Top 4 Places to See the Spectacular Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains
Autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains is a great time to visit, as the mountains come alive with a vibrant display of fall colors! There is nothing quite like the visual feast of the leaves changing into beautiful patterns of red, orange, and yellow across the already scenic landscape, so be sure not to miss this special time of year! While you can enjoy these magnificent colors virtually anywhere in the area, there are a few destinations that are particularly recommended! Here are the top 4 places to see the spectacular fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Kuwohi Road
Kuwohi Road is perhaps the ultimate “leaf peeping” sight in the Smokies, as this 7-mile scenic road leads to the highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! At the end of the road, you’ll find an observation tower where the views can expand for more than 100 miles on clear days! Kuwohi Road is an excellent choice for those visiting towards the beginning of the fall foliage season, since the leaves start to change at the highest elevations first! Keep in mind that the temperatures at the peak can be 10-20 degrees cooler than the lowlands, so dress accordingly!
2. Newfound Gap Road
Another one of the top places to see the spectacular fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains is Newfound Gap Road, which travels from Gatlinburg to Cherokee at high altitudes for premium leaf viewing! While cruising along the winding road, you’ll find plenty of scenic overlooks where you can stop to admire the views, as well as picnic areas where you can enjoy a delicious lunch among the stunning mountain backdrop! Newfound Gap Road also features some excellent hiking trails along the route, providing some fun opportunities to stretch your legs!
3. Cades Cove Loop Road
While Cades Cove Loop Road is popular all year long, it is especially magical during the fall foliage season! This 11-mile, one-way loop road winds through a picturesque valley with open fields, fascinating historical structures, and dense forests, all set against a breathtaking backdrop of colorful trees! As a bonus, Cades Cove is also one of the best places in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for wildlife viewing, so keep your eyes open for black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and other critters!
4. Alum Cave Trail
If you prefer to see the gorgeous leaf colors on foot, the Alum Cave Trail offers a perfect hiking opportunity among the fall foliage! The trail features an elevation change of 1,200 feet, allowing you to experience a range of autumn colors along the way. It also offers diverse landscapes and geological formations, such as Arch Rock and the Alum Cave Bluffs, to enhance your hiking experience! While most folks turn around to head back to Alum Cave Bluffs, you can opt to continue for another 3.2 miles to the summit of Mount LeConte for some incredible views!
After spending your day enjoying the gorgeous fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains, come on over for an evening performance of our award-winning country music show in Pigeon Forge TN! We look forward to seeing you soon!
