Top National Publication Recognizes Gatlinburg’s spectacular fall season, featuring breathtaking fall foliage and attractions for second consecutive year.

Gatlinburg has been named Best Place to Visit for Fall (2024) by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award program. Highlighted for its scenic fall foliage and unique attractions, the city was chosen as the premier destination for autumn travel, nominated by an expert panel and USA Today 10Best Editors. Gatlinburg was chosen among the national platform’s 5 million readers, voting in the city as a top fan favorite. This is the second consecutive year Gatlinburg has received this prestigious accolade.

Receiving national praise for its reputation as an epicenter for leaf-peepers and lovers of fall, the publication put Gatlinburg in the spotlight for its attractions and unique ways to enjoy the season’s natural beauty.  Surrounded by a tapestry of warm hues throughout the autumn months, visitors have endless opportunities to immerse themselves in the fall season through the town’s unique attractions, events, and more.

“Receiving this recognition from USA Today for a second year, is a tremendous honor,” says Chad Netherland, President and CEO of Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Celebrating the autumn season in Gatlinburg is a special experience, and one that we’re grateful to hear resonates with so many. We are thrilled to welcome and share a Smoky Mountain fall with visitors from across the globe.”

Offering one-of-a-kind ways to enjoy the great outdoors, Gatlinburg has an endless list of breathtaking vantage points check off your fall Gatlin-bucket list. Here are a few places offering spectacular viewing spots.

  • Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook: Just a short drive away on the Gatlinburg Bypass, visitors can admire the city with a stunning backdrop of Mount LeConte before entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • Anakeesta’s AnaVista Tower: The highest point in Gatlinburg, AnaVista Tower offers a 360-degree birds-eye views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Smokies.
  • Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway: On the two-mile trek to Ober Mountain, visitors can enjoy the spectacular sights of Mount LeConte, flying high above the trees from Gatlinburg along the ridges of Mount Harrison. This fall, visitors can enjoy a newly added ziplining experience. The Cloud Catcher features a starting point at over 3,400 feet in elevation and extends 3,200 feet, offering ample opportunity to catch one-of-a-kind views, and maybe even a cloud or two.
  • Gatlinburg SkyPark: Standing 500 feet above Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge offers a unique vantage point for thrill-seekers complete with glass bottom sections, peering down into the mountain ravine. Newly completed this year, visitors can completely immerse themselves in the fall foliage on the only hiking experience IN downtown Gatlinburg. The park recently opened Black Bear Pass, Bobcat Loop, and Towhee Trail, offering scenic overlooks and a haven into nature just feet from the bustling downtown Parkway.

As visitors prepare for fall break, a peaceful retreat into nature, or a weekend getaway, Gatlinburg has a full slate of seasonal events with interests for every member of the family:

  • Gatlinburg Harvest Festival: Mid-September – Late November
    • Abounding with the delights of fall, the city is dressed with life-sized pumpkin people, scarecrows, and an array of fun fall decorations. Don’t miss Instagramable moments found lining the downtown Parkway at every turn.
  • Anakeesta’s Bear-varian Festival: September 13 – October 31
    • Visitors can enjoy the stunning fall foliage of the Smokies surrounded by seasonal Bavarian-inspired eats, autumn-themed decoration, and live entertainment for every age. Locally made seasonal brews can be purchased with an additional add-on to general admission tickets for those 21 and up.
  • Ober’s Smoky Mountain Fall Festival: September 20 – November 3
    • Embodying fall family fun, Ober Mountain will offer live music daily along with locally made brews, seasonal fare, and special events including the Classic Country Hoe Down on October 12 and Giant Pumpkin Festival on October 12 and 13.
  • Autumn at the SkyPark: October 1 – October 31
    • The park will offer family fun throughout the fall season including face painting and balloon artists for kids and kids at heart each weekend, beginning October 1. Pairing nicely with the warm hues of fall, visitors can also enjoy the park’s Smoky Mountain Sunrise event each Saturday, welcoming a morning golden hour in Gatlinburg.
  • Ripley’s Fright Nights: October 4 – October 27
    • Ripley’s Haunted Adventure continues a quarter-century old tradition in the making, presenting their Fright Nights Show with the G & S Breakfast. Celebrating the incoming spooky season, visitors can experience the thrills and chills of Fright Nights on select days and times in October. 

For more information on Gatlinburg events, visit gatlinburg.com/events