Fall is one of the most popular times for visitors to travel to the Smoky Mountains. The vibrant autumn colors painted across the mountains attract tourists and photographers from across the country. It is a busy time of year, so here are five things to know before you go.
1. Peak Colors
Given vast differences in elevation, peak fall colors in the Smoky Mountains vary. Higher elevations, those above 4,000 feet, develop color much sooner. Expect more color in these areas to come out in early to mid-October. In lower elevations, colors arrive later and come to full fruition from mid-October to early November. Either way, there is only a span of three to four weeks to choose from.
2. Book Early
The window of opportunity for viewing fall leaves in the Smoky Mountains is short. With so many people hoping to see the best autumn offers in the Smokies, every kind of lodging books up early. Hotels and cabins in the surrounding cities or towns allow booking a year or more in advance. Campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park even fill up quickly. Don’t expect to arrive and book on a first-come, first-serve basis; make reservations as far in advance as you can.
3. Mountain Weather
Fall is a drier season in the Smoky Mountains, but snow could occur in higher elevations before November. Daytime temperatures can often reach 70 degrees, while evening temperatures fall to the 40s or near freezing by November. Bring a variety of clothes to stay comfortable. A light jacket may be suitable during the day, but heavier clothing will be required for crisp fall nights.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open all year and remains one of few parks that offer free access with no entry fee. The park can be entered primarily from Gatlinburg and Townsend, Tennessee, or Cherokee, North Carolina. Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap are popular places to view falls colors during the early weeks because of their high elevation. Visitors will also enjoy the scenic Cades Cove loop road during the later weeks in a lower elevation. Cades Cove and Smokemont campgrounds are open all year. Most other campgrounds are open through the end of October.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the country. It attracts an extremely high volume of visitors, especially during fall colors. As an alternative, there are several scenic drives to enjoy. The Blue Ridge Parkway begins at outside the park at Cherokee, North Carolina, and goes north into Virginia. Tail of the Dragon skirts the southern edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with an 11-mile stretch of 318 curves popular with motorcyclists. Slightly northeast of Townsend, Tennessee, the Foothills Parkway is a nice drive to see fall colors in the Smoky Mountains.
There may be no real way to enjoy fall colors in the Smoky Mountains in solitude. The trip is well worth it, though, especially when you are prepared for what awaits. Take time to enjoy the scenery and enjoy the events and festivals during the fall leaf season in the Smoky Mountains.
