Summary
- Explore the Great Smoky Mountains by train for breathtaking views of the national park, Fontana Lake, and fall foliage.
- Take a scenic drive on the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop for stunning views of fall foliage and wildlife like deer and bears.
- Embark on beautiful hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains with over 150 scenic trails to choose from. Check the National Park Service website for trail maps and safety tips.
Spanning more than 800 square miles, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The most visited national park in the country, the Smokies are a subrange of the Appalachians Mountains and are home to some of the oldest mountains in the world, dating as far back as 200 to 300 million years.
Featuring an abundance of hiking trails, a diverse array of plants and animals, and a plethora of historic sites, the Great Smoky Mountains are an adventure wonderland. One of the best places to see fall foliage, here are some of the most beautiful attractions and places to visit in the Smoky Mountains that are deserving of a spot on an autumn bucket list.
10 Embark On An Old-Fashioned Train Ride
This fall, explore the Great Smoky Mountains by train. The historic freight railroad, which is based in Bryson City, North Carolina, is a quintessential autumn excursion.
Climb aboard for fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime views of the national park, Fontana Lake, the Nantahala National Forest, magnificent fall foliage, and much more.
- Address: 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713
- Cost: Prices range between $58 and $149
- Hours: Check the current train schedule
9 Take A Scenic Drive On Cades Cove Loop
Buckle up for one of the best Smoky Mountain scenic drives: the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop, which circles a remote valley nestled in the Tennessee portion of the national park. A drive around the loop gives visitors an excellent view of fall foliage and wondrous wildlife like white-tailed deer, black bears, and coyotes.
There are also a number of historic structures, including churches and log homes, and hiking trails along the route, such as the five-mile roundtrip hike to Abrams Falls.
- Address: Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882
- Hours: Open sunrise to sunset
Cades Cove Loop has vehicle-free access days each Wednesday from May 3 through September 27; however, the loop can still be explored via bicycle or on foot during these days. Consult the National Park Service's wildlife viewing tips before visiting; these include not feeding the wildlife and not approaching any animals, among others.
8 Tour Mountain Farm Museum
Featuring a collection of historic structures, including a log house, barn, and smokehouse, the grounds of the Mountain Farm Museum are the perfect place to see the region's breathtaking fall foliage and learn about its incredible history at the same time.
- Address: 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
- Hours: Open year-round from sunrise to sunset
7 Go For A Hike
Take in the autumn scenery by embarking on some of the most beautiful hikes in the U.S. From Andrews Bald and Rocky Top to Sugarland Mountain Trail and Little River Trail, there are more than 150 scenic hiking trails throughout the Great Smoky Mountains to choose from.
Visit the National Park Service's website for a park and trail map, the latter of which details all the region's official trails. Be sure to check the website for trail advisory alerts too, including closures, as well as hiking safety tips.
6 Behold The View At A Scenic Overlook
From the Newfound Gap Overlook and the Campbell Overlook to the Morton Overlook and Andrews Bald, there are a number of points of interest throughout the Smokies that are at high elevation, meaning visitors can marvel at the autumnal landscapes from high above.
5 See The Colors Of Autumn From The Water
Whether you opt to go canoeing, kayaking, or simply relax along the more than 240 miles of shorelines, Fontana Lake is a quintessential backdrop for viewing the fall foliage. Situated near Fontana Village, North Carolina, the Fontana Dam is also a sight to see.
There is a visitors center located by the Fontana Dam open from early May until late October.
4 Go Ziplining Above The Fall Trees
For a thrilling ride through the region's fall trees, ziplining is a must. A number of ziplining excursions can be found around the park, including Smoky Mountain Ziplines in Pigeon Forge, Legacy Mountain Ziplines and Wahoo Ziplines in Sevierville, and Climb Works Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg.
3 Rent A Cabin Near The Park
What better way to enjoy autumn than with a weekend in the woods? Although there isn't any lodging directly in the national park, there are more than 340 cabin rentals situated just outside of it, making for an idyllic mountain getaway.
Alternatively, there are a number of campsites within the park, including group campgrounds and horse camps. Visit the National Park Service's website for the complete list of campsites.
Advance reservations are required for all campgrounds. For the outdoor adventurers that opt for camping in the wilds of the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to follow the national park's campground regulations, which include proper food storage and rules for campfires.
2 See The Fall Colors At The Falls
Featuring more than 100 waterfalls and cascades, the Smokies are teeming with beautiful rushing waters, making them an ideal place to enjoy the autumnal scenery.
- For a complete list of notable falls, which include Grotto Falls, Abrams Falls, and Rainbow Falls, visit the National Park Service's website.
Keep in mind that sufficient rainfall is needed for abundantly flowing waterfalls and cascades.
1 See Panoramic Views At Clingmans Dome
One of the area's most popular overlooks is that of Clingmans Dome, which towers high above the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 feet, making it the highest point in the park.
For spectacular panoramic views of the entire area, head to the summit where the observation tower is located.
Visitors are advised to view the current weather forecast before making the trek up to the observation tower at the top because cooler temperatures (sometimes averaging 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the surrounding lowlands) and precipitation are common. The road leading up to the tower is closed seasonally, from around early December to late March.
The best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in fall involve getting outdoors and experiencing all the mountains have to offer!