
Fall is right around the corner! Fall travel is so enjoyable for so many reasons, and if you’ve felt cooped up over the summer, a breath of fresh air could be exactly what you need. And for all of us who love cooler days, bright blue skies, and beautiful foliage, it’s the perfect time for a road trip.
Taking a long drive through the Great Smoky Mountains can be the perfect getaway during the fall. Not only does this area boast beautiful scenery, but there are many fun activities to enjoy in the Smokies during the Fall! Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg entertainment offer fun for all ages, from music and art to hiking and adventure.
Take a look at our list to find your next great fall activity in the Great Smoky Mountains. The time is ripe for adventure – grab a friend or a few loved ones and hit the road for a spontaneous road trip this weekend!
Hiking Trails are plentiful in the Great Smoky Mountains, and you can spend an entire week hiking and exploring the unique ecosystems from sunup to sundown, However, with so many to choose from, selecting the right one can be a challenge!

Chimney Tops is a wonderful hike for those looking to enjoy a beautiful view of the Smoky Mountains. This is a more strenuous hike, so families with older children are recommended to enjoy this hike with adequate preparation.
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.
Alum Cave Bluffs is a wonderful 5-mile roundtrip hike that passes through some of the unique ecologies in the region. On this trail, you’ll see groves of mountain laurel and rhododendron, as well as a high-elevation bald.
There are many great resources for planning safe, enjoyable hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. With a little research, you can easily find the information you need and before you know it, you’ll be hitting the trail!
Llama Tours are one of the newest excursions available in the Sevierville area!
For animal lovers in your family, this is an unforgettable experience that combines beautiful mountain scenery with up-close-and-personal encounters with adorable llamas.
This is an activity best suited for families with older children, as those who are comfortable walking on their own and interacting with large animals are able to enjoy this experience to the fullest.

Zip Liningis an incredibly fun and exhilarating experience that’s finding popularity in the Smokies! And for good reason – there’s nothing like feeling the wind on your face as you enjoy a true “bird’s-eye view” of these unique and amazing mountains. Children of all ages can enjoy Zip Lining adventures, but typically independent kiddos over the age of 9 fare best on these adrenaline-rush day trips.
Whitewater Rafting has been on the radar of adventurous families for many years, and the rivers the Great Smoky Mountains offer a truly unique way to enjoy this empowering activity. There are few ways to bond more deeply with your family than attacking a visceral experience like this!
A cabin rental would be just the ticket for those looking for the latter in terms of a vacation experience. 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.
Auntie Belham’s Cabin Rentals is a staple for travelers in the Smokies. 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 the Smoky Mountain rental cabin 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.