If you live in an area where trees don’t change color in the fall, you could be craving to see some shades of red, oranges and yellows right about now. When you visit Pigeon Forge, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the beauty of the mountains. Here are some great ways to see fall colors in the Smokies from every angle.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Get an up close look at Mount LeConte from the unique Gatlinburg Skylift Park. The attraction has a beautiful view of the Smokies, especially in fall when the trees are changing. The glass floored SkyBridge makes one of the best vantage points you can find for autumn leaf peeping.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
CLIMB Works Zipline
Probably one of the most fun ways to view the Smoky Mountains is by way of a zipline. After all, what is better than fall leaves in the midst of the trees? If you’re ready for an adrenaline rush, you would enjoy zipping from platform to platform. You can learn how to control your zipline speed, so if you want to slow down to take in the beauty of it all, you can.
CLIMB WorksThe ziplines cover stunning land at a larger view than just hiking or driving through the park. Not only does this angle let you see the fall colors in the Smokies, but it allows your to be directly in the middle of them.
Fall Hikes
If hiking is your thing, you will be excited to learn that there are 850 miles of hiking trails that cover the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In the fall, you can experience vibrant colors up-close and personal when hiking through the Smokies’ rich forests. The weather is cool and crisp—perfect for hiking, so you won’t have to worry about comfort being an issue.
Fall HikesNot only can you choose the intensity and length of your hike, but there are also multiple trails with waterfalls and historical sites too. We recommend getting to a high elevation. Our favorite places to see fall color in the Smokies are Mount LeConte, Mount Cammerer, and Clingman's Dome.
Anakeesta Treetop Skywalk
While there are plenty of beautiful vantage points for leaf peeping at Gatlinburg's Anakeesta, a ropes course will put you directly in the middle of all that gorgeous fall foliage. While you're there be sure to look for Mount LeConte in the distance from Anavista Tower!
Anakeesta
Newfound Gap Road
Don’t fret if you can’t hike or bike because there are many alternatives to seeing the beauty of the Smoky Mountains in the fall. There are multiple scenic drives that wind their way through and around the mountains of Pigeon Forge. Try Newfound Gap in the late afternoon, so that the sun will cast an orange glow across the multicolored mountains. The view will leave you speechless.
Fall Drives
Big Rock Dude Ranch
Horseback riding at Big Rock Dude Ranch is a fantastic way to see beautiful fall colors in the Smokies. Featured in People Magazine, the horseback riding attraction is located just a few minutes away from Pigeon Forge and is a great escape from the more crowded spots in the area. There are tons of kid friendly activities, so it makes a great stop on a family trip.
Big Rock Dude Ranch
Pink Jeep Tours
See things you've never seen in places you never thought to look with Pink Jeep Tours. The crisp fall air will blow through the windows of your Jeep while a knowledgable guide will tell you about the history of the area and take you to the best spots for photo ops.
Pink Jeep Tours
Scenic Helicopter Tours
As long as you're not afraid of heights, the view from above with Scenic Helicopter Tours might be one of the best ways to take in fall colors in the Smokies. You'll soar high above the highest points in the Smokies with the most experienced pilots in the business. The best time of year to do so is probably mid October for peak fall colors.
Scenic Helicopter Tours
Biking
Several trails and roads, including the Riverwalk Greenway & Cades Cove, allow for biking. You and the family can enjoy physical activity that also gives you the opportunity of viewing incredible fall colors in the Smokies. Additionally, you might even see some wildlife and historic buildings. But please, don't let the beautiful colors distract you from the proper safety precautions when enjoying your bike ride.
BikingIf you’re ready to partake in all of these exciting adventures and see the gorgeous Smoky Mountains, book a Pigeon Forge cabin today. Share your fall photos by tagging us on Instagram!
