5 Fun Ways to Leaf Peep in the Great Smoky Mountains

Destination Spotlight, Outdoor & Adventure

5 Fun Ways to Leaf Peep in the Great Smoky Mountains

Published on Sep 02, 2019

The Great Smoky Mountains are a year-round treat for nature lovers. There’s the sparkling white wonderland of deep winter. The sweet, gentle breezes of springtime. The wild-flower strewn meadows of high summer. But autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains is particularly special. If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure for your whole gang— or a cozy, peaceful getaway for two— plan now for a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains this fall.

For some truly epic leaf-peeping, October and November are an ideal time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. The cooler temperatures and shorter days bring out some dramatic color changes in the forest. Burnished gold, bright yellow, and luscious red leaves light up the hills with their show-stopping hues. Rent a cabin in the mountains this October or November and soak up the vivid fall colors.

Here are the five best ways we’ve found to enjoy the fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Great Smoky Mountains have gorgeous trails to explore.

Take A Hike

Peeping the Fall color foliage from your birds-eye view balcony is breathtaking. But to experience this magical season in the Great Smoky Mountains properly, get yourself out on a hiking trail. The Smoky Mountains have some of the best hiking in the world. Taking a hike during the peak of the leaf-changing season is nothing short of spectacular.
For a moderate, enjoyable hike through the falling leaves, try the popular Porter Creek Trail near Gatlinburg. It’s a seven-mile out-and-back loop through thick foliage. The trail takes you past a burbling creek, a historic cemetery, and an old barn and farm site. Don’t miss the grand finale— the trail ends at a cascading waterfall.

You'll find candied apples and more at Dollywood’s Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights in Pigeon Forge.

Visit A Festival

For fans of everything pumpkin-spiced, there’s nothing quite like an autumn-themed festival. And Dollywood’s Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights in Pigeon Forge is the perfect spot for Fall fun. Like its famous owner, Dolly Parton— Dollywood is pure, kitschy, fun, and immensely entertaining!
Sip some cinnamon hot chocolate and nibble on a caramel-covered apple. Check out some master pumpkin carvers at work. Kids will love the glow-in-the-dark face painting and pumpkin-spice funnel cakes. There are also thousands of illuminated jack-o-lanterns scattered throughout the falling leaves. The popular festival runs until late November. Don’t miss it!

Spend a morning exploring a local farmers market for fresh produce and home-baked goods.

Pick Fresh Produce

Capture the crisp Fall vibe of peak leaf-peeping season with a visit to a colorful farmers market. The classic, family-friendly Gatlinburg Farmers Market is planning another successful season. Don’t forget your reusable canvas bags! Stock up on seasonal organic produce, homemade jams, home-sewn items, local honey, fragrant handmade soaps, and fresh-baked bread. Slow down and stroll through the falling leaves. Taste the local flavors. Peep the vibrant Fall colors. Savor the small-town Smoky Mountain vibe. The farmers market takes place every Saturday morning from 8:30 AM until noon. Catch it before it closes for the year in late October.

The popular 2-day Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is held each Fall in Pigeon Forge and awards thousands in prize money!

Catch A Trout Or Two

Slip-on your waders, grab your lucky rod and reel and head out to the sparkling Smoky Mountain streams for the annual Fall Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament. The tournament is held in Pigeon Forge. This family-friendly event welcomes fishermen of all ages and abilities. Thousands of trout will be stocked in more than 20 miles of streams for the popular two-day event. Enjoy gorgeous Fall color views and burbling mountain streams. Revel in the down-home country spirit that the Great Smoky Mountains are famous for. Bonus—not only will you catch a few yummy trout, but you may also catch thousands in prize money!

Exploring the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on horseback is an unforgettable experience!

Leaf Peep on Horseback

Cades Cove Riding Stables urges you to “indulge your unbridled spirit” and see the Fall colors and changing leaves on horseback. You’re in good hands! They’re the only national park-authorized stables in the Great Smoky Mountains. They cater to all levels of riders and offer a “trip back in time” through the lush wilderness of Cades Cove. Choose from guided trail rides on horseback, tractor-driven hayrides, or luxurious carriage rides with a private guide. Breathe in the brisk mountain air and enjoy a classic Smoky Mountain adventure.

No matter what time of year, it’s always the right time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. The Fall leaf-peeping season in the Great Smoky Mountains is an unforgettable experience. For magnificent views from the treetops, rent one of our cabins in the Brother’s Cove Resort. Take in the majestic mountain views from your private hot tub. You’ll still be close to all the Fall festival action and local activities. Nestled high in the trees in this gated community, these homes will give you a front-row seat to the spectacular Fall color display.