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The kids are back in school and the weather is about to cool down ever so slightly.  With a hint of fall in the air, many are already wondering when the leaves change in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.  If you want to know when the leaves change in Gatlinburg and where you can go to see the best leaves changing in Gatlinburg, you’ll definitely want to read this!

When Will the Leaves Change in Gatlinburg in 2020?

If you’re planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains in the fall of 2020, you definitely don’t want to come too early to see the autumn colors.  Come too late and you’ll miss the vibrant show our mountains put on. Because Mother Nature is ever changing, an exact date is hard to predict.  However, in 2020, the Fall Foliage predictor believes the leaves will be peaking around the third week of October.  If a Halloween trip to Gatlinburg is in the cards for your family this year, a vibrant display is likely to be seen!  Fear not, though. Even if you are planning a mid October or early November vacation to the area, you’re still going to see some beautiful colors.  

Where can I see the leaves change in Gatlinburg?

An autumn drive is the perfect way to take in the expansive gorgeous scenery our area has to offer!  The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding area have gorgeous places to see the fall colors without walking or hiking a mountain peak.  A few of our favorites include: 

Foothills Parkway

This years-in-the-making scenic drive outside of Pigeon Forge, TN has recently been extended to reach Wears Valley.  Visitors to the Foothills Parkway can expect to see breathtaking mountain views and stunning fall colors in October and November in 2019. These 16 miles between Wears Valley and Walland were only completed in 2018 and offer multiple pull offs to hop out of the car, stretch your legs, and take in the scenery. If you’re wanting to see more, continue underneath Highway 321 and drive up the east side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for another 17 miles.  The Foothills Parkway ends at US-129, also known as The Tail of the Dragon. If you can handle 318 curves in 11 miles, continue the drive for more sightseeing! Please note: there are no services, such as gas stations, on the Parkway.  

The Blue Ridge Parkway

smoky mountains in the fallExperience America’s Favorite Drive by taking a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the leaves change in 2019.  Located on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this classic 469-mile drive was built to connect The Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park all the way in northern Virginia!  You’ll hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway just before entering Cherokee, North Carolina and enjoy driving your way up to the higher ridgelines of the mountains. With multiple pull offs to stop and enjoy the mountains as you go, take in the colors from both the Smoky Mountains and down in the 

Please note: there are no services, such as gas stations, on the Parkway.  

Newfound Gap Road

Newfound Gap Road is also known as US highway 441.  This road traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a classic scenic drive.  This 32-mile long highway connects Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC. Along the way, there are multiple pull off spots for you to hop out, stretch your legs, and take in the stunning scenery.  When you reach the state line approximately 15 miles from Gatlinburg, stop and take a walk along the famous Appalachian Trail. Or, continue your drive to Clingman’s Dome or even Cherokee!

Cades Cove

Small buildings along a dirt road in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National ParkIf our visitors only have one day in the Smokies, we would most certainly recommend seeing Cades Cove.  There’s plenty to see and do here, from hiking to biking to history walks.  There is something for everyone! The 11-mile loop road traverses around a large open meadow and is one of your best bets to see wildlife in the Smoky Mountains.  Give yourself all day to complete this leisurely and scenic drive. Take plenty of breaks to get out, have a picnic, and learn about the Cherokee and settlers who called this land home before the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  

 

Roaring Fork

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile long, one-way drive just outside of the heart of Gatlinburg, TN.  Feel like you’re driving through history while taking in historic buildings, a mountain vista or two, and listen to the babbling streams.  You’ll forget you’re only minutes away from town when you see wild turkey, grazing deer, and even the most famous Smokies resident – the American Black Bear.  

Looking for the easiest route to get to these scenic roads?  Be sure to check out our post on how to avoid traffic while you’re in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.  

Colorful Fall Hikes 

Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is a great way to take in the stunning colors of fall.  Because our elevation ranges from less than 1000 feet above sea level to 6600 feet above sea level, you can see the beauty of fall in a variety of locations!  

Clingman’s Dome

Clingmans DomeThe highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is easy to access.  Enjoy driving on the highest road east of the Mississippi River to get to the parking area of Clingman’s Dome.  When you arrive, follow the paved trail for a steep half mile to the observation tower. On a clear day, stunning 360-degree views await.  Observe the fall color from the high elevation. Depending on your visit, you’ll see that it’s changing slowly on it’s way up the hillsides.  

Make sure to bring a jacket on this hike.  Temperatures at Clingman’s Dome are 10-12 degrees cooler than they are in Gatlinburg.  

Chimney Tops Trail

The trail to Chimney Tops has been extensively changed since the 2016 wildfires.  This hike may be less than 4 miles round trip, but don’t let the distance fool you.  This steep hike is definitely a workout! You’ll climb nearly 1100 feet in less than 2 miles to the overlook.  Take in the fall colors of the valley below and look to the Chimney’s “next door neighbor” – the famous Mt. LeConte.  

Always make sure to obey the signs and never climb past a barrier.  The extensive fire damage in this area makes the rock surfaces past the barriers unsafe.  

Looking for more fall color hikes?  Check out our blog post dedicated to the best places to see the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains.  

Get your Fill of Festivals

Smoky Mountain Harvest FestivalGatlinburg and Pigeon Forge always have great festivals taking place.  Fall is no exception! Visiting a festival during your vacation in the mountains is a great way to take in the local flavors and get into the fall spirit.  

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival 

Starting September 22nd and running all the way through November 11, the city of Gatlinburg is transforming into a quaint fall wonderland.  The town has seasonal displays all throughout the city, with plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops! This year, they even have 3D Scarecrow people.  

OktOBERfest at Ober Mountain

The 11th Annual OktOBER Fest takes place from September 25 through November 1, and is a continuous indoor AND outdoor festival.  Styled after traditional Bavarian festivals, OktOBER fest has a variety of beer and food to choose from.  Sample a variety from the Bier Garden.  

What festival would be complete without food?  The German and Bavarian-inspired menu offers a little something for everyone from appetizers to full entrees.  Try the Neujahrsbrezel – Bavarian pretzels served with cheese and multigrain mustard. Feeling more adventurous?  The Brat n’ Kraut Balls are a deep fried and breaded combination of beef, sausage, bratwurst, sauerkraut, onions, and special seasoning.  If an entree is more your style try the kohlroladen – a cabbage roll stuffed with seasons beef and rice with tomato sauce, sauerkraut & German potato salad.  The Jägerschnitzel – your choice of chicken or pork – served with a mushroom wine sauce, red cabbage, German potato salad, and a side of grain mustard. They even offer a variety of desserts as well!

OktOBERfest Bier Maid
OktOBERfest Bier Maid

Find out more about OktOBER Fest by check out their website.  

Nightly Ghost Walks 

A “spooky” way to get into the fall spirit is to take a guided walking ghost tour!  Perfect for couples, families, and groups, The Gatlinburg Ghost Walk runs every day of the week.  Hear true stories about Cherokee natives, early settlers, and the resting places their spirits call home.  Be sure to check out their website to book online before your trip!

Booking Your Stay

Of course, a cabin in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg with an incredible mountain view will also be a great place to view those spectacular fall colors!  Let American Patriot Getaways be your destination for fall foliage in 2019.  With cabins for every group size and budget, you’re sure to find the perfect home away from home this autumn.  Book online or give our friendly Reservation Department staff a call at 800-204-5169 today.  

Of course, be sure to check out all of our vacation guides for planning your Smoky Mountain getaway.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest area information!

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