Fall is upon us, and there’s nothing better than a trip to the Smoky Mountains to enjoy the crisp fall air and the beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows that blanket the mountainside. While you’re in town, you will be delighted with the beautiful scenery everywhere you go, but we wanted to compile a list of must see spots to visit during fall in the Smokies.
Cades Cove
We highly recommend you plan a whole day to explore Cades Cove. This gorgeous valley is surrounded by mountains and is one of the most breathtaking places in the Smokies. This is especially true in the fall when the winding road that leads in is lined on both sides with golden yellow leaves that adorn the birch, beech, black walnut and hickory trees.
Once you finally arrive at Cades Cove after a beautiful drive in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will be able to auto-tour the paved pathway or cycle if you prefer. You can pull off and enjoy the sprawling countryside surrounded by mountain peaks. The colors really stand out amongst the backdrop Cades Cove provides. It’s the perfect place to picnic with the family or take a scenic horseback ride.
Gatlinburg Bypass
The Gatlinburg Bypass is a great place to stop on your Smoky Mountain fall getaway because it gives you a beautiful view of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg nestled beneath. This is one of those must-see views that will make for a great photo opportunity. This 3.6 mile loop has a pull off where you can stop for a minute and take in the full beauty of the mountains and Gatlinburg below. This route also allows you to avoid the traffic that often accumulates in downtown Gatlinburg.
Douglas Dam
Another great spot to visit while you’re in Sevierville for your next vacation is Douglas Dam. Take a scenic drive through the area and stop at the Dam Overlook to see beautiful fall foliage with the water in the foreground. Douglas Dam spans 44 square miles so there is plenty of space to find the perfect spot to stop and see the fall beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Whereas with Cades Cove and the Gatlinburg Bypass you are up close and personal with the mountains, at Douglas Dam you will be able to take in the breathtaking beauty from afar.