Change is coming. You can feel it as subtle drops in the temperature bring a crispness to the air. A new season is upon us, and the Smoky Mountains are feeling it too. This time of year, Mother Nature transforms these ancient mountains, and they explode with fantastic fall colors. Deep greens turn to a stunning display of vibrant hues, and the mountains are covered in a blanket of reds, yellows, oranges, and golds.
Whether you’re taking a scenic drive or exploring a new hiking trail, you’ll experience autumn at its finest when you marvel at these bright and bold mountain views. Read on for ten of our favorite places to see the fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains.
Where to See the Fall Colors in the Smoky Mountains
The Smokies are filled with trees like birch, hobblebush, beech, and maple, which is what makes the fall colors here so incredible. In the higher elevations (over 4,000 feet), the leaves begin to change in mid to late September. Then they gradually cascade down the hillsides culminating in waves of colors that reach their peak vibrancy in mid-October to early November. Head to these top spots during the height of the season for the ultimate wow factor.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Hit the road in Western North Carolina and explore one of the area’s most famous stretches of highway. Winding through the mountains for a total of 469 miles, you’ll have plenty of overlooks to get out, stretch your legs, and take gorgeous photos that will be sure to light up your social media feed. The abundance of sugar maples along the way provides brilliant colors to admire. And if you want a closer look, pull over and hike a few of the trails along the way, like Graveyard Fields Loop or Max Patch.
Balsam Mountain Road
Veer off the Blue Ridge Parkway and explore Balsam Mountain Road, whose official name is Heintooga Spur Road. This scenic one-way drive boasts overlooks with stunning views of peaks and valleys that will leave you in awe. Weave along this stretch until the road becomes Straight Fork Road, which will connect you to Big Cove Road and get you back on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Clingmans Dome
With an elevation of 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which means it also has some of the best panoramic views for admiring the fall foliage. At this elevation, your best timing for seeing the most vibrant colors will probably be mid to late September. Drive up to Newfound Gap and then take Clingmans Dome Road to get to the parking area. The half-mile walk up to the top of the observation tower has plenty of places to get great snapshots, but make sure you actually go all the way to the top. You don’t want to miss the 360-degree views that will absolutely take your breath away. (Pro tip: dress in layers. At these heights, the temperatures can shift significantly!)
Newfound Gap
On your way back down from Clingmans Dome, take US Highway 441 to Newfound Gap. At 5,046 feet in elevation, this is the lowest drivable pass through the park and is the one of the first places the leaves start to change. The diverse ecosystem in this area boasts an incredible foliage palette that will leave you breathless. (Pro tip: hit the road early to avoid heavy traffic.)
Chimney Tops Trail
Just a few miles before the Newfound Gap overlook, you’ll find the Chimney Tops Trail. If you’re up for a challenging – yet invigorating – hike, this trail is worth it. You’ll climb 2 miles, gaining about 1,400 feet, and face a bit of a rock scramble at the end. But the views? Totally worth it.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
If you’re staying on the Gatlinburg side of the Smokies, hop in your car and take on the 5.5-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This one-way road is accessed by Cherokee Orchard Road, which has a must-see spot along the way. Visit the Noah “Bud” Ogle Cabin, a historic site with a walking tour of a late 19th-century log cabin and surrounding area. Once you’re on the Roaring Fork, you’ll take the winding loop that boasts ideal spots for marveling at unbeatable fall beauty. Get out of the car and stretch your legs on a self-guided 2.6-mile nature hike along the creek to Grotto Falls.
Rainbow Falls
What’s better than gazing at fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains? Seeing all the stunning colors PLUS a waterfall. Near the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, you’ll find Rainbow Falls. It’s a strenuous hike that follows LeConte Creek and crosses over several foot bridges, but the views when you get there are worth it. At 80 feet tall, Rainbow Falls is a breathtaking sight.
Laurel Falls
Another waterfall – also reaching heights of 80 feet – is Laurel Falls. Named for the mountain laurel that grows in the area, this waterfall can be accessed by a 2.6-mile paved trail located a few miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Early in the morning or late afternoon are the best times to visit if you want to get some amazing photos.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is one of the most popular spots in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a reason. While it is crowded (with traffic, it may take about four hours to make it all the way around the 11-mile one-way loop), the views are remarkable. Due to its lower elevation, it’s one of the last spots in the park to begin its fall transformation.
Abrams Falls
Located in Cades Cove is another picturesque waterfall surrounded by stunning fall colors. To get to Abrams Fall, take the Cades Cove Loop Road for a moderate 5-mile round-trip hike through a shady pine-oak forest. This waterfall may only be 20 feet tall, but what it lacks in elevation it makes up for in drama. A massive amount of water rushes over the rocks in a thrilling cascade that lands in a deep and mysterious pool of water at the bottom. The sheer volume of water makes this a dangerous area. So, no wading or rock climbing here. Just admire the awe-inspiring sight from a safe distance.
Where to Stay to See Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains
Because the fall colors in the Smokies are so inspiring, you won’t be the only one trying to get a great view. At the peak of the season in October, there will be a lot of traffic. Our advice is to just relax into it, embrace the slower pace, and make a fall getaway. If you’re looking to book a place to stay, check out our list of hotels, cabins, campgrounds and more accommodations.
