Are you visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the fall and searching for the best things to do to enjoy the foliage?  Read our guide to explore the best of the Smokies in fall.

The leaves start turning color in the Smoky Mountains area in early October.

START YOUR TRIP AT THE SUGARLANDS VISITOR CENTER NEAR GATLINBURG

PANORAMIC VIEW

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Tennessee as well as in the national park.

PRETTY WATERFALLS

The park’s biggest falls are just stunning and waterfall hiking is a must experience in the Smokies.

ELK RUT IN CATALOOCHEE VALLEY

Cataloochee Valley is located in the North Carolina Smokies and is popular for elk watching.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN HARVEST FESTIVAL

The Festival lasts from mid-September to mid-November and has a variety of events to enjoy Autumn in the Smokies.

FONTANA LAKE

Take a fall foliage cruise on the lake. The lake looks especially lovely during fall when the surrounding trees are bursting with fall colors.

OKTOBERFEST

You can drink beer by the large mugs and eat German food including pretzels, schnitzels, bratwurst, and more at Ober Gatliburg during Oktoberfest.

SWIPE UP FOR MORE FUN THINGS TO DO AND SPECTACULAR SIGHTS TO SEE DURING A SMOKY MOUNTAIN FALL TRIP