5 Best Places to See Fall Colors in the Smoky Mountains

Fall in the Smoky Mountains is one of our favorite times of the year! This is when the mountain’s leaves turn from deep greens to vibrant shades of reds, yellows, and oranges as far as the eyes can see. To fully enjoy this time of year, you need to go to one of the many scenic places where you can get the best view of the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains. From mountain tops to private patios, we have the perfect place for you to experience the fall colors this year. Check out these 5 best places to see fall colors in the Smoky Mountains:

1. Clingmans Dome

If you want to enjoy the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains from the top of a mountain but don’t want to go on a long hike, we recommend you visit Clingmans Dome. To get to the top, all you have to do is walk about half of a mile to the top of the observation deck. Now, we do want to remind you that the elevation gain here is pretty steep, so it is not a quick walk. However, the views are definitely worth it. From the observation deck at Clingmans Dome, you will be able to see a full 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains and the surrounding areas. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles in the distance. Since the elevation is so high here, it’s one of the first places where you can see the color changes in the Smokies!

2. Cades Cove

With over 2 million visitors a year, there is no doubt Cades Cove is one of the most popular areas in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, especially when it is time to see the fall colors. During this time of year, you and your family or group will especially love touring around the loop road. Don’t forget to park your car at one of the pull offs or at the visitor center and get out and walk around for a bit. You will love exploring the historic homesites and buildings throughout the area. Plus, you should bring your camera to capture the beauty of this area.

3. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

For a unique view of the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains, we also recommend you take a ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. The SkyLift carries you from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of Crockett Mountain. Once at the top, you’ll get off where you can see incredible mountain views on the SkyDeck. There are benches and other seating areas where you can stop and enjoy the view. Plus, if you walk across the SkyBridge, you’ll have a view unlike any other in the Smokies. This attraction is one of the the best ways to get a bird’s eye view of the fall leaves.

4. Anakeesta

Anakeesta in Gatlinburg is a great place to see the fall colors. You’ll ride to the top of the mountain on a chondola or ride on a jeep. Once you’re in Firefly Village, you can zipline down the mountain and see the incredible colors. If you aren’t into that much adventure, you can sit at one of the observation decks or walk through the Vista Gardens. The view of the mountains is beautiful from Anakeesta, and it’s a great place for seeing the colorful changes fall brings.

5. Your Smoky Mountain Cabin Rental

Hands down, the best place to see the fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains is from the private back patio or porch of your Smoky Mountain cabin rental. Not only can you and your loved ones sit back and enjoy the scenic views from the comfort of your back patio, you also get to experience all of the benefits of staying in a relaxing cabin rental during your stay. All you have to do is wake up, step outside, and you will be greeted with a beautiful mountain or wooded view wherever you turn!

We bet you can’t wait to start planning your fall trip to the Smokies! Click here to look at all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals for your fall vacation.