How to Visit Gatlinburg in the FallPlanning a trip to Gatlinburg in the fall? Whether you're going as a couple or bringing the kids, here are some of the best ways to visit Gatlinburg in autumn, from fall foliage to festivals. Don't miss Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome), Anakeesta, or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail! 🍁🍂Authorskerrieturcic
DestinationsGatlinburgItinerary

The Great Outdoors

Gatlinburg SkyPark
Get an unbeatable view of the vibrant fall colors from the SkyBridge in Gatlinbug SkyPark. The journey starts with an unforgettable chairlift ride up! The bridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the United States.
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Fall Color Tour in the Smoky Mountains
See all the best places in the Smokies in fall on this 4-hour tour guided by experts. You'll follow along in your own car, then get out and hike through the wonders of this national park as you learn from a biologist, ecologist, or park ranger.
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Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Drive this stunning 5.5-mile loop in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Roaring Fork stream. Fall is the best time to do this as the trees will be bursting with red, gold, and orange! 🍁 The road is one way and is open through late November, weather permitting.
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Grotto Falls
Make a stop to stretch your legs and peep some leaves on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The Grotto Falls Trail is about a 3-mile round trip and leads to the only waterfall in the Smokies that you can actually walk behind!
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Moonshine Mountain Coaster
Glide through the stunning fall faliage on the Moonshine Mountain Coaster. The silent track lets you take in the tranquil sounds of nature. Or go on a crisp night to feel the fresh air and be dazzled by the illuminated path!
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Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
Head up the Gatlinburg Bypass between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Spur to this scenic overlook. From up here, breathe in the fresh autumn air and take in the fantastic fall views!
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High Points Driving Tour
Your driver on this small-group tour will take you to the highest points of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) and Newfound Gap!
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Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain ski resort offers much more than skiing and snowboarding. It's a great place to go in the fall! Just take the Gatlinburg Tram from downtown up the mountain to enjoy beautiful fall foliage, a mountain coaster, a mountain bobsled, ziplining, ice skating, mountain biking, and lots more!
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The Gatlinburg Tram
Even if you don't plan on hanging out at Ober Mountain, the Gatlinburg Tram is still worth the 2.1-mile journey...especially during the fall season. Get some of the best views of the Smokies in all their autumn glory as you soar up to 2,813 feet!
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Fall Festival Fun & More

Anakeesta
Heading to Gatlinburg with the family? The Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta is a must. The festival celebrating fall in the Great Smoky Mountains begins Aug. 29 and runs through Nov. 2, 2025. Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, sample seasonal beers, play games, and try some Bavarian food! In addition, enjoy all the usual activities at Anakeesta, including the Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Observation Tower, the mountain coasters, ziplines, and of course, the views of the Smokies in the fall!
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Ole Smoky Distillery "The Holler"
Make sure you stop in the Ole Smoky Distillery for some special seaosonal tastings of moonshine! Try Apple Pie or Blackberry moonshine or get a taste of unique Tennesse whiskey flavors like Salty Caramel!
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Mysterious Mansion
A Spooky Season must-do! Wander the halls on an unguided terrifying tour. Even though this hauntingly fun attraction is open year-round, you'll experience special spine-tingling surprises in October. 👻
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Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
More than 200 booths with unique handcrafted gifts opens up in October in Gatlinburg. Shop for special gifts and get a head start on the holiday shopping season.
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When a tour starts at 9 p.m., you know it's going to be good. Stroll the spooky streets of Gatlinburg on a cool autumn evening as you learn about the town's most haunted places. Your guide may even break out the ghost-hunting equipment
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Cabin Chic

The Lindsey Mill Cabin
Want views of the fall foliage from your own cabin? This one has panoramic views of Mount Leconte and Greenbriar Pinnacle. You can enjoy it from a brand new hot tub, too! There's also access to a swimming pool, and a tennis and basketball court.
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Treehouse Grove
The Elm in Treehouse Grove at Norton Creek lets you stay up in the treetops in the Smokies! You'll be close to fall activities like horseback riding and fishing, too.
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Heaven's Cabins
If your motto is go big or go home, then you'll want to check out Heaven's Cabins in Gatlinburg. Choose from over 50 luxury cabins and chalets in the area, each with the best views of the Smokies plus lots of other over-the-top amenities like indoor pools and floor-to-ceiling windows.
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