Fall time in the Smokies is an experience like no other! The fresh crisp mountain air, the crunch of colorful autumn leaves beneath your feet, and warm cozy cabins are unparalleled to anywhere else in the world. If you haven’t spent autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains, then you’re truly missing out! Don’t fret. You still have time to plan a last-minute weekend getaway, but you’ll need some help so you can come prepared. We have put together a vacation guide that includes everything you need to know before you start planning your trip this fall!
Fall Foliage Predicted Forecast
One of the most important factors about planning your trip is to make sure you plan it so that you don’t miss out on seeing peak fall foliage! Typically, peak season falls around the end of October and beginning of November. This year it is expected to follow a similar trend.
Forecast courtesy of Smokymountains.com
Just make sure you don’t wait too late! By November 16th, peak season will be over and you’ll have to wait until next year to see the fall colors.
Top 5 Things to Do this Fall
Now that you know when you should go, it’s time to figure out what you should do once you get here! There are hundreds of activities to keep you busy during your Smoky Mountain vacation, but we’ve chosen 5 of our favorites to share with you!
1. Check Out the Newest Adventure Park in Pigeon Forge
Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show, the most affordable dinner show in Pigeon Forge, and the Lumberjack Feud Adventure Park allows people of all ages to try their hands at being a real lumberjack! Side-by-side with a family member or a friend, you can compete in your own Lumberjack Feud. The adventure includes:
The Flying Ox — the world’s first and only cable-to-rail-zipline-roller coaster!
The High Woodsmen Challenge — a two-level adrenaline pumping ropes course!
Loggersports — compete in your own Log Roll, Boom Run, and Speed Climb (don’t’ worry, you’re harnessed in and can’t fall into the pool).
Timber Towers — featuring two unique 80-foot freefall jumps
2. Go Hiking
The Great Smoky Mountains contain over 800 miles of hiking trails. Not only is hiking a great way to view the colorful fall foliage, but it’s also completely FREE!
3. Celebrate Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg
Octoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg offers the best Bavarian fun, food, and music the Smoky Mountains have to offer! This event offers an array of time-honored traditions as well as tons of activities for people of all ages! Ober’s 10th annual Octoberfest runs through November 3rd.
4. Visit the Island
The Island in Pigeon Forge was named one of the best amusement parks in the nation and is one of the most affordable and fun attractions in the Smokies! The Island in Pigeon Forge offers so many ways to make some lifelong memories and the best part is that many of them won’t cost you a penny!
5. Admire the Great Pumpkin LumiNights
Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin Luminights returns this year for its 3rd annual appearance during Dollywood’s Fall Festival. This event features thousands of carved and illuminated Jack-o-lanterns, mindblowing pumpkin sculptures, whimsical fall scenery, and more family-friendly fun than you can imagine! This event runs through November 2nd.
We hope this blog inspired you to start planning your last-minute weekend getaway to the beautiful Smoky Mountains! What are some of your favorite fall activities to do in the Smokies? Tell us all about it! Shoot us an email to contact@cravegolf.com to leave us any feedback or to request any future blogs. Also, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to be notified when new blogs are posted.
