For Gatlinburg, TN, fall is the favorite season because the temperatures are cool, the air is full of sweet fragrances of nature, and the trees put up quite an exotic display of colors. In fact, in order to ensure that people don’t miss the fall colors of Gatlinburg, an annual forecast is released every year which informs people about when the colors will be at their richest.
Best Time to Visit Gatlinburg:
• Mid to End of October - For both the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg, the ideal time is traditionally during October, starting from mid-October and lasting till the end of it. This foliage forecast changes every year.
For instance, for 2014, October 10 to 27 is said to be the best time to visit Gatlinburg and see the fall colors in their full glory. Visiting Smoky Mountains during that time would be a treat for any tourist. Red Maple trees would turn bright scarlet, Black Maple would become golden yellow, Sugar Maple would turn orange red, Poplar would be golden yellow, Birch would be bright yellow, Dogwood would be an interesting purple red, Hickories would be golden bronze, and Oaks could be russet, brown or red.
Best Places to See the Fall Colors in Gatlinburg:
• Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway – This aerial tramway can house 120 people and will give you the most spectacular view of the fall colors without even leaving downtown Gatlinburg. You also get to enjoy snow tubing, snowboarding, water-skiing, lounges, restaurants, shops, chairlifts, water rides, black bear habitat, indoor ice skating and alpine slide in the amusement park.
• Gatlinburg Sky Lift – Another landmark in downtown Gatlinburg that offers a panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains and the little quaint town. It was built and opened in the 1950s but regular maintenance has ensured that while the sky lift remains as vintage looking as ever, it is completely safe for all visitors. The trip will begin with the Crocket Mountains and then go on to Little Pigeon River, Mysterious Mansion, Bear run and other mountains.
• Space Needle – This is the biggest attraction in Gatlinburg which rises over 400 feet and brings the entire fall of Gatlinburg to the observation deck. You will be spellbound by the 360 degree view of Gatlinburg resort and Smoky Mountains. It also includes an educational experience with free view finders. The biggest redemption center of the region is located in Arcadia which has all the redemption games and 2 playgrounds sprawled over 25000 feet. Don’t forget to visit the Flying Saucer Italian Bistro, The Mentalist show, Laser Runner, Hurricane Simulator and the gift store.
• Gatlinburg Bypass – National Park Service maintains this route that tracks around Mt. Harrison’s side and is 4 miles long. By taking this bypass, you could also avoid the traffic coming from or going to the national park. When you are coming out of the park and going in the direction of Pigeon Forge, you will get another spectacular overlook point to see Mt. LeConte and Gatlinburg.
• Mt. LeConte – Myrtle Point located on the east of Mt. LeConte is always the favorite spot of visitors to view the sunrise and sunset. There is a lodge on top of the mountain and if you happen to be enjoying the hiking trail offered by this mountain, that is where you can stay. The popular trails to LeConte include Alum Cave Bluffs Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail, Boulevard Trail and Trillium Gap Trail.
• Clingman’s Dome – You will be able to enjoy the spruce fir forest located at higher elevations and spectacular views of the mountain from Clingman’s Dome which lies at 6,643 feet. It is the highest point of the Smoky Mountains National Park and Tennessee. The summit of the dome hosts an observation tower where you will get a great view of the Smoky Mountains. If the day is clear, you might be able to see about 100 miles of area. Around the dome, coniferous rainforest thrives because of the cool temperatures of the area. Make sure to dress up in multiple layers and bring a shawl or jacket. There are many trails weaving in and around Clingman’s Dome for visitors to enjoy.
• The Chimney Tops – This trail is only about 2 miles long, starting from the national park and ending at the Chimney top but it requires a lot of caution and strength to complete. On your way, you will encounter glorious trees, streams and wildflowers and finally reaching the top of Chimney’s and the view you will get from there makes the effort worthwhile. The trail starts from the parking lot. You will see Eastern hemlocks, go through the Little Pigeon River, Beech Flats and Beech Flats Cove, and get a spectacular view of the Sugarland Mountain.
• The Appalachian Trail – This trail was finished in 1937 and is about 2,015 miles long, starting from Springer and ending at Mount Katahdin. It is sprawled across bits and parts of fourteen states. In the Smoky Mountains, the trail takes you through Charles Bunion and the fire clearings. At these clearings which are located above the steep slopes of the mountain, you will be able to peek down at the valleys, peaks, flora and fauna below. The trail has many overnight shelters with primitive bunks if you want to nap along the way.
• Cataloochee Valley – The valley has a lot of historical buildings including a school and two churches. If you are a fan of early 20th and late 19th century buildings apart from Gatlinburg’s fall colors, this could be just the place for you. There are 6000 feet peaks surrounding this valley. You can enjoy wildlife watching while you are here and might get to see an elk, deer, turkey and other wildlife. Fishing can also be done here after getting a license, and after advance reservation, they also allow group camping.
Other places you should visit if you want to enjoy all the beautiful fall colors of Gatlinburg are – Laurel Falls, Rich Mountain Road, Greenbrier, Foothills Parkway, Upper Tremont Road, Newfoundland Gap Road and Cades Cove Loop Road.
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