A scenic drive through a tunnel surrounded by vibrant fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway

The landscape transforms as the cool, crisp autumn air descends on the Smoky Mountains. Almost everything green becomes a vibrant tapestry as leaves change color in preparation for winter. 

Fall is one of the most spectacular seasons to visit the Smokies. From local festivals to outdoor adventures, the variety of activities in the Smoky Mountains is endless. Whether hiking through colorful forests, attending seasonal events, or spying on wildlife, fall reveals the region’s true beauty. 

Keep reading to discover the top eight must-do fall activities and Smoky Mountain attractions. Get ready for an unforgettable 2024 visit to the Smokies!

Visitors exploring the historic Noah 'Bud' Ogle cabin framed by vibrant red and orange fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains.

1. Scenic Drives: Capture the Fall Beauty

A scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to soak in the vibrant fall colors. Cades Cove Loop and Newfound Gap Road are two of the most popular routes within the park, offering jaw-dropping views of the mountains and fall colors. 

Drive the popular Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail! Before entering the trail, take a moment to visit the Noah “Bud” Ogle self-guided nature trail. The trail showcases an authentic mountain farmstead nestled among a beautiful hardwood forest. 

Pro Tip: Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to avoid crowds and see the foliage in the soft, golden light. 

A scenic autumn view of the Gatlinburg Trail in the Smoky Mountains, featuring a stone bridge and colorful fall foliage.

2. Smoky Mountain Trails for Autumn Adventures

Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is for hikers of all levels. Families love the Gatlinburg Trail, a 3.8-mile roundtrip path that meanders along the Little Pigeon River. Take in the views and watch for wildlife–especially the deer; they know all the best photo ops!

The Alum Cave Trail, a moderate challenge, leads hikers to striking bluffs, with the option to continue to Mount LeConte for more breathtaking views. 

While the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a scenic driving trail, there are several hiking trail pull-offs along the way, including the Rainbow Falls Trail, which offers a picturesque 5.4-mile roundtrip trek to one of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls. It’s a must-visit for fall hikers.

Tip: Keep an eye out for black bears, too, but remember to admire them from a distance and give them plenty of space.

Festive scarecrow figure sitting on a bench in downtown Gatlinburg during the fall Harvest Festival, surrounded by local shops and autumn decorations.

3. Celebrate Autumn at Local Festivals

The Smoky Mountains region comes alive with fall festivals that celebrate the season’s harvest, music, and crafts. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, which runs through October 28th, features spectacular pumpkin displays, crafts, and live bluegrass performances. 

The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival in Gatlinburg runs through late November for the first time this year. One highlight is the Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, where visitors can explore the town while searching for creatively designed scarecrows. 

Highlight: Remember the Great Pumpkin LumiNights at Dollywood, where thousands of glowing pumpkins light up the night.

A costumed actor dressed in black with zombie makeup at Ripley's Haunted Adventure in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, during the fall Halloween season

4. Unearth the Spooky Secrets of the Smokies

The Smoky Mountains are known for their stunning scenery and rich history, including a few haunted spots that add an element of mystery to your fall visit.

Speaking of haunted, visit Ripley’s Haunted Adventure in Gatlinburg! The interactive experience offers a unique blend of horror and entertainment. If you hear someone whisper your name, it’s probably a friendly ghost.

Highlight: Some visitors to the Smoky Mountains can’t get enough of eerie trails and haunted houses. Explore the Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg or the Gatlinburg Mysterious Mansion, the area’s original haunted house.

5. Saddle Up for a Scenic Horseback Adventure

Horseback riding offers a unique chance to connect with nature. The rhythmic movement of the horses creates an escape from everyday life and invites a peaceful experience in the great outdoors.

Jayell Ranch features guided horseback tours through wooded trails with extraordinary mountain views. You might even catch glimpses of local wildlife as you wind through the forest. Keep snacks to yourself, as horses can be a little too friendly when they see a potential treat.

Tip: Be sure to book your ride in advance because fall is a popular season for horseback riding in the Smoky Mountains. 

A classic Southern BBQ platter featuring pulled pork, hush puppies, green beans, and potato salad at Buddy's Bar-b-q in Sevierville, Smoky Mountains.

6. BBQ and Craft Spirits Southern Style

Indulge in the rich flavors of Sevierville, TN, where mouthwatering BBQ meets artisanal spirits right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.

Buddy’s bar-b-q in Sevierville is a culinary gem, celebrated for its tender, smoked meats and signature sauces. Each dish, from succulent pulled pork to flavorful brisket, embodies the essence of Southern cooking, providing a meal that warms the soul.

A short stroll away, Tennessee Legend Distillery features a refined selection of craft spirits, including handcrafted moonshine and smooth whiskey. Guests can enjoy guided tours to discover the art of distillation while sampling unique flavors. 

Highlight: Both places feature Southern charm–like sitting on your grandmother’s porch, only with fewer mosquitoes.

7. Adventurous Smoky Mountains Family Activities

There’s no better place for outdoor adventures in the Smoky Mountains than from the end of a zip line. At Adventure Park at Five Oaks in Sevierville, families can soar through the trees, enjoying dramatic landscape views.

Walk along the banks of Little Pigeon River on the Pigeon Forge Greenway for a calmer experience but no less fun, and view the dazzling autumn foliage reflecting on the water. The riverbanks are perfect for a picnic, and if you’re brave, you can dip your toes in the water for a refreshing, ice-cold chill.  

Tip: Dress in layers and wear shoes that can handle some splashes. Temperatures can drop in the fall.

8: Southern Charm: Experience a Local Apple Orchard

Get ready for some fall fun at The Apple Barn Cider Mill and General Store in Sevierville, where the family can enjoy a fun-filled day at a working apple orchard. The best thing about visiting The Apple Barn is they do all the work for you–no picking involved! 

Don’t forget to stop by the Cider Bar for their famous apple cinnamon donuts and homemade pies! The Apple Barn also features a gift shop with local goodies, a creamery, and two restaurants serving up delicious Southern comfort food.

Highlight: Indulge in the sweet aroma of fresh apple cider, and make sure to sample a few treats from the bakery–calories don’t count when you’re enjoying fall in the Smokies!

Discover More Activities in the Smoky Mountains

With countless activities in the Smoky Mountains–from scenic drives and hikes to delicious local food and festivals–there’s always something fun to enjoy.

MobileBrochure is your go-to guide on all things Smoky Mountain fun no matter the season. Register here to explore even more of the many activities our unique region has to offer!

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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