September 26, 2025
It’s never a bad time to take a trip to Pigeon Forge, but autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains provides unique opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the area in a brand new way. The spectacular fall foliage is a beautiful backdrop to the many exciting events and activities happening in September, October, and November. So what exactly is so special about the Smoky Mountains in the fall? Keep reading to find out!
1. Unique Ways to Enjoy Autumn Colors
Families love visiting the mountains when the leaves begin to turn and the weather starts to get a little cooler. Some of the best things to do during fall in Pigeon Forge and the Smokies include enjoying a scenic drive through Wears Valley, taking a train ride through the mountains on the Dollywood Express, and hiking up to Chimney Tops or Kuwohi. While the trail to Chimney Tops features a steep climb and lots of stairs, the view from the top is well worth it! For an easier walk up a paved half-mile trail, Kuwohi sits at 6,643 feet, the highest point in the national park!
2. Cooler Temperatures for Outdoor Activities
Whether you’re spending the day walking around Dollywood and riding rollercoasters, shopping along the Parkway, or exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll love the beautiful weather during the fall season. Averaging milder temperatures in the 70s during the day and in the 50s at night, the slight chill to the air brings with it the refreshing mountain air and brilliant hues of the changing leaves.
And if it happens to rain or get too chilly to be in the great outdoors, you can enjoy one of the many indoor activities the area has to offer. Choose from unique experiences, from Pigeon Forge shows to the Titanic Museum Attraction to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies!
3. Seasonal Fall Festivals
Pigeon Forge in autumn means that Dollywood’s Harvest Festival returns, by far one of the most popular fall festivals in the area. With seasonal food menus, a lineup of live entertainment, and lots of pumpkins, gourds, and fall decorations, the theme park in the fall is a sight to behold. Be sure to walk through the Country Fair area, which turns into Candy Corn Country for the festival! At night, the pumpkins come alive during Great Pumpkin LumiNights, adding another layer of fun and excitement for the whole family. The towering pumpkin tree and other pumpkin sculptures light up the night!
4. Best Time for Spooky Attractions
You'll love spending spooky season in the Smoky Mountains! If you’re visiting during the month of October or just want some year-round haunts, here are a few places to check out:
- Ripley’s Haunted Adventure: One of the best haunted house experiences in the Smokies, this attraction in Gatlinburg features bone-chilling hallways and family-friendly frights (Children must be at least 6 years old to participate.)
- Elkmont Ghost Town: Once a thriving settlement, this area in the national park is known for its abandoned homes and fascinating history of days gone by.
- Little Greenbrier School: Some say it’s haunted, others say it just has an eerie atmosphere. You’ll just have to visit this old schoolhouse along the Metcalf Bottoms Trail and see for yourself!
5. Soup Season and Comfort Food
The best part about the Great Smoky Mountains in autumn is that it’s soup season, perfect for savoring the Southern comfort food at our Pigeon Forge dinner show! You’ll start with our famous Hatfield and McCoy soup before chowing down on the rest of Granny’s homestyle feast, including Fried Chick’n, Open Pit Pulled-to-Pieces Pork Barbeque, Smashed Mashed Taters, Buttery Corn on the Cob, Ma’s Hot Homestyle Bread, No Tellin’ What’s In It Coleslaw, and Granny’s Famous Specialty Dessert. You can even purchase our soup mix online or at our gift shop so you can enjoy our delicious, creamy soup year-round!
It’s no secret that autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains is the best time to plan a trip to Pigeon Forge! Ready to experience it for yourself, or do you need a little more convincing? Read more about reasons to visit Hatfield & McCoy this fall!
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