There are so many amazing things to do in the Smokies. We’ve narrowed it down to the ultimate list of must-dos in the Smoky Mountains in the fall. The Great Smoky Mountains is a dazzling mountain range along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. These regions are known for their diverse flora and fauna, beautiful natural settings and plentiful outdoor activities visitors can enjoy.
The fall season is considered the best time to visit Smoky Mountains. The sights are stunning, the weather is comfortably breezy and the spectacular fall foliage can be seen all around you! In other words, you have to see the Smoky Mountains in the fall.
If you are wondering what fall activities are most popular in the region, check out the list we have compiled below:
See Elk At the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Elk like to graze when the weather cools down, particularly during the fall season. If you visit the Oconaluftee Visitor Center during the early mornings or a few hours before sunset, you will spot them grazing out in the large fields. Plus, if you are traversing across the 1.5-mile Oconaluftee River Trail, you may even spot elk in the water and on the trail.
Fun fact: elk were close to extinction in the Smoky Mountains around 200 years ago but were reintroduced to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2001. Since then, their herds have multiplied and offer excellent viewing of them living their best! Seeing the elk is one of the top things to do in fall. Here’s more details on where!
See Elk At Cataloochee Valley
Besides the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, you can also view elk grazing in the Cataloochee Valley in the southeastern section of the Smoky Mountains National Park. This valley is one of the most common areas where elk are found.
Also, the National Park guidelines state that people must stay at least 150 feet away from wildlife at all times. While elk don’t shy away from humans, they are stunningly heavy (usually more than 400 pounds). A close encounter could very well leave you injured if the animal gets distressed.
Deep Creek River Trail for Three Waterfalls
The Deep Creek Trail is located within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It’s just a few miles north of Bryson City! This trail is popular for swimming and tubing throughout the summer but is visited just as much during the fall. The best part about this trail is that it will take you through three waterfalls.
The trail stretches for 4.6 miles, following the Deep Creek upstream. You can also choose to take the 3.4-mile loop trail. The looped trail will take you through the 80-foot Toms Branch Falls, the beautiful 45-foot cascading Indian Creek Falls and the 90-foot Juney Whank Falls.
Drive Newfound Gap Road
Want to enjoy the best of the Smoky Mountains in fall? One of the best ways to enjoy the fall scenery surrounding the Smoky Mountains is to go for a drive on the Newfound Gap Road.
The Newfound Gap Road will take you from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee in North Carolina, offering you breathtaking views along the way. The road spans a total of 33 miles and is a great way to stop by at the overlooks surrounding the mountain range.
Visit Clingmans Dome
If you hope to catch mesmerizing fall foliage sights, we recommend visiting the Clingman’s Dome. This dome marks the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, rising to an elevation of 6,643 feet.
The summit at the Clingman’s Dome includes an observation tower offering panoramic views of the Smokies and beyond! To reach the tower, you must traverse a steep half-mile walk. It is the best place to observe fall colors in Smoky Mountains.
Note: the hike is pretty strenuous and cannot be crossed by wheelchairs, nor is it recommended for younger kids.
Mingus Mill
The Mingus Mill in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a historic 1886 grist mill just a half mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. This is a water-powered mill used for grinding corn and can still be seen in action if you happen to visit it. The Mingus Mill is seen as a tribute to the test of time and the traditions of the Cherokee people. At the mill, a miller will offer a demonstration of grinding corn into cornmeal, which is both fascinating and educational. Visiting the mill is one of the many unique things to do in Smoky Mountains.
Wheels Through Time
Travel a short 5 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway to visit the Wheels Through Time Museum in the Great Smoky Mountains. This museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations around North Carolina, serving as one of the world’s premier collections of rare American Vintage motorcycles.
The museum houses a collection of over 350 rare motorcycles from 25 different makers, including the likes of Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior, Crocker, Henderson, Pope, Yale and much more. The museum is open every Thursday through Monday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admissions will cost you $15 for adults and $7 for kids.
Visit Iconic Cherokee, NC
Cherokee, North Carolina, includes miles of unspoiled nature, beautiful hiking trails and spectacular autumn views. This is also why it is one of the most visited regions around North Carolina, particularly during the fall season. Go for a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy the overgrown trees atop the mountain ranges. On your way, stop by the many overlooks within the mountain ranges that provide un-missable views of the surrounding landscape. It is one of the top things to do in October.
Visitors should always stop by the Oconaluftee Indian Village which will take you back to the 18th century. Witness original craftworks, attractions and delectable foods native to Cherokee.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a historic train depot in the heart of Bryson City, offering you breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Head to the venue and opt for a round trip on the trail that will provide you front views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the stunning Nantahala National Forest, the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, historic structures, along with gorgeous foliage. You can also choose to climb aboard the steam-powered locomotive or the diesel locomotive.
Smoky Mountain Trains Museum
The Smoky Mountain Trains Museum is a unique museum housing over 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories. It provides the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad train rides. With 53 miles of tracks, 25 bridges and two tunnels, the train rides are quite entertaining. While this museum is perfect for locomotive enthusiasts, it is also a wonderful educational facility for adults and children alike.
Besides taking a train ride, you can explore the stunning collection or head to the gift/toy shop to purchase memorabilia for the road.
Midnight Hole
The Midnight Hole is a picturesque natural waterfall located off the I-40 alongside the North Carolina and Tennessee state border. The waterfall rises to 6 feet in height and drops into a deep, scenic pool below. During the summers, this is one of the most popular swimming destinations around the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitors are recommended to visit this waterfall in autumn to enjoy its natural, scenic landscape.
Connected to the waterfall is the 1.4-mile Big Creek Trail, which is not too steep and excellent for children! It is simply one of the top things to do in fall.
Fly Fishing Museum of The Southern Appalachians
The Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians (FFMSA) is a nonprofit private museum in Bryson City that teaches all you need to know about the history of mountain fishing. Rivers and streams are abundant in the North Carolina mountains, offering several varieties of fish. This museum is dedicated to showing the beauty of fish flying, basic knots, types of gear, regional fishing waters and other fly fishing tidbits.
Final Thoughts
Fall is undoubtedly the best time to visit Smoky Mountains. You can go with your friends and family and enjoy the many outdoor activities exclusive to the fall season. Don’t miss out on the best of the Smoky Mountains in the Fall!
