Cabins USA Logo
Loading Page
RESERVATIONS
(800) 583-6168
Cabins USA Availability Search Icon Availability Search Small Icon


10 Best Fall Hikes Smoky Mountains | Autumn Hiking Guide

Blog Home : Category Posts : Best Fall Hiking Trails in the Smokies

Why is Autumn so beautiful in the Smoky Mountains?

When hiking through the Smoky Mountains in the fall, you'll be struck by all the gorgeous colors of the forest. You can thank trees like American beech, yellow birch, red maple, sugar maple, hickory, mountain maple, pin cherry, and scarlet oaks that show off brilliant shades of yellow, gold, orange and red. The diversity of trees in the Smoky Mountains produces a truly spectacular display year after year.

During the fall season, visitors to the Smokies are affectionately known as "leaf peepers," who come droves to see these dazzling colors of fall. And it's no secret why: the colors of fall in the Smokies are simply incredible.

To get the most out of your trip, we've made a list of the top 10 fall hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Fall View in the Smokies

Fall Hiking Tips

To see the best fall colors in the Smokies, it's key to know when and where you should go. Timing and elevation are the biggest factors in choosing the best trail for your fall hike. 

The prime time to see fall foliage in the Smokies ranges from late September to early November. The forest's colors begin changing at higher elevations for the first several weeks of fall. As the nights grow cooler, lower elevation forests begin to change. The best time to see peak fall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is usually around Mid-October when the mid-elevation regions of the park are showing their full colors. 

When choosing a fall hiking trail, it's key to note factors such as the trail's elevation and forest type. For example, the highest parts of the Smokies around Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap have large sections of Spruce-Fir Forests that are green year-round. So to view the changing fall colors, you'll want to explore mid-level and low-level elevations in the park for much of the season.

To make it easy to find the best hike for seeing fall in the Smokies, we've made this list of the top 10 trails to explore for this beautiful season! Many of these trails explore mid-elevation regions of the park, so they are ideal for seeing peak fall colors in the mountains!

Overall, fall in the Smoky Mountains is a dryer, cooler time of year, so it's excellent weather for hiking. Be sure to bring water, sturdy shoes, a trail map, and snacks for your trip before checking out these suggested fall hikes in the Smokies!

1. Gregory Bald Trail

Perched above Cades Cove, this high elevation Bald is an excellent place to view the changing colors of fall. From the top of Gregory's Bald, you'll witness uninterrupted views of Cades Cove and mountains in the Southeastern part of the park. Better yet, the journey to Gregory's Bald is just as beautiful as the destination.

On your way, you'll pass through large stands of mature, hardwood forest that become exceptionally colorful during the fall season. All in all, the total trip is about 10 miles of hiking, but the beautiful views from this high elevation bald are well worth the effort.

2. Mt. Cammerer

This lesser-known destination in the national park can be reached by taking the Low Gap Trail out of Cosby Campground up to the Appalachian Trail. This 11-mile round trip hike passes through beautiful, old-growth, hardwood forests, so this fall hike offers a fall foliage display to remember.

The fire tower at Mt. Cammerer is the true highlight of the hike. This Western-style fire tower offers panoramic views of the Tennessee Valley, the Little Pigeon River, and nearby Mt. Sterling in North Carolina.

3. Baskins Creek Trail

Bud Noah Ogle Cabin Roaring Fork Motor Trail

Baskins Creek Trail is a popular waterfall hike in the especially scenic Roaring Fork Motor Trail area of the Smokies. This short, beginner-friendly hike goes through beautiful stretches of forests that show dazzling colors in autumn. Better yet, this trail is close to several historic cabins like the Bud Noah Ogle Cabin that are perfect for photographing in fall.

4. Rich Mountain Loop

This lovely hike in Cades Cove is the perfect way to explore one of the most picturesque valleys in the nation. This short loop hike offers several views of Cades Cove and passes through some lovely sections of forest. Ideally, this hike is best to enjoy in late October when peak fall foliage has arrived in this lower area of the park.

While you’re in the neighborhood, you could also hike to other Cades Cove sites like the John Oliver Cabin and the Primitive Baptist Church.

Since Cades Cove is quite popular this time of year, we recommend parking in the campground and walking to the trailhead that rests only a short distance from the start of the one-way, loop road.

5. Meigs Creek Trail

This trail begins at the Sinks Waterfall and follows a beautiful creek deep into the mountains. This peaceful trail doesn't offer many mountain views, but it's an ideal hike for walking among the trees during fall. There are many small stream crossings and cascades on the trail, with the largest one being the 18-ft Megs Creek Cascades. This peaceful hike is also less crowded than other trails in the Smokies.

6. Alum Cave Trail

This trail is perfect for exploring the mid-level elevations in the park. During the fall season, this section of forest is most spectacular in Mid and Early fall.

Alum Cave's 5-mile, one-way trail passes through some of the most interesting geologic formations in the park including Arch Rock and the Alum Cave Bluffs. Additionally, there are several overlooks along the trail including Inspiration Point, a beautiful spot with panoramic views of the mountains. If you make it to the top, you'll be treated to spectacular views from the LeConte Lodge and the Cliff Tops overlook.

7. Middle Prong Trail

Middle Prong Trail in the Fall

This lovely, low elevation hike begins in the Tremont region of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This hike doesn't offer mountain views, but it does offer the chance to see lots of beautiful waterfalls and cascades. These are especially gorgeous in autumn since fallen yellow and orange leaves add stunning accents to the creeks and cascades. If you have time, consider hiking the nearby, 1-mile, Spruce Flats Falls Hiking Trail that begins at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont to see a 20-ft tall waterfall and several mountain views.

8. Laurel Falls Trail

As one of the most accessible and beautiful hiking trails in the park, it's no wonder that Laurel Falls is a great place to visit during the changing of the seasons. Visitors should know that this trail is very crowded during this time of year, so it's best to start a hike at Laurel Falls early in the day.

Along the way, this trail offers several views of nearby mountains and hikers will get to explore a beautiful, multi-tiered waterfall. As a lower elevation hike in the park, it's best to visit Laurel Falls in late October.

9. The Chimney Tops

Fall At the Chimney Tops Trailhead

This short hike is only 2 miles in length, but it's really one of the most challenging hikes in the park. This is due to its steep route, which climbs some 1,400 feet to the Chimney Tops rock outcropping.

Luckily, the hard work this trail requires is well worth the effort. The Chimney Tops Trail passes through some gorgeous stretches of forest and the summit yields excellent, panoramic views of the mid-elevations of the Smoky Mountains. As a result, this trail is best to hike in early or mid-October.

10. Ramsey Cascades Trail

Not only does this hike go to the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but it also passes through some stunning sections of old-growth forest. In fact, Several Tulip Poplars on this trail are greater than 8-ft in diameter and are around 100 years old. For best results, try to aim for hiking this trail in early to mid-October when the fall colors should be at their peak.

Final Thoughts

For some great fall views without hiking, check out Morton Overlook on the Newfound Gap Road or Look Rock on the Foothills Parkway.

Also, check out our fall foliage guide with tips on when to see fall in the Smokies and some other ideas for how to explore autumn in the mountains on your next vacation in our Pigeon Forge cabin rentals!

Written by

Recent Articles

Vacation Tips: Best Places To Get Drinks In Pigeon Forge

Top 9 Places to Get Drinks in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville

Up your Pigeon Forge vacation experience with your favorite people by checking out our picks for the top 9 places to get drinks in Pigeon Forge.
Vacation Tips: Best Family Restaurants In Pigeon Forge

Best Family Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, TN

Enjoy quality time with the family on your next vacation in Pigeon Forge by adding our picks of the best family restaurants in Pigeon Forge to your travel plans.
Fun Spring Break Ideas For Families In Pigeon Forge To Enjoy

Spring Break Ideas For Families in Pigeon Forge, TN

Maximize your kids' spring break by getting away from simple routine and check out these fun spring break ideas for families in Pigeon Forge. Create fun memories and have a blast on your Pigeon Forge spring break vacation with loved ones.

Categories

Fall In The Great Smoky Mountains | Pigeon Forge | Gatlinburg - Blog Post

Fall Activities

Check out the many activities to do in the fall in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Townsend, Wears Valley, and Sevierville.
read more...
Pigeon Forge Happening Now - Blog Post

Pigeon Forge Happening Now

We've got news, events, and tips to make your vacation in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains better than ever! Check
read more...
Smoky Mountain Vacation Tips - Blog Post

Smoky Mountain Vacation Tips

Tennessee Smoky Mountain vacation tips great for planning your family vacation, honeymoon or group getaway in the Smok
read more...
Smoky Mountains Blog | Whats Happening Now - Blog Post

Smoky Mountains - Happening Now

Smoky Mountains blog posts covering events before and as they happen throughout the Tennessee Smoky Mountains area. S
read more...

Please Note: Cabins USA LLC's, hereinafter referred to as Cabins USA, area information, area events, and blog pages are provided as a public service. Cabins USA does not endorse any of the products, vendors, consultants, or businesses referenced in these web pages. Any mention of vendors, products, businesses, or services on the Cabins USA web site is for informational purposes only. Users of this web site are responsible for checking the accuracy, completeness, currency and/or suitability of all information. The inclusion of this information does not imply endorsement by Cabins USA. Furthermore, specific questions regarding any content should be directed to the appropriate organization and not necessarily to Cabins USA.

Cabins USA Official Logo
star star star star star
2140 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN  37863
(865) 429-4121

VLS #157
Pigeon Forge Cabins
Guest Reservations
(800) 583-6168
2 Night Minimum

























































Cabins USA Help Icon
Copyright 2013-2024, Cabins USA LLC, Pigeon Forge, TN

Welcome to Cabins USA! We hope you enjoy your stay with us and look forward to helping you make incredible vacation memories. To help you navigate your Guest User account, we've provided a helpful guide to walk you through the process.

Creating an Account

Creating a guest account is as simple as submitting your email and creating a password. Keep in mind the email used to create your guest account must match the email provided on your reservation.

If a different email is on your reservation, you'll need to create a guest account with that email to manage the reservation.

When finished, an email will be sent to confirm your email address. Follow the steps in the email to complete the creation of your account.

Note: If you need to change the email address on your reservation, please contact the reservations office for further assistance.

Managing Your Account

Once your account is created, you can start managing your reservations. Your guest reservations will show as follows:

Click on the view button to get more details about each reservation. Within the reservation, you'll be able to do three things, which are:

Submit a Trouble Ticket

Click the report issue button for maintenance needs or other concerns during your stay. Briefly describe your issue, provide contact information, and submit up to 3 photos detailing your situation if applicable.

Submit Cancellation Request

This must be done before check-in and per our policies. Within the request, provide a reason for cancellation and click submit. After submitting your request, one of our reservationists must complete the cancellation process before your reservation is canceled.

Make a Payment

For future stays with a balance open, you can make credit card payments from $50 up to the total cost of the reservation.

Additional Information

If you have a future reservation and haven't completed the Express Check-In, please send your confirmation number and email used for the reservation to reservations@cabinsusa.com to request an invitation to complete the process.

After you've signed all reservation documents and paid the balance in full, you'll receive an email with your active stay information 8 hours prior to arrival, which includes the following:

Note: If the reservation documents have not been signed electronically and/or the balance has not been paid three days prior to arrival via the credit card on file, you must check in at our 2140 Parkway office. Our office hours are currently 8:00am - 10:00pm, Monday thru Sunday.

Contact Us

Didn't find the information you needed? Contact Us for further assistance with your reservation or guest account.

Thank you for choosing us for your Smoky Mountain vacation! We look forward to helping you make your dream vacation a reality!

Warm regards,

Cabins USA

Interested in receiving our newsletter? Simply provide your full name and email address in these fields to begin receiving information. By doing so, you can learn about special promotions and events in the Smoky Mountains!

We respect our customer's privacy and feel it is disrespectful to bombard anyone with emails. We treat all information that customers share with us as private and confidential. Cabins USA never shares this information with third party sites.

Arrival Date: Mandatory, select or enter date you will arrive (MM/DD/YYYY)

Nights: Mandatory, select or enter the number of Nights you will be staying with us

Promotional Code: Must enter a valid code

Optional Search Items: (Amenties, Cities, etc)
Below are several boxes in which you can either select from a drop down list or click on a check box to the left of an item to select.

Changing the contents of any drop down list or selecting/deselecting a check box will broaden or narrow the number of properties displayed by your search. You don't have to wait until the search completes to select/deselect items for your perfect search.

You must hit the SEARCH button to start your first search. It is unnecessary to hit the SEARCH button after doing your first search, unless you changed to another web page, changed the Arrival Date or number of Nights.

Add to Favorites: As you visit individual property pages or pages with listings of several properties on them, you have the option to click on the "+ Favorites" for each particular property, which automatically adds the property to your list of Favorites for consideration. The number next to the Favorites tab, left sidebar, will increase up to 99 possible Favorites. When ready, click on the Favorites tab to view a list of your selected Favorites.

Remove from Favorites: You may de-select (remove) properties from your Favorites you no longer wish to consider by either clicking on the minus icon to the right or by clicking on the "- Favorites" displayed on property list pages and each property details page for properties listed in your Favorites.

Compare Favorites: Click in the check boxes to the left of the property name, in your Favorites, you wish to compare. No more than 3 boxes may be selected at one time. When ready, hit the Compare button for a comparison of the 3 selected properties.

Follow the above "Remove from Favorites" instructions to remove a property from the comparison and your Favorites.

To add another property from your Favorites list for comparison, click the check box to the left of the property name in your Favorites and hit the Compare button.

Repeat the above steps to find your ultimate vacation accommodations. Need assistance or have questions, please give us a call so we may better serve you!

View List: Displays a full list of all your Favorites with some details.

Remove All: Clears all properties from your Favorites so you may start over.