When you visit Gatlinburg during fall, be sure to take in the views from these locations.
Updated by Chris Murphy / Image from Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau
Take in the Fall Foliage in Gatlinburg
Fall is a popular time of year to visit Gatlinburg. The cool crisp air is great for outdoor activities and the view is incredible. The autumn season transforms the dense green forests to hues of yellow, orange and red. When you visit Gatlinburg during fall, be sure to take in the views from these locations.
Where to View the Fall Colors in Gatlinburg
Here are some of the best places to view the fall colors in Gatlinburg. Several of these sites can be reached by walking or simply driving along a scenic parkway.
Anakeesta
Anakeesta, a popular mountain theme park, is known for offering family-friendly fun and fantastic views of the Smoky Mountains. Catch views of the changing treetops on a high-flying zipline tour through Anakeesta. Or, take a leisurely stroll 40–60 feet above the forest floor on the Tree Canopy Walk. Head to Firefly Village and experience panoramic views of Mount LeConte.
Click here to read more about Anakeesta.
Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
Drive along the Gatlinburg Bypass to reach the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this free overlook boasts views of the city and amber-colored treetops. Park your car at one of the parking areas on the Bypass and see for yourself why this is one of the most photographed areas in the city.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
You can spot the Gatlinburg Space Needle from almost anywhere on the Parkway. Take the glass elevator over 400 feet to the top of the steel tower. Once you arrive, you’ll receive 360-degree panoramic views of downtown Gatlinburg, Mount LeConte and more of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the fall season from the observation deck.
Click here to read more about the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
Gatlinburg SkyLift & SkyBridge
The recently reconstructed Gatlinburg SkyLift Park not only includes the Gatlinburg SkyLift and SkyDeck, but also the new SkyBridge.
The SkyLift takes riders 1,800 feet up Crockett Mountain. Once guests step off the lift, they can walk around the new SkyDeck. This paved area is a safe way to observe panoramic views of both downtown Gatlinburg and the town’s natural surroundings.
For a more daring experience, walk across the breathtaking SkyBridge. This 680-foot-long bridge is the longest pedestrian-only suspension bridge in North America. At its midway point, you can look down the glass floor at the town and treetops beneath you, while standing 140 feet in the air.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has several great places to take in unobstructed views of the fall foliage. The massive park boasts mountain peaks, scenic drives with pull offs, Clingmans Dome and more locales to view the changing treetops.
Click here to read more about where to view the fall colors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a hub for family fun and outdoor activities. A trip to the amusement park is a great way to take in the beautiful fall colors while having some fun along the way. Whether you’re taking a leisurely ride on the Aerial Tram and Scenic Chairlift or racing your way down the Mountain Coaster and Alpine Slide, you will be surrounded by Gatlinburg’s fall beauty.
Ober Gatlinburg even boasts special viewfinders so that guests who are colorblind can view the fall colors.
Click here to read more about Ober Gatlinburg.
Have a Meal with a View
Complement your meal when you eat in Gatlinburg with a phenomenal view of the fall foliage. Some restaurants have large, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer spectacular views along with menus that will please everyone. Whether you choose an affordable, family-friendly restaurant or something more upscale with a view of the Smoky Mountains, you’re sure to enjoy every bite and the accompanying views from some of Gatlinburg’s restaurants.
Click here to read more about restaurants in Gatlinburg.
