The fall season is one of the best times to be in the Smoky Mountains. Whether it’s fall events, pumpkin picking, or leaf peeping, there are many fall things to do in Pigeon Forge. There is no better way to experience the splendor of the season than with a Smoky Mountain getaway. We bring together Pigeon Forge fall events, the best places to see fall colors, traditional fall things to do, & more. And don't forget to check out our other amazing Pigeon Forge travel guides!
Fall Features
Autumn At Anakeesta
Experience the many colors of Autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains from Gatlinburg's award winning outdoor family theme park this fall. Enjoy Bavarian themed food and drinks, games, and live entertainment. Stroll through Vista Gardens to enjoy some stunning pumpkin carvings.
Anakeesta Event
Scenic Helicopter Tours
Since 1972 the iconic Scenic Helicopter Tours has guided visitors high above the skies to experience the best sights of the Smokies. Be sure to book a tour to see the best of fall colors.
Scenic Helicopter Tours
Fall Festivals
One of the best parts about this time of year is the plethora of autumn activities being celebrated in so many different ways. Young adults may enjoy Gatlinburg's Oktoberfest, while younger children will love picking pumpkins at Kyker Farms. Stop by a bluegrass festival or peruse handmade goods at a craft fair.
Fall FestivalsThings To Do In
September
The 22nd of the month marks the first day of fall. As the leaves start to turn golden against the crisp blue skies, plan on some fun autumn outdoor activities to kick off the season.
Smoky Mountain Air Show
Sep 10-11
The legendary Blue Angels will be headlining this year's Smoky Mountain Air Show just west of Pigeon Forge at the McGhee Tyson Airport.
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Fall Rod Run
Sep 15-17
The area's largest and most beloved automotive event kicks off mid-September at the LeConte Center. This year's event features some unique show cars and even a special tribute to Smokey and the Bandit.
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Oktoberfest @ Peaceful Side Social
Sep 17
Come out and enjoy the first ever Oktoberfest at Peaceful Side Social in Townsend. The even features seasonal brews, classic German cuisne, live music, and competitive games.
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Pigeon Forge Bluegrass Festival
Sep 24
The Pigeon Forge Bluegrass Festival is a first-class production featuring an all-star lineup of some of the nation's top Bluegrass talent.
More InfoThe Shaggy Moose
Wake up and enjoy the taste of autumn at The Shaggy Moose in Wears Valley. In addition to their delicious breakfast served daily, they have an exceptional collection of fall themed coffees. Check out their pumpkin pie frappuccino, caramel pumpkin macchiato, or the simple pleasure of a hot chocolate. This delicious variety is available starting in August.
The Shaggy Moose
Fall At Kyker Farms
Sep 24 - Oct 30, 2022
The classic autumn activities at Kyker Farms are so much fun for the little ones. Enjoy the corn maze and hay ride before finding the perfect pumpkin. Explore the petting zoo, swing on a rope swing, and get plenty of adorable family photos.
Kyker FarmsAutumn Hikes in the Smokies
There is no better time to venture out into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park than the peak of fall colors in mid-October. Check out our top recommendations for fall hikes to enjoy.
Fall Hikes
Be Bear Aware
Did you know that the American black bear doubles its body weight before hibernation? During the fall season, bears are more active as they forage for food. Remember to enjoy from a distance and never feed the bears.
Things To Do In
October
If you're looking for a place to see some of the most beautiful fall colors in the country, look no further than the Smoky Mountains. Look for peak colors in mid-October. There are countless ways to enjoy them.
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
Oct 1-2
The annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is a fun event for adults, children, tourists and locals alike - and the cash prize makes it even better.
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Ribfest at Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud
Oct 1-2
The first annual Ribfest at Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud will host the best pitmasters in the country to compete for a cash prize.
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Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
Oct 13-30
A premier holiday shopping destination, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair features local artisans, live music, and unique goods.
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Pigeon Forge Halloween Events
Oct 1-31
If you're looking for a place to go trick or treating, pumpkin carving, or spooked senseless, check out our list of Halloween events.
More InfoChalkfest at The Island
Oct 9, 2022
Peruse the amazing chalk art at The Island in the crisp autumn air at Sevier County's one and only chalk festival. Chalkfest brings together professional and amateur artists alike to make concrete their canvas. This year's theme is adventure.
Chalkfest
Smoky Mountain Llama Treks
Stunning autumn scenery and loveable llamas make up this unique hiking experience with Smoky Mountain Llama Treks, and one of the best ways to see fall colors. You won't regret booking one of their three excursions this fall.
Llama Treks
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Make your way across the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. The SkyBridge at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park puts you 1,800 ft above sea level and right in front of Mt. LeConte - a sight to behold in its autumn foliage.
SkyBridge
Big Rock Dude Ranch
A great way to experience fall colors, horseback riding at Big Rock Dude Ranch is a thrilling activity for all ages. There's plenty of things to do: gem mining, a petting zoo, a fishing pond and more.
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Rocky Top Wine Trail
With five different wineries and countless flavor selections, the Rocky Top Wine Trail is an essential to-do for those over the age of 21. Your passport allows you to stop by each of the wineries for free tastings, unique activites and snacks.
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TopJump Extreme Arena
Need to get warmed up? TopJump is the best trampoline park in the area, and they've got everything from dodgeball, an indoor ninja park, kids play area, to virtual reality. The kids will have a blast on your next visit.
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Scenic Drives
Ready to see the best of the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out our list of the top scenic drives in and around the national park. These treks are one of the best ways to see fall colors in the area.
More InfoFall Features
Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort
Does it get much better than camping with Mount LeConte in the background? Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort has the newest accommodations and amenities set along a natural lazy river in the best location in the mountains. Choose a tent site or bring your RV.
Pigeon Forge Landing
Coasts & Goblins
Stop by Rocky Top Mountain Coaster on weekends in October for a special, spooky experience. The ride is made even more thrilling with incredible lights, goblins, ghouls and ghosts. Bring your friends and prepare for a scare!
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
Pink Jeep Tours
See the very best of the Smokies in all of the mountains' fall splendor with Pink Jeep Tours, voted Best Tours for 2022. They offer several different tour options to help you escape the hustle and bustle for premium autumn leaf-peeping and photo ops.
Pink Jeep Tours
Thanksgiving In The Smokies
Planning on spending this tasty holiday in the Smokies? Check out our guide on things to do during Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge as well as our list of restaurants with delicious specials for the occasion. We keep it updated as info becomes available.
ThanksgivingSeasonal Spirits
Seasonal Spirits
Click on a bottle to learn more.
Apple Raspberry Reserve
Apple Barn Winery
This classic from the Apple Barn is blended with raspberry juice for a medium sweet delicious flavor.
Old Apple
Tennessee Homemade Wines
A 100 year old recipe made from a combination of locally grown apples. This white blend is light, clean, and deliciously crisp.
Salted Caramel Moonshine
Smith Creek Distillery
The perfect combination of salty and sweet, with a nice smack in the face to finish.
Apple Whiskey
King's Family Distillery
This family recipe comes from two year old whiskey and natural apple flavors combined with cane sugar, hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and smoky caramel for a flavor described as excellence in a bottle.
Red Apple Hard Cider
Tennessee Cider Company
This traditional flavor made from a blend of tart and crisp red apples makes for a perfect refreshment in the autumn months.
Caramel Apple Whiskey
Junction 35 Spirits
Stop by Junction 35 at The Mountain Mile to try out their multitude of tasty fall flavors.
If you're interested in things to do in Pigeon Forge in October, we've got some spooky activities in the Smoky Mountains for you to try. But beware: these spooktacular adventures are not for the faint of heart. These attractions are open year round, but this is our favorite time to enjoy them.
The Haunting Of Hyde House
The elegant and mysterious Hyde House has sat vacant and deteriorating for many years. Local legend claims the mansion is cursed with tormented spirits haunting the hallways. When your group is abandoned by its tour guide, you will meet one of these ghostly residents: Little Isabella. You must solve her puzzles to finally free her from this earthly purgatory.
Enter If You Dare
Masters Of Magic
Have you ever been curious about the other side of magic? Enter the Realm of Illusions, where a legendary magician has invited you to participate in a magical challenge. You must solve an array of tricks and puzzles to progress through Reflecto's historic theater to find your way into this mystical realm.
Mystify
The Haunting
Your job in this spooky escape room is to decide whether or not the notorious Worthington Mansion is truly haunted by the rumored spirits and terrible secrets of its past. Your investigation will decide the truth; but don't forget - you can't escape until it does.
Escape
Mystery Mansion
The ruins of another old mansion sit abandoned by a reclusive and eccentric family. You've heard the rumors; there is a ghostly presence that looms over the old estate. You and your team must race against the clock to uncover the mansion's secrets before it's too late.
Break Out
Outbreak: Dread The Undead
Explore the remains of a destroyed laboratory where the DNA-altering experiments of biotechnology experts at the once notorious Chemacorp have gone terribly wrong. With the building on lockdown, you must fight your way through an army of the undead and avoid infection to find the exit.
Explore