops and Abrams Falls. Our favorite fall hikes in the Smoky Mountains also include trails that lead to the summit of Mount LeConte:

• Rainbow Falls Trail– 13 miles roundtrip; passes by the tallest single-drop waterfall in the national park
• Alum Cave Trail– 10.5 miles roundtrip; passes by Arch Rock and Alum Bluffs
• Trillium Gap Trail– nearly 15 miles roundtrip; passes by Grotto Falls
• Bullhead Trail– 13.8 miles roundtrip; passes by “The Pulpit” a popular lookout spot
• AT/Boulevard Trail– 15.6 miles; passes by Charlies Bunion

Walk to Kuwohi

Of course, this list of the best ways to see fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains has to include Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingmans Dome). It’s the tallest point in the national park and the short but steep 1 mile paved trail to the top of the observation tower is accessible for many, with benches along the way to rest. On clear days, you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction!

Best Attractions To See Fall Colors

If you’re headed to the national park to check out the fall foliage, be sure to make some pit stops in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! Many attractions and activities provide amazing views of the Smokies, including the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the Ober Mountain Aerial Tram, and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island in Pigeon Forge! Even Smoky Mountain restaurants from Anakeesta’s Cliff Top Restaurant or Smokehouse to Crystelle Creek and The Greenbrier are some of the best places to eat while enjoying the surrounding scenery and autumn colors. 

Want to learn even more about fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out our Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage Guide and start planning your autumn getaway today!