Guide to Fall Foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains

Fall is a beautiful, and busy, time in the Great Smoky Mountains. With the Blue Ridge awash in a patchwork of yellows, oranges and reds, the last three weeks of October draw visitors from near and far to peep the main event. Grab your favorite cozy sweater and pumpkin spice latte and head for the hills: Here are some of the best places to catch the leaves turning in the Smokies.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Looking to leaf peep along the Blue Ridge? Look no further than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, consistently one of the most visited National Parks in the country. Avid hikers won’t want to miss a trek to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies, at 6,643 feet.

Not up for the ascent? Drive Newfound Gap Road to the parking area and walk the half-mile path to the observation tower. There, you’ll find stunning panoramic views and on a clear day, you can see over 100 miles, across seven states. Pro tip: Pack a jacket. Temperatures here can be up to 20 degrees cooler than in the surrounding lowlands.

For another worthy hike, check out the Chimney Tops Trail, a challenging climb that gains 1,400 feet over 2 miles. This route is no easy feat, but the views at the top are well worth the effort.

Parks aren’t the only way to catch the fall colors in Pigeon Forge. Home of country star Dolly Parton, the area also offers the annual Dollywood Harvest Festival. This fall favorite draws a huge audience, not only for its carved pumpkins and apple-spice flavors, but for its position, nestled in the colorful east Tennessee valley.

Book your stay at Best Western Plaza Inn.

Hendersonville, North Carolina

Fall in Hendersonville is filled with activity, from apple picking to wine tasting and strolling along the many park paths.

Hendersonville is home to the Crest of the Blue Ridge AVA wine designation. Wind down as you sip and swirl at Burntshirt Vineyards. In these valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find some of the best views of the trees as they put on their annual show. For expansive views from the top down, grab a glass at Point Lookout Vineyards. Stay into the evening for a stunning sunset.

For views infused with film-worthy water features, Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls (featured in The Hunger Games), both located in DuPont State Recreational Forest, won’t disappoint. Hikes through this lush park create an immersive fall experience, complete with crisp air and colorful leaves. Looking to stay closer into town? About 5 miles outside of Hendersonville on Laurel Park Highway, Jump Off Rock provides a great vantage point.

Book your stay at Best Western Hendersonville Inn.