The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its grand and great beauty on the eastern side of Tennessee. It’s actually the most visited national park in the United States and remains popular for outdoorsy folk throughout the year. Of course, we have a feeling that if you plan your family vacation to the Smoky Mountains in the fall you just might have the best experience of the year. Here are a few reasons – ten, to be sure – that you may want to plan that vacation for October. Just a nudge in the right direction, folks.

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These are just a few of the reasons why it is great to visit the Smoky Mountains in the fall. You can learn more about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park right here. Happy exploring!

While you’re in the mountains, you just might want to experience the state in this unique, adventurous way

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Smoky Mountains in the fall

What are some things to do in the fall in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The fall colors everywhere explode in the canopy above you making the forest come alive with various hues of dying leaves. The cool air creates a crip and welcome reprieve from the gurgling hot summer heat. The leaves make a delightful crunch under your hiking boots as you traverse the land. The Great Smoky Mountains is such a wonderful national park but really does feel different in the fall. You will want to take full advantage of the wonderful views that can be found in the most visited national park in the united states. So here are a few suggestions to take you on the autumn adventure of a lifetime. If you want to stay in your car, make sure to head to Townsend for a loop around the one-lane road of Cades Cove. The colors make this loop come alive more than you have ever seen it before. If you have time, take a drive down The Foothills Parkway. This scenic byway will give you sweeping views of the mountains in every direction. Head on up to Clingmans Dome to get an unobstructed view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the highest point in the park. Take in a nice hike to Grotto Falls, or Laurel Falls to see those beautiful waterfalls. A nice little jaunt out to Cataract Falls would be a simple way to explore the woods. If you are close to Gatlingburg walk along the Gatlingburg trail to follow the peaceful Little Pigeon River. Or simply sit out on the rocks listening to a babbling brook off of the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. The possibilities are endless but don’t just take our word for it -- go visit the park during the fall. 

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