4 of the Best Attractions to See the Fall Colors in Gatlinburg TN
It’s no secret that the Smoky Mountains come alive with vibrant colors during the fall season. Millions of visitors travel to the area to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous fall foliage. While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is, of course, one of the best places to see the fall colors, you’ll also have great views at the attractions in Gatlinburg! Gatlinburg attractions provide hours of fun for the whole family while allowing you to take in the beautiful scenery. Here are 4 of the best attractions to see the fall colors in Gatlinburg TN:
1. Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is arguably the most popular Gatlinburg attraction in the winter, with its skiing, snowboarding and tubing opportunities. However, it’s one of the best attractions to visit during the fall as well! Your journey begins with a ride on the Aerial Tramway, along which you’ll have the best views of the fall foliage. Once you get to the adventure park, you’ll have even more opportunities to take in the scenery. Ober Gatlinburg is also home to a color-blindness viewer, allowing those who are colorblind to experience the fall colors in Gatlinburg TN for the first time!
2. Anakeesta
Fall is a great time to visit Anakeesta in Gatlinburg! Not only is it their annual Autumn at Anakeesta festival, but the mountaintop is the perfect place to see the fall foliage. Whether you’re riding the scenic Chondola or enjoying the views from a zipline, the scenery at Anakeesta is unmatched. The best place to see the fall foliage is from the top of the AnaVista Tower, which is the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg. From the top deck, visitors can see as far as Kentucky on a clear day. You’ll be surrounded by gorgeous views of the fall colors in Gatlinburg TN.
3. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Another great mountain-top attraction to visit during the fall in Gatlinburg TN is the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. You’ll get to ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift to the top of Crockett Mountain, where the views get even better. Whether you’re relaxing on the SkyDeck, walking across the SkyBridge, or grabbing a drink in the SkyCenter, you can see the fall foliage everywhere you turn. On October 10, the Gatlinburg SkyTrail will open at the park, adding another great opportunity to take in the fall foliage. We recommend getting the courage to cross the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. This bridge stretches 680 feet across a deep valley, and there are glass panels at the midpoint that allow you to see the views below you.
4. Gatlinburg Space Needle
The Gatlinburg Space Needle has been one of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg for many years. This 407-foot-tall observation tower offers a 360 degree view of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg. You’ll ride in a glass elevator to the top of the tower, so you’ll get to see fall colors on your way to the top! At the top of the tower, you can enjoy an educational experience that teaches you more about the Smoky Mountains, with free viewfinders. For more fun, visit the arcade at the bottom of the Space Needle and grab some pizza at Slice Pizza Bakery.
More Information About the Fall Colors in Gatlinburg TN
Fall is one of the best times to visit Gatlinburg! Not only is the weather in Gatlinburg beautiful, but so are the fall colors. The fall colors in Gatlinburg TN are typically the most vibrant mid to late October, but it depends on the weather. Fall foliage is the best when temperatures are in the 70s in the day and drop to the 40s at night. In 2020, fall colors are on track to show earlier than previous years. They are expected to show in higher elevations in early October and trickle down into lower elevations through early November. Learn more about the Smoky Mountain fall foliage before you come!
Don’t miss the chance to see the fall colors in Gatlinburg TN! Stay up to date with our Fall Foliage and Forecast and get ready for a fun fall vacation in the Smokies.
