Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting | 5 Fantastic Reasons to Visit in Fall

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a quaint mountain town near the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains. It offers a refreshing escape surrounded by whimsical woods that light up in vivid red and orange hues during the fall season. 

As such, it not only becomes a wonderful sight but also a playground for adventurers and explorers. From the autumn foliage to the festivities and seasonal specials on Gatlinburg cabins, here are the top reasons to visit Gatlinburg in the fall.

So, if you were unsure about visiting Gatlinburg and if fall is the best time to go, these reasons might convince you to start planning your trip.

Photo by Jessa Leigh from Pexels 

It’s the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an oasis of lush forests, waterfalls, streams, year-round wildflowers, and roaming wildlife. Straddling the North Carolina and Tennessee border, this massive ecosystem offers mesmerizing views, exciting trails, and opportunities to spot wildlife. 

And guess what? Gatlinburg is the gateway to this breathtaking national park. You can drive from Gatlinburg to the Great Smoky Mountains in under 15 minutes. When planning a trip to the Smokies, it’s convenient to make Gatlinburg your base, thanks to its proximity and abundant accommodation options.  

Not only do you get to explore the Great Smokies, but you’ll also get a chance to experience a snug and charming mountain town. It’s a win-win situation and one of the main reasons why Gatlinburg is worth a visit.   

Also read: Experience the ultimate travel bucket list. 

Image by Becky from Pixabay

You’ll Witness the Magical Colors of Fall

The fall season in Gatlinburg happens between mid-October through to early-November. This period is considered one of the town’s peak seasons, as many visitors flock here for leaf peeping. Set against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, the fall foliage is at its zenith, allowing you to admire this gorgeous scenery in person.  

Plus, the hectic crowds from summer calm down a bit, but not completely, as the weekends in October still draw many visitors. You can chase the fall colors by going on scenic drives, visiting the many overlooks, and hiking the trails in the Smokies.  

The Smoky Mountains National Park spans a vast 800 square miles and is filled with stunning views and fall leaves. Some of the best scenic drives include Cades Cove Loop Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Amazing lookout points include the Space Needle, Gatlinburg SkyPark, Gatlinburg Bypass, and Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. 

If you want to see the fall foliage on foot, you’ll have plenty of hiking trails at your disposal. Old Sugarlands Trail, the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap, and Baskins Creek Trail are the best trails for fall views. 

You Won’t Miss All the Autumn Fairs and Festivals

What’s another compelling reason to be in Gatlinburg in the fall? That’s right, the festivities and good vibes. While most small towns become sleepy during fall, Gatlinburg awakens with a festive energy that’ll make you come back every year. 

As you enter Downtown Gatlinburg, you’ll be greeted with a lavish display of fall decorations to kick off the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. It’s a 12-week celebration taking place from September through October/November to fully embrace and celebrate the harvest season. The festival features music, amazing local food, art, and family-friendly activities.  

Go on a scarecrow scavenger hunt, sample seasonal treats at the various restaurants, and admire the local arts and crafts. The smell of pumpkin spices and the sound of Southern mountain music fills the air as you absorb the cheerful atmosphere. This festival alone will keep you entertained for days, but in pure Gatlinburg fashion, there’s more to look forward to.  

Image by jacqueline macou from Pixabay

The Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg allows you to experience an authentic German festival with your friends and family. Staying true to its roots, the Gatlinburg Oktoberfest features Bavarian-style food, drinks, costumes, folk dancing, and music. The merrymaking begins each day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm from Friday, September 27, through Sunday, October 20, 2024.

Indulge in special Oktoberfest Biers (beer) along with classic dishes such as German wurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, strudel, pretzels, and more. Don’t miss the fun activities like the Giant Pumpkin Carving Festival, pedal biking around a hay track, and solving the hay maze, among others.    

Note: Oktoberfest has been rebranded as the Fall Festival at Ober Mountain.  

Lastly, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair, hosted at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, is another festival you don’t want to skip. Taking place from October 3 to October 20, 2024, this fair will host artisans and craftsmen from all over the nation. It’s an indoor/outdoor event with a whopping 200 stalls featuring unique, hand-crafted items. 

This is a great way to collect one-of-a-kind souvenirs while appreciating the hard work and effort being put into creating various artworks, pottery, jewelry, candy, and more.  

Image by Aaron Washington from Pixabay

The Weather Is Perfectly Pleasant

Gatlinburg usually starts out with lovely warm weather in September, reaching highs in the 80s before cooling down to the mid-50s and dropping to the low 30s towards November. Generally, the weather is humid but cool, which is ideal for exploring the top attractions and activities.   

You’ll feel quite comfortable, not too hot, and not too cold. So, weather-wise, fall is a really cozy time to visit. Lastly, pack in some sweaters and a light rain jacket for the chilly nights and occasional rain. 

You Can Get Lucky With Cabin Rental Specials

Another stellar reason why fall is an excellent time for a Gatlinburg visit is the seasonal specials on cabin rentals. Many cabin rental companies around the Gatlinburg area offer amazing discounts and specials throughout the year. 

So, if you frequently check out their websites, you’ll come across seasonal specials that can save you some money on your trip.  

Hey there: If you plan on traveling to Gatlinburg alone, check out these amazing perks of solo travel.

Image by Fernando González from Pixabay

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions if you want to know more about Gatlinburg. 

How Many Days Are Enough in Gatlinburg?

Three days or a long weekend should be enough time for the most popular experiences, restaurants, and attractions. But, if you can stay for a week, definitely do so.  

Which Is Better, Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?

The difference between the two towns lies mainly in the amenities and activities. Gatlinburg is more about nature and the great outdoors, while Pigeon Forge offers both a small-town and upscale experience.