7 Ways to Make the Most of Fall in Gatlinburg

The City of Gatlinburg knows how to celebrate a season, and autumn is no exception. From mid-September through late November, Gatlinburg will become populated with three-dimensional, life-sized scarecrows during the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. Visitors are encouraged to photograph the creations and vote for their favorites – no straw polls here!

Craftspeople and artisans from throughout the U.S. will fill 150,000 square feet of the Downtown Gatlinburg Convention Center with booths boasting unique handmade wares at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. Set for October 5-22, the fair will be open daily 10am-5pm, with admission including live musical performances and a Kids Corner with free DIY crafts.

Level up your burger in Gatlinburg and enjoy more than a delectable dish. GatlinBURGER Week, September 17-23, rallies local restaurants to upgrade the humble patty. Order the special “off the menu” burger at participating restaurants and log your meals to earn fun prizes. Download the Visit Gatlinburg App and use the GatlinBURGER passport to plan your culinary adventure today.

Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain entertains the whole family at a new elevation September 29-October 28. The Full Moon Concert Series will feature live local music in the Ober Mountain Special Event Lounge, while outdoor fun reigns for kids of all ages. Play on hay structures, catch a Friday night fall flick, ice skate to a DJ’s tunes and eat (and drink!) your fill of seasonal flavors.

Amber leaves on Smoky Mountain ridges beckon guests to tuck into nature’s depths for a truly immersive getaway. Luckily for Gatlinburg visitors, there’s a wide range of lodging for parties of all sizes. Book a cabin for a large group getaway or delight the young at heart at Treehouse Grove or go glamping at Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort.

Some things must be witnessed firsthand to be fully appreciated – and that’s true of autumn sunrise in the Smokies. Recognizing the significance of this splendor, the folks at Gatlinburg SkyPark are offering VIP access take in Gatlinburg’s best sunrise views, Fridays October 6-27. Spots are limited, so book your tickets early to enjoy live music, donuts, a souvenir mug and a free cup of coffee while soaking up sunrise.

Whether your cup of tea is cider or coffee, moonshine or beer, Gatlinburg’s seasonal flavors will satisfy. Far beyond pumpkin spice, the flavors of the mountains have been perfected year after year – all for your enjoyment. Tennessee Cider Company, Tennessee Stud Cider, Ole Smoky Distillery, Coffee & Company and Gatlinburg Brewing Company never disappoint.