noah bud uncle cabin in great smoky mountains national park during the fall

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the country. According to the National Park Service, around 13.3 million visitors come to the park each year, more than the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite combined!

The Smokies are the perfect destination for curling up in a cozy cabin and watching the seasons change. If you’re looking for an ideal location to find a fall getaway in the Smokies, you’ve come to the right place. 

This blog will discuss some of the best Smoky Mountain lodgings in the area. We’ll also provide tips and tricks on where to find the most picturesque spots to capture the changing leaves.  

mountain road during the fall

Why Choose the Smokies for a Fall Getaway?

Many people choose to travel during autumn each year. According to The Solutions Desk, around 60% of Americans plan fall-related trips. An autumn-themed trip is a great way to leave the hustle and bustle of summer behind and explore the country during a less popular travel time. 

Gorgeous Views

Many people visit the Smokies in the fall because of the breathtaking foliage. The best time to see brightly colored leaves is mid-to-late October. However, you can sometimes catch the leaves turning as early as mid-September until November. 

A few places you can take advantage of these gorgeous views include:

  • Take a Drive along the Foothills Parkway, or through Cades Cove
  • Stop at the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
  • Check Out Newfound Gap

You can also add plenty of fall hikes to your bucket list. This includes exploring the mountain and treetop views from Andrews Bald or Clingmans Dome. 

Seasonal Activities and Events 

There are plenty of seasonal events and activities throughout the Smoky Mountain area during fall. A few popular choices include:

Visitors can also learn about Smoky Mountain history while participating in the Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg. 

Types of Cozy Cabins and Lodges in the Smoky Mountains 

Booking a fall getaway in the Smokies is the ideal way to celebrate one of the most popular seasons of the year. According to Morning Consult Pro, 41% of adults chose fall as their favorite season. There are countless cabins in the Smoky Mountains to choose from to celebrate this glorious time. 

Oak Haven Resort and Spa

Oak Haven Resort and Spa is located in Sevierville, Tennessee. You can choose from Smoky Mountain cabins that range from one bedroom up to seven. Each cabin features the following amenities:

  • Washer and dryer
  • Stone fireplace
  • Fully-equipped kitchen
  • Gas grill
  • Hot tub on a private porch 

These fall vacation rentals are perfect for families, especially when multiple families are traveling together.

Treehouse Grove

Treehouse Grove is a magical oasis where guests can stay in one of their 16 unique treehouses for one of their top cozy mountain stays. A few of the advantages of staying in these accommodations, other than being among the trees, include:

  • Pet-friendly
  • Hot tub access
  • Step-free and easy entry
  • Modern amenities 

Old Creek Lodge

Old Creek Lodge rests on the banks of a river while offering guests a luxurious downtown experience for this Smoky Mountain lodging. In addition to taking advantage of genuine Southern hospitality, guests can partake in some of the following amenities:

  • Private balconies
  • Fireplaces
  • Spacious Guest Rooms
  • Close to cafes, restaurants, and shops 

Old Mill Lodging 

Old Mill Lodging is the perfect place to reconnect with nature while surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Their cabins are perfect for a family retreat or a romantic weekend away. Some of the things we love about this accommodation include:

  • One or two-bedroom cabins 
  • Stunning large mountain homes 
  • Luxurious amenities 

If you’re looking for the quintessential Smoky Mountain accommodations, look no further than Old Mill Lodging.

Tips on Booking During Peak Foliage Season

Reserve your autumn mountain retreat as soon as possible, as cabins fill up quickly during this peak season.

Other tips for booking your upcoming trip include:

  • Pick a resort that’s near other activities you want to enjoy 
  • Select the timing of your trip based on the foliage you wish to experience
  • Have backup options just in case your first choice is booked

Prime Photo Spots for Leaf Peeping in the Smokies

Many people plan their fall trips to admire the vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds of the changing leaves, a hallmark of the arrival of autumn.”. There are many places throughout the Smokies where you can see the fall colors. However, there are a few places to keep in mind if you want to capture a photo of this special time of year. 

Newfound Gap Road

Newfound Gap Road is an easily accessible mountain pass through the North Carolina and Tennessee border. It provides sweeping vistas, making it ideal for leaf-peeping. Numerous scenic places are also available to stop along the way to take pictures. 

Clingman’s Dome

Clingman’s Dome is the highest mountain in the Smokies at 6,643 feet elevation. There’s an observation tower at its peak that gives viewers panoramic views for miles. You’ll see breathtaking and vivid colors from this spot. 

Cades Cove

Cades Cove Loop Road is a great spot to see wildlife and fall colors. The 11-mile one-way loop road features numerous stops and hiking trails for you to explore. It takes about two to four hours to drive the loop. 

fall getaway in the smokies

Start Planning Your Upcoming Fall Getaway in the Smokies

Planning a fall getaway in the Smokies is an exciting way to take advantage of one of the most colorful times of the year. There are countless Smoky Mountain resorts you can explore, depending on your budget and goals for your trip. Don’t wait until it’s too late to start planning your trip – get started now. MobileBrochure.com is your go-to resource for everything you need to plan your trip to the Smoky Mountains. We have multiple brochures available on everything to do, see, eat, and drink in the Great Smoky Mountains. Check out our online brochures to get started booking your fall trip.

Content on this page is subject to change. Please contact the locations mentioned to see if promotions, hours, pricing, etc. are still valid.

About Nicole Miller

Nicole Miller is a native Tennessean who currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina. She loves spending time in the great outdoors, such as camping, hiking, and mountain biking. She also enjoys exploring all that the Smoky Mountains have to offer.

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