Fall Festivals
Back to Top of List
There’s no faster track to get in the Smoky Mountain groove than at a fall festival in Gatlinburg. Mountain culture shines bright in festivals, lifting the spirits and setting the mood for your getaway. USA Today loves the classic Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain for its live music, specialty food, outdoor adventure and movie nights. Keep the mountaintop experience going at Autumn at Gatlinburg SkyPark, with their pop up events and live music. Anakeesta serves up a taste of Germany at its Bear-Varian Fall Festival, with seasonal décor, Bavarian foods and craft brews. All over town, the Gatlinburg Harvest Festival decks out the city of Gatlinburg in harvest flair.
Fall Food
Back to Top of List
Autumn in Gatlinburg delights all the senses—and that includes taste. Sample for yourself, sinking into delectable fall donuts and sipping a seasonal cup of joe. Maddog’s Creamery & Donuts apple fritters and maple bacon donuts speak for themselves, while Coffee & Company combines the classics with maple pancake latte and apple pie macchiato coffees. Mountain-style apples are candy or caramel dipped, and Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, Aunt Mahalia’s Candies and Glades Homemade Candy serve them up daily. Put a fork in a seasonal stack of pancakes. Hot picks are cinnamon harvest multigrain pancakes at Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin, spicy apple French toast stacks at Log Cabin Pancake House and cinnamon roll swirl pancakes with pecan-smoked bacon at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp. A classic pile of pumpkin pancakes at Pancake Pantry is a plateful of comfort, guaranteed.
Fall Colors
Back to Top of List
Mountaintops brimming with autumn’s display of kaleidoscope treetops is what Gatlinburg is known for this time of year. Buckle up for a scenic drive through the Smokies to see why people have come here for generations. We’ve rounded up the top spots to view Gatlinburg’s fall colors firsthand to help you plan ahead. Lace your hiking boots and hit the trails to immerse yourself in fall forest splendor. Plan your getaway at prime fall foliage time with the help of our annual color report.
Fall Activities
Back to Top of List
Gatlinburg’s finest version of fall is scenic, sumptuous – and a little bit spooky. Whether you prefer to stay cozy by the fire or go explore haunted houses, you’ll find your sweet spot in Gatlinburg. With crisp mountain air and the year’s finest foliage display, it’s the perfect time to get back to nature by renting a cabin or chalet. Ready to step out of your comfort zone? Appalachan Ghostwalks will put a chill up your spine, as do the Mysterious Mansion and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure and Fright Nights. Luckily, the horses at Sugarlands Riding Stables don’t spook easy and are ready to saddle up all season. Prefer a higher-flying punch of adrenaline? Clip in for ziplining at Ober Mountain.
Fall Crafts
Back to Top of List
Gatlinburg’s makers hone their crafts all year long, from artists at easels to artisans making wares. Every fall, they come together to celebrate their handiwork in events you don’t want to miss. The annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair brings makers of all kinds together every October. In November, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Thanksgiving Show showcases handmade items from this one-of-a-kind community of creatives.
