Fall is a beautiful, and busy, time in the Great Smoky Mountains. With the Blue Ridge awash in a patchwork of yellows, oranges and reds, the last three weeks of October draw visitors from near and far to peep the main event. Grab your favorite cozy sweater and pumpkin spice latte and head for the hills: Here are some of the best places to catch the leaves turning in the Smokies.
Looking to leaf peep along the Blue Ridge? Look no further than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, consistently one of the most visited National Parks in the country. Avid hikers won’t want to miss a trek to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies, at 6,643 feet.
Not up for the ascent? Drive Newfound Gap Road to the parking area and walk the half-mile path to the observation tower. There, you’ll find stunning panoramic views and on a clear day, you can see over 100 miles, across seven states. Pro tip: Pack a jacket. Temperatures here can be up to 20 degrees cooler than in the surrounding lowlands.
For another worthy hike, check out the Chimney Tops Trail, a challenging climb that gains 1,400 feet over 2 miles. This route is no easy feat, but the views at the top are well worth the effort.
Parks aren’t the only way to catch the fall colors in Pigeon Forge. Home of country star Dolly Parton, the area also offers the annual Dollywood Harvest Festival. This fall favorite draws a huge audience, not only for its carved pumpkins and apple-spice flavors, but for its position, nestled in the colorful east Tennessee valley.
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One of the most charming mountain towns in North Carolina’s High Country, Banner Elk is an ideal spot for fall leaves. For the perfect panorama, head over to Grandfather Mountain and take in views from the mile-high swinging bridge. The Profile Trail at Grandfather Mountain State Park offers great views (its trailhead is on the outskirts of town).
To peep the leaves from a lower vantage point, rent a kayak or canoe on Wildcat Lake or hit some of the other popular hiking trails around town, like the Rough Ridge trail, which rewards with views of Grandfather Mountain and the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct.
On the third weekend in October, Banner Elk’s famous Woolly Worm Festival draws visitors from near and far to take in some of the local arts and crafts. If you’re in town to see the leaves, try to time it up to catch this fall favorite.
Traveling with kids? For a dose of autumn color, with a side of adrenaline, head over to the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster.
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Fall in Hendersonville is filled with activity, from apple picking to wine tasting and strolling along the many park paths.
Hendersonville is home to the Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA wine designation. Wind down as you sip and swirl at Burntshirt Vineyards. In these valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find some of the best views of the trees as they put on their annual show. For expansive views from the top down, grab a glass at Point Lookout Vineyards. Stay into the evening for a stunning sunset.
For views infused with film-worthy water features, Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls (featured in The Hunger Games), both located in DuPont State Recreational Forest, won’t disappoint. Hikes through this lush park create an immersive fall experience, complete with crisp air and colorful leaves. Looking to stay closer into town? About 5 miles outside of Hendersonville on Laurel Park Highway, Jump Off Rock provides a great vantage point.
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