Fall is one of the very best times to visit Gatlinburg, TN! With comfortably cool weather, spectacular foliage, and a variety of fun events, autumn is absolutely idyllic in the Smokies. To help you make the most of your vacation, Chalet Village has put together a guide to planning your fall getaway at our Gatlinburg resort cabins.
1. Coordinate Your Vacation with the Changing Leaves
If you’re going to be vacationing in Gatlinburg this fall, you’ll want to time your trip so you see the changing leaves at their best. While it is difficult to predict exactly when “peak season” will arrive, there are some general guidelines that typically hold true.
The last two weeks of October and the first week of November usually offer spectacular foliage in the lower elevations of the mountains. As you drive around town or admire the views from your cabin, you will see plenty of reds, yellows, and oranges all around you.
Anyone who can’t make it to Gatlinburg during these weeks can still catch the fall colors in the higher elevations by visiting earlier in the season. The last week of September and the first few weeks of October are perfect for heading to Clingmans Dome for panoramic views of the colors.
(See Also: 3 Advantages of Staying at Our Cabins Close to Downtown Gatlinburg)
2. Choose the Right Cabin
Once you have figured out when you will be taking your fall getaway, it’s time to choose your cabin! Chalet Village offers a wonderful collection of vacation homes, each with its own unique design and amenities. For an autumn escape, you will want a cabin with mountain views, so you can enjoy the breathtaking foliage right from your deck. Our website allows you to search for Gatlinburg resort cabins with great views, or you can give our friendly staff a call to get a cabin recommendation.
3. Plan Scenic Hikes
With average highs in the low 70s, the fall is a wonderful time to go hiking in the Gatlinburg area. Since the autumn colors reach the higher elevations earlier in the season, certain hikes are more scenic depending on when you take them. Here is quick guide to popular fall trails and when the best time to hike them is:
- Mt. LeConte (mid – late September)
- Andrews Bald (mid – late September)
- Rocky Top (mid – late September)
- Spence Field (early – mid October)
- Sugarland Mountain Trail (early – mid October)
- Gregory Bald (early – mid October)
- Alum Cave (mid – late October)
- Charlies Bunion (mid – late October)
- Little River Trail (mid – late October)
- Schoolhouse Gap (early November)
- Abrams Falls (early November)
- Deep Creek Loop (early November)
4. Check Out Fall Events
Gatlinburg hosts a variety of excellent events during the fall! Here is a look at some of the things going on during the autumn months:
- Taste of Autumn (mid September)
- OktOBErfest at Ober Gatlinburg (late September – mid October)
- Ripley’s Fright Nights (October)
- Shocktober at the Gatlinburg Space Needle (October)
- Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (October)
- Chili Cookoff (early November)
To begin planning your fall vacation, browse our complete selection of Gatlinburg resort cabins!
