There’s no denying the call of the Great Smoky Mountains in fall, and Gatlinburg offers bountiful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Crisp autumn air and gorgeous fall colors are medicine for the soul, whether you’re seeking serenity or adrenaline.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite fall activities to help you step into nature and choose your own adventure.

 

Immerse Yourself at Ober

Ober Tram in Gatlinburg

A bonafide classic, Ober Mountain invites guests to get up close and personal with the mountains. While many associate Ober with snowy slopes, we love it just as much for its non-icy offerings. Going up the mountain, the Scenic Chair Lift offers unprecedented views of technicolor treetops, while a bluegrass band awaits at the summit. Guests ages 5-and-up can take the Alpine Slide – or ride the Ski Mountain Coaster – down the Smokies to see fall foliage from a truly unique vantage point.

 

Get Active at Anakeesta

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Looking to take the intensity up a notch? Head over to Anakeesta’s Dueling Zipline Adventure to zip over 2,600 feet of fall vistas side-by-side with your family and friends. The Rail Runner coaster packs a thrill, whether you’re riding solo or in tandem with a little adventurer. Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the Treetop Skywalk, gem mining or navigating the Treeventure Challenge Course. Reflect on your day with seasonal sips and bites at one of Anakeesta’s outdoor dining spots.

 

Take a Swing at Ripley’s

Davy Crockett's Mini Golf

Join the club of mini-golf devotees who return to Ripley’s year after year. Autumn’s blue-sky days are the perfect setting for this quintessential family outing. Davy Crockett Mini-Golf transports visitors back to olden times of Tennessee hero Davy Crockett. With 36 holes of family fun, you can soak up the great outdoors while you practice your swing.

 

Hit the Trails – Or the Shops!

Downtown Fall

Whether your idea of a perfect autumn day involves winding up a mountain trail or ambling along the Gatlinburg strip, you’ll find plenty of options for getting your daily steps outside. By design, Gatlinburg is a pedestrian-friendly town, with shopping and dining options all along the strip. Our unparalleled proximity to the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park means you can go from shops to mountaintops in under an hour.

 

Save the Date for Fall Fun

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park Boo Bash: Through 10/31

Oktoberfest at Ober: Daily until 10/30

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure: October weekends & Halloween

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair: 10/13 - 10/30

Astra Lumina at Anakeesta: Starts 10/21

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff: 11/10

Veterans Day Celebration: 11/11