It's our favorite time of year in the Smoky Mountains. The colors are changing and there's a brand new crisp in the air. On your family trip this fall, you're going to want to make the memories last forever with some great fall photos to frame. We've put together a list of our top picks for places to take the best fall photos in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
Dolly Parton's Stampede
How many gourds make up the fall display at Dolly Parton's Stampede? We dare you to count when you stop at this famous spot on the Pigeon Forge parkway for fall photos this year. There's a whole house made of pumpkins! This display is a top pick year after year, so you'll definitely want to stop by for a few good shots this season.
Dolly Parton's Stampede
Anakeesta
There are few better places to get incredible fall photos than the one and only Anakeesta. Their decor across the park is always stunning, so you'll find opportunities for unique photo ops left and right; but just the fall color alone sure does make for an amazing backdrop. If you're visiting in October, check out this mountaintop theme park.
Anakeesta
SkyLand Ranch
Voted best new business for 2023, Sevierville's SkyLand Ranch is decked out for fall with some adorable photo opportunities around their theme park. Plan to spend a beautiful fall day surrounded by Smoky Mountain scenery while you enjoy live music, the petting zoo, and more fun family activities.
SkyLand Ranch
The Resort At Governor's Crossing
Guests staying at The Resort At Governor's Crossing this fall will enjoy some autumn festivities at the hotel's annual Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival celebration. The resort is decked out in themed decor for fall photos, and they offer fun fall activities like painting pumpkins, walking through a glowing night trail, and building spooky gingerbread houses.
Governor's Crossing
The Island
The seasonal displays at The Island in Pigeon Forge are always on point, making this location an awesome choice for fall photos this year. Consider staying in a nearby hotel and enjoying all that the area has to offer, or just plan a trip for the day. There's so much to do at The Island; it's a must-visit during the autumn season.
The Island
The National Park
Get out into nature and explore the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the most beautiful time of year. Late October is when fall colors peak, and just taking a drive through the scenery will provide you with plenty of options for photo ops. If you're willing and capable to venture out onto the trail, check out our list of top fall hikes.
GSMNP Fall Hikes
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Enjoy stunning views of Mount LeConte and the rest of the Smokies' grandeur from above at the fabulous Gatlinburg SkyPark. Their autumn decor will have you feeling as cozy as ever, and you'll get great photo ops left and right. Pose in front of the mountains or some of their gorgeous fall displays this season.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Country Barn Photo Park
Even if you miss out on peak fall color, you can still snag some great pictures for free at Country Barn Photo Park on the Pigeon Forge parkway. Stand on a haybale and pose in front of a massive Smoky Mountains-themed backdrop at one of the most instagrammable places in the area.
Country Barn Photo Park
Ober Mountain
It's hard to deny the gorgeous scenery at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg at any time of year, but at the peak of fall colors, the experience is epic. Face in any direction and you'll have a perfect fall photo backdrop behind you. Grab an all day adventure pass and get the best bang for your buck with tons of activities for all ages.
Ober MountainWhat are your favorite places to take fall photos in the Smokies? Tag us on Instagram when you post yours to share that sweet fall scenery. For more great seasonal suggestions, check out our fall guide, our blog on top ways to see fall colors and other great seasonal things to do this year.
