Discover Gatlinburg’s Vibrant Fall Color Spectacle

The Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains Features Unmatched Fall Foliage

GATLINBURG, TENN. – Nature’s annual kaleidoscope of color will visit the Great Smoky Mountains this year with great vigor. To help travelers know where the best leaf viewing is at any given time during the season, Gatlinburg has added a new fall foliage page to www.eventsgatlinburg.com. This web page chronicles the descent of full-fledged color from the highest elevations of the Smokies in September to the climax of the color in November and even suggests walks, trails and short drives to take for the best viewing potential. Gatlinburg is known as the Gateway to the Smokies because it is uniquely surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is known for its fantastic palette of fall foliage.

“The colors of the mountains in fall take your breath away,” said David Perella, executive director of the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism. “Gatlinburg is the perfect vacation location in the fall as it offers travelers the natural beauty of the Smokies and the comfort and convenience of dozens of accommodations, attractions and dining options.”

Mother Nature begins to paint the mountains with vivid shades of red and electrifying orange, with sprinklings of gold and bright yellows, typically at the end of September.  The changing color begins at the highest mountain peaks and slowly migrates down to the lower elevations, extending fall color for weeks.

There is no way to predict the exact start or end of the autumn leaf season. Peak viewing takes place in the mid-elevation levels (2,000 – 4,000 ft.) of the Smoky Mountains and typically reaches a crescendo during the last two weeks of October and often several days into November. This translates into a fall color season that spans an average of seven weeks.

“If the weather pattern of warm days and cool evenings continues, the trees should be in relatively good health to display beautiful leaf colors,” said Dr. Larry Tankersly, extension forester for the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. “I expect the yellow-poplar, blackgum, sugar maple and red maple trees to deliver some very deep, dramatic colors in Gatlinburg during the fall.”

Gatlinburg is the Southeast’s premier fall color destination, offering something for all ages.  Family-friendly and affordable, this walkable community nestled in the foothill of the Appalachian Mountains provides the perfect setting for fall vacations. Groups, families and couples will find something spectacular to their liking.   

Below are a few events taking place this fall in Gatlinburg:

Old Fashioned Wagon Rides (September 1 – November 30)

Downtown Gatlinburg

As fall turns to winter in the Smoky Mountains, take this fun-filled family-friendly trek through downtown Gatlinburg on a wagon ride! Wagon rides depart from traffic light #6 at Mountain Mall from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and last for 45 minutes.

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival (September 19 – October 31)

Arrowmont, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza and Downtown Gatlinburg

Features fall decorations, old fashioned wagon rides, events, entertainment and local craft exhibits.  Third-generation artisans and storekeepers match the beauty of the autumn palette by carrying the same colors into elaborate storefront decorations, turning Gatlinburg into a promenade of Smoky Mountain sights.

Taste of Autumn (September 18)

Gatlinburg Convention Center

The Gatlinburg Convention Center welcomes you to sample a variety of signature dishes from over 30 of the area's finest restaurants and eateries. Enjoy live entertainment and a live auction with proceeds benefiting the United Way of Sevier County.

33rd Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (October 9 – 26)

Gatlinburg Convention Center

Voted one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society for seven years in a row, the Gatlinburg Craftmen’s Fair features 180 booths showcasing some of the nation’s finest artisans and their works. Come to the Gatlinburg Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg to view numerous craftspeople demonstrating their skills, answering questions, and offering unique art for sale.

19th Annual Winterfest Kickoff & Chili Cookoff
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