Fall is considered one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit the Smoky Mountains, and for good reason! The mountain landscape comes alive with vibrant changing leaves in hues of bright reds, yellows, and oranges. This stunning autumn scenery can be enjoyed up in the mountains and in the surrounding towns like Pigeon Forge, TN. Keep reading to find out more about Smoky Mountain fall foliage, including the best times and places to see fall colors.
Why Leaves Change Color in Autumn
The leaves in the Smoky Mountains are prompted to change colors when the temperatures start to cool down. In response to cooler weather, the deciduous trees begin to prepare for the winter months ahead. The days start to get shorter with fewer hours of sunlight, which causes the green pigment in the leaves to deteriorate. This exposes carotenoid pigments, making the leaves change from green to yellow. As the sugars in the leaves start to break down, anthocyanins are formed. These chemicals have deep red and purple pigments. Different tree species display different colors at various times, creating a diverse scene of Smoky Mountain fall foliage that’s constantly changing throughout the season!
When to See Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage
The best time to see Smoky Mountain fall foliage changes from year to year. This is because the leaves start to change based on the weather, which cools down at different times each year. If the temperatures are lower earlier in the season, the leaves will start to change sooner. The best time to see changing leaves is also based on elevation. Fall colors first appear at the highest elevations in the mountains because they experience cooler temperatures first. Typically, elevations above 4,000 feet start to see changing leaves in late September or early October, with fall foliage peaking around early to mid-October. Middle and lower elevations begin changing later as they start to see cooler temperatures and usually peak around mid-October to early November.
Where to Experience Autumn in the Smoky Mountains
Because Smoky Mountain fall foliage begins at the highest elevations first, the best places to see changing leaves early in the season are those higher in the mountains such as Kuwohi and Mt. LeConte. As the season progresses, you can experience breathtaking autumn scenery in the mountains with fall hikes or by driving fall scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains like Cades Cove Loop Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. If you want to enjoy fall foliage without heading into the mountains, some of the best places to visit this fall in Pigeon Forge include Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark, and The Island in Pigeon Forge. You can expect to experience the beauty of fall everywhere you go in the Smoky Mountains and the surrounding towns during your autumn vacation!
Where to Stay to Enjoy Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage
When you stay at one of our Pigeon Forge cabin rentals, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your cabin to experience vibrant Smoky Mountain fall foliage! These cabins are situated in lush wooded settings that transform into breathtaking displays of fall colors! You can relax on your porch and enjoy the autumn breeze as you look out at the colorful woods and mountain views. Find out the reasons why you should stay in our Pigeon Forge cabins in the fall and start planning your trip today!
