Autumn Travel Tips in the Great Smoky Mountains
Ahh, can you smell it in the air? Autumn is here, and it’s the perfect time to dust off your maps, your hiking shoes, and your sense of adventure. The Great Smoky Mountains is awaiting your journey!
Fall is the perfect season for a road trip. Whether you want to travel for a week, or just enjoy a weekend getaway, there are so many things to do in the small, quaint mountain towns in the Smokies. From fun in Gatlinburg to the many Pigeon Forge Attractions for all ages, there is no end to enjoyable experiences in the Smokies.
Choose one or many ideas from our following list, and we know you will make memories for years to come. Grab your family, friends, or even just your bags and embark on an exciting trip, full of fresh air and inspiration!
One of the very best activities to put on your radar during your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains region is hiking! These mountains are full of wildlife, unique ecology, and beautiful views, and the best way to experience many of these is through exploring them on foot.
If you’re interested in hikes with a view, Andrews Bald and Chimney Tops are both excellent choices! The hikes are rather strenuous, but you will be rewarded with gorgeous vistas that take your breath away. Both of these locations are also wonderful choices for watching the sunrise or sunset with a loved one.
There are also many hikes that feature lovely waterfalls and rushing water in creeks and rivers. There is such a richness of life that exists near water, and the Great Smoky Mountain region delivers in spades. From great blue herons and kingfishers to salamanders and crayfish, a hike near water in the SMokies is a “must” for nature lovers of all ages. Hen Wallow Falls is a short day hike, 4-mile roundtrip through old-growth forest. It ends at a beautiful 95-foot waterfall! This is a perfect place for a picnic, or to enjoy a beverage with your sweetheart.
If you’d like to experience the magic of nature from a different perspective, there are also many activities for those looking for a thrill. Zip Lining is a fantastic way to experience the feeling of flight, zipping through the trees, and experiencing views that only birds and squirrels ever see.
There are many guide companies that also offer unique yours of the region, and several of them offer hikes taken on horseback! It’s a very romantic experience and can be enjoyed by couples, parents with kids, or whole families. And another of our favorite hiking experiences would be the Llama Tours! Imagine taking in the beautiful scenery from the side of an adorable llama. It’s hard to imagine anything more fun than that!
Adventurers come from all over the world to places like Gatlinburg, a quaint Tennessee town located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to see these natural wonders. Another important consideration for your trip is to decide where to stay. Do you want to “rough it” and experience camping in the forest? Or are you looking for a more posh and relaxing experience? The Great Smoky Mountain region offers both and everything in between!
Many travelers enjoy a combination of the outdoors and the comforts of home with cabin rentals on their trip to the mountains. Bluff Mountain Rentals offers vacation rental properties in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville. With a wide array of options, they are an ideal choice for anyone planning events as varied as weddings, anniversaries, family reunions, or weekend getaways.
Another excellent choice for cabin rentals in the Smokies is Auntie Belham’s Cabin Rentals. Offering their beautiful cottages, chalets, and cabins at prices even motels can’t compete with, a stay in one of their properties will provide a breath of fresh mountain air in every way.
Each of their Smoky Mountain cabin rentals includes a private hot tub on the deck, which is a lovely, relaxing experience at any time of the year. Start your day with coffee and a beautiful view, and end your day with a beverage and a soak while you watch the sunset. It doesn’t get any better than that!
For those wanting to enjoy a taste of luxury and pampering during their stay in the Smokies, one of the beautiful hotels in the region would be an excellent choice. Bearskin Lodge is a memorable establishment located adjacent to the river in Gatlinburg and offers world-class accommodations paired with thoughtful amenities.
They offer rooms with balconies, overlooking the fresh mountain streams, as well as suites with sweeping views of the city. Bearskin Lodge also boasts a gorgeous outdoor pool and a lazy river, perfect for your kid’s entertainment on a warm summer day while you relax with an adult beverage in the sun. In the winter, select rooms offer gas fireplaces, creating a nurturing environment to enjoy coffee and a good book while staying cozy at the Lodge.
The Historic Gatlinburg Inn is another well-loved and beautiful location to enjoy a getaway in the Smokies. Established in 1937, it has been a mainstay of Gatlinburg’s thriving travel culture since then! Mere steps away from world-class dining, shopping, and attractions, this beautiful hotel is also a short drive from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The rooms at the Historic Gatlinburg Inn range in size, including accommodations as diverse as two double beds, king beds, and also offers an assortment of specialty suites. It’s the perfect getaway for those traveling alone, as a couple, or in a family group.
As you can see, a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains this fall is the perfect place for a weekend getaway or a week-long road trip! Families with kids will find many activities to enjoy, and couples will discover many romantic vistas along the way. No matter what type of trip you plan, just make sure to approach every experience with an open mind and a sense of adventure. That will ensure that you take in every experience to the fullest, and make inspiring memories for years to come.
