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Gatlinburg, TN, has been a much-loved family destination for generations, but as this mountain town continues to grow, the list of must-see attractions grows with it. Whether you’re a fan of cozying up by a fire or enjoying sweeping views of fall foliage, here are five reasons you need to experience this magical mountain town in the fall!
5 Reasons to Visit Gatlinburg This Fall
Cozy Up in a Cabin
Few things are as cozy as curling up by a fire on a chilly fall evening. To make the most of your time in Gatlinburg, book a stay in one of the town’s many cabins or chalets. Stony Brook Cabins offers secluded rentals perfect for honeymoons, large gatherings, weddings, and more. Mountain Laurel Chalets has served Gatlinburg for over 50 years, providing cabins for every type of traveler. Whether you need one bedroom or seven, you’re sure to find the perfect place to accommodate your needs.
On the other hand, Mountain Shadows Resort & Rentals is just three miles from downtown Gatlinburg and offers a quiet-yet-luxurious getaway for families and couples. (SB Tip: We’ve only begun to scratch the surface on Gatlinburg cabins. To see even more cabins and chalets available for rent, visit gatlinburg.com.)
Enjoy a game night with family and friends at any of Gatlinburg’s cozy cabins or chalets.
Go Leaf Peeping
It’s no secret the Smoky Mountains is a highly sought-after location to take in breathtaking views of fall foliage. One of the most photographed places in Gatlinburg is the city’s scenic overlook. The area stands tall over downtown Gatlinburg and Mount LeConte and is easily accessible, right off the Gatlinburg Bypass. While the viewpoint is open year-round, it’s said that the best time to visit is during October and November.
If the weather is cold or rainy during your Gatlinburg vacation, don’t fret! You can still enjoy nature from within your car along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a 5.5-mile loop that is strictly for vehicles. If the weather turns warm and sunny, however, the trail also offers access to some of the Smokies most popular waterfall trails, including Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls. Not to mention Grotto Falls is the only waterfall in the Smokies you can walk behind, standing 25 feet tall. You can also find historic homesteads and the Place of a Thousand Drips along Roaring Fork.
Roaring Fork Motor Trail invites you to slow down and enjoy views of nearby streams, wildlife, and the changing fall leaves.
Another great place to take in views from the comfort of your vehicle is along Newfound Gap Road. As the lowest pass through the Great Smoky Mountains, the 31-mile road runs through lush forest with a variety of trees, including pine oaks, northern hardwoods, and spruce firs. The highest point reaches about 5,046 feet, so be sure to bring a sweater or jacket as the temperature is known to dip by about 10 degrees.
Enjoy Family Fun at Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a popular outdoor adventure hub among families, offering everything from zip lining to ‘chondola’ rides and treetop adventure courses. The destination is continuously evolving and adding exciting attractions to its lineup. In fact, AnaVista Tower opened just last year and offers 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains and the Vista Gardens below. As the city’s highest point, the tower sits 86 stories above ground and is an excellent place for aerial views of the Smokies and family photo ops.
If it’s a clear day, rumor has it that you can see all the way to Kentucky from the top of AnaVista Tower!
Suspended 50 to 60 feet above the ground, Anakeesta’s Treetop Skywalk is another unique way to enjoy spectacular fall views.
After climbing up and down the tower, you will likely have worked up a hearty appetite. Luckily, Anakeesta offers a chef-driven restaurant. Aptly named Cliff Top Restaurant, the eatery is located in Black Bear Village and overlooks Mount LeConte and the Smoky Mountains. Serving delicious American cuisine, guests can enjoy dishes like fried green tomatoes, burgers, steaks, and signature soups and salads.
The newest addition to Anakeesta is Astra Lumina, a one-of-a-kind attraction that allows travelers to walk under the stars. As the first event of its kind in the U.S., the enchanting night walk is an immersive experience that combines lighting, projections, and sounds. The event kicks off on Tuesday, November 1, and is part of Anakeesta’s Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased HERE.
Warm Up Indoors
The weather in the Smokies can be a bit unpredictable, but thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun indoors, too. The Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies is the perfect place to visit if you bring the kiddos. In downtown Gatlinburg, you can enjoy everything from a 5D moving theater to an oddities museum, mirror maze, mini golf, and more.
Explore the deep sea at the Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies, which offers encounters with penguins, sea turtles, stingrays, and more.
Adults can enjoy a libation or two at any of Gatlinburg’s distilleries. The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery (also known as “The Holler”) is the most visited distillery in the U.S. It offers all of the brand’s famous flavors, including Hunch Punch Lightnin’ and Banana Pudding Cream, and you can also enjoy a guided tour for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process. Be sure to also visit Ole Smoky’s Barrelhouse to enjoy authentic Tennessee whiskey!
Attend a Fall Festival
Be sure to plan your trip to coincide with the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival! The event was recently expanded to run from mid-September through late November, allowing visitors more time to visit the Smokies during the peak of the fall season. The free event includes plenty of autumn-inspired decorations, including life-size 3D scarecrows!
If you’re looking to get a head start on your holiday shopping, pay a visit to the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, which hosts artisans and craftsmen from all over the U.S. With over 200 booths, you can find everything from pottery to paintings, candy, photography, and so much more. The event takes place inside the Gatlinburg Convention Center and runs through Friday, October 30.
Another can’t-miss fall event is Ober Gatlinburg’s OktOBERfest. The Bavarian-inspired event returns this year for its 13th run and takes place from Friday, September 23, through Sunday, October 30. The celebration includes traditional folk dance performances from the Smoky Mountain Oompah Band, schnitzel and Bavarian beer, and many of Ober Gatlinburg’s beloved activities — including ice bumper cars, the ski mountain coaster, alpine slide, and more!
Soar 2,813 feet above sea level on Ober Gatlinburg’s aerial tramway!
Enjoy your fall adventures!
This article is sponsored by the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. All photography provided.
