Pigeon Forge in the Fall: 2024 Festivals and Foliage Guide

Ready to inhale that crisp mountain air and experience the beautiful fall foliage of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Ready to inhale that crisp mountain air and experience the beautiful fall foliage of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? From Wears Valley to scenic natural trail paths strewn with crimson leaves, there are so many ways to see the fall colors. Keep reading to learn more about Pigeon Forge in October and beyond!

Curious about when you should visit Pigeon Forge in the fall to see the magnificent shifting shades? Use our Pigeon Forge fall foliage peak color guide for helpful tips on when to go and what to do in this family-friendly heartland.

We have the scoop on the best mountain views, hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and, most importantly, “when do leaves change color in Tennessee.”

With over 100 varieties of native trees in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you’ll find a kaleidoscope of fall colors beaming from every direction. As you plan your fall vacation, you may wonder when do the leaves change in Pigeon Forge, TN?

The answer is as early as mid-September. You’ll be able to see crimson, rust, and bright golden hues pop throughout the trees at higher elevations above 4,000 feet. Similarly, peak colors present striking views at the middle and lower elevations between mid-October and early November.

We can 100% confirm that Pigeon Forge TN in the fall will take your breath away. Read on as we uncover the best time of year to take a scenic drive through this epic Appalachian Mountain oasis.

Road trip through the Great Smoky Mountains

September in The Smokies

The Smokies fall season begins in September, with the lively emerging changes occurring above 4,000 feet. Burgundy, ginger, and creamy bronzes shine through on sourwood, dogwood, maple, sassafras, and birch trees.

Check out Andrews Bald, Mt. LeConte, or Albright Grove to see the Smoky Mountains foliage in September. Grab a Parsons Branch Road map and follow these recommended hikes for the best September viewing.

Pro Tip: Take a jacket when heading to the mountain regions as temperatures dip from 10 to 20 degrees in higher elevations. Weather can change quickly, even during the summer months.
Want to stay in the car? You’ll be able to get just as good of an experience by cruising along Parson Branch RoadClingmans Dome Road, or Newfound Gap Road!

aerial view of downtown pigeon forge during autumn or fall with changing leaves

October in the Smokies

Early October

Nature lovers unite! Pigeon Forge October, when Smokies are awash in rich colors and brilliant sunlight, is the best locale to enjoy wonderful scenery and even more family-friendly activities throughout the national and state parks. In addition, Pigeon Forge weather in October is mildly cool making it ideal for outdoor activities.

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See the bold auburn of the American beech and yellow birch to the rich ruby on mountain ash, pin cherry, and mountain maple trees. We have even more iconic roads and majestic overlooks, including Heintooga Ridge Road, Foothills Parkway, and Rich Mountain Road in Cades Cove.

Burn some calories when you get your climb on when making the trek along these Smoky Mountains foliage trails near Pigeon Forge in October:

Once you’re ready to give your feet a rest and soak in the serene fall scenery from the car, head down the open road along Newfound Gap Road, Heintooga Ridge Road, Foothills Parkway West and East, and Rich Mountain Road.

Abrams Falls with Fall Foliage in The Smoky Mountains - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA

Mid-October

In mid-October, the Great Smoky Mountains are about a week away from the peak color of the lower lower Pigeon Forge elevation. However, the valleys and higher ridges create a meandering beauty all their own, splattered with bold reds from dogwoods, sumac, sourwood trees, golden tulip trees, black walnut, and hickories.

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Recommended scenic drives include Cove Creek Road, Balsam Mountain Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Foothills Parkway, and Newfound Gap Road.

Psst..looking for even more things to do in Pigeon Forge in October? Take on any of our other top-tier attractions here.

family standing together overlooking smoky mountains in fall in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
Pigeon Forge Family Reunion

Late October & November – Peak Pigeon Forge Fall Colors

The true scoop here is that the dynamic brightly-colored foliage is most impressive in late October. From every elevation, high to low, the marvelous fall tapestry is visible from all angles of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Related Post: 15 Kid-Friendly Pigeon Forge Activities You Don’t Want to Miss

There isn’t a hike in this gorgeous park that won’t dazzle you as you gaze at the vibrancy that blankets the mountains. The choice is yours!

In addition, it’s not unusual to see brilliant, rich autumn colors last through mid-November. Our most popular suggested drives are Blue Ridge Parkway, Foothills Parkway, and Heintooga Ridge Road to Balsam Mountain.

Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains - Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA

Other Smoky Mountains Top Destinations and Fall Festivals

Equally famous for its peak fall foliage, Gatlinburg Tennessee, is another great mountain town to discover. Scratching your head, trying to guess when is the best time for fall colors in Gatlinburg TN? Ensure you don’t miss a second of Black Gum or Spruce leaf peeping when you check out our complete guide here.

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From Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg—there’s no shortage of family attractions nestled in the heart of east Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains.

Here are a few additional top-rated activities to add to your itinerary:

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

For an underwater experience unlike no other, Ripley’s marine museum contains massive exhibits and interactive displays to enhance learning opportunities.

Anakeesta

This award-winning theme park has an 880-foot sky bridge and treetop skywalk. It hovers 50 feet above a 70-acre rainforest and features a mountain coaster, dueling zip lines, and scenic views.

Hop aboard the Chairlift for an aerial perspective and enjoy the world’s only fixed-grip Chondola. Or, slide, crawl, and swing your way through the BearVenture Challenge Course.

Pan for sparkling gems or fossils in the mine, or make your way to the Cliff Top restaurant for an ice-cold craft beer and multi-colored sunset display. Cap off the night with a boozy beverage sitting by the fire pit in Bear Village.

group of friends with drinks seated around Fire Pit at Bear village in Anakeesta,Gatlinburg, Tennesee, USA
photo credit: Anakeesta via Facebook

Great Pumpkin LumiNights at the annual Dollywood’s Harvest Festival

Dollywood’s famous nighttime experience glows with the illumination of thousands of jack-o-lanterns. Admire this larger-than-life pumpkin display, then stroll around the park soaking in the festive decorations and delicious foods offered during this time of year.

From Southern Gospel serenades to forests of shimmering sunflowers, the Harvest Festival provides oodles of all ages fun.

Island in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge’s premier destination for retail, recreation, and Ferris Wheels knows how to roll out the red carpet for fall. Embrace every iota of the cozy season when you roll up to the Island in Pigeon Forge for an afternoon of autumnal photo ops, charming decorations, and seasonal dessert and moonshine flavors.

Ober Gatlinburg

The Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park offer escalating mountaintop fun for visitors of all ages. Outdoor activities include ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, indoor shopping and fine dining.

Wide shot of the chairs for the Ober Gatlinburg Scenic Chairlift on a fall day in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
photo credit: Ober Gatlinburg via Facebook

Rocky Top Mountain Coaster

Known as the longest rollercoaster in East Tennessee, this megawatt nine-minute ride includes four themed tunnels of hair curling, heart throbbing fun fall adventure.

Plan a Pigeon Forge Fall Foliage Vacation

We hope to have helped you navigate the countless opportunities to plan a Pigeon Forge autumn vacation. With the fire of fall right around the corner, you’ll want to reserve your Smoky Mountain trip today.

Now that you know the best time for fall colors in Gatlinburg, TN, and the plethora of iconic drives, fabulous hikes, and dazzling scenery, you can experience the beauty of Pigeon Forge fall foliage for yourself.

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Lastly, Tripster has attraction tickets and your pick of accommodations. We also have a wide range of Pigeon Forge vacation packages available, or you can create your own package from one of the options above. Either choice allows you to see the splendor of the Smokies in all their opulence.

What is Your Favorite Month to See Pigeon Forge Fall Colors?

Leave us a comment below!


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Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...


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