Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit the Smoky Mountains! The area comes alive with colorful changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and exciting fall events all around! While you’re in town, you’re not going to want to miss these fantastic fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
One of the most popular fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains is Dollywood’s Harvest Festival. This seasonal event features fall decor, festive foods, live music performances, craft demonstrations, and thrilling rides! A highlight of this Smoky Mountain fall festival is Great Pumpkin LumiNights. When the sun sets, the theme park comes to life with thousands of glowing pumpkins, colorful lights, and themed music! Artfully carved pumpkins are arranged in creative scenes and larger-than-life structures, such as the Pumpkin Tree, Dolly’s Guitar, and many others!
2. Wears Valley Fall Fest
You’ll definitely want to visit the annual Wears Valley Fall Fest this year! This is one of the best fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains, celebrating the season with a variety of activities and entertainment! This fall event takes place across 16 acres in picturesque Wears Valley, where you’ll be surrounded by fall scenery and gorgeous mountain views. You can browse more than 240 craft booths to purchase unique handmade items from talented artisans. This is the perfect opportunity to find a special gift for the upcoming holiday season! There are also children’s events, food trucks, and interactive activities for the whole family!
3. Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival
Another one of the can’t-miss fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains is Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival. This festival takes place at the top of Anakeesta in Gatlinburg and includes seasonal entertainment and fall-themed decor throughout the park! You’ll have the chance to try drink specials from regional and local breweries as well as taste Bavarian-inspired fall foods. You can explore the beer tasting card to sample a variety of craft beer, the perfect complement to your festive feast this autumn in the Smokies!
4. SkyLand’s Apple Harvest Festival
One of the newest fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains is SkyLand’s Apple Harvest Festival. Visit SkyLand Ranch this autumn to celebrate the colors and flavors of fall in the Smokies! During this festival, you can experience the magic of fall with changing leaves and the warmth of a Western country harvest. Try seasonal apple-inspired treats and fall-themed foods, from sweet desserts and festive drinks to hearty, comforting dishes. Sit back and relax while you enjoy live entertainment and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains covered in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold!
Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains This Fall
You won’t want to miss these spectacular fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains! Now that you know what you’ll want to do while you’re in town, it’s time to start planning your Smoky Mountain stay. Take a look at our selection of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge cabin rentals to find the perfect place to stay during your fall vacation!
