Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Smoky Mountains! The leaves are starting to change, the weather is getting cooler, and there are exciting things to do in the area! Gatlinburg is full of autumn themed activities and decorations you won’t want to miss! Check out these 5 things to do when you visit Gatlinburg in the fall:
1. Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg
A popular event you’ll definitely want to experience when you come to Gatlinburg in the fall is Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg! You’ll be able to celebrate the original festival in Munich, Germany right in the heart of the Smokies! You’ll see people dressed in traditional costumes, and there are musicians that perform authentic German music. Don’t miss out on tasting iconic German inspired food, such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and strudel. Plus, an outdoor Bier Garten is open every day where guests over 21 years old can taste all different kinds of beer! Don’t miss out on experiencing Oktoberfest!
2. Boo Bash at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Another fun activity you won’t want to miss out on when you visit Gatlinburg in the fall is the Boo Bash at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park! This attraction hosts a series of events all season long, so there’s something for everyone, no matter when you’re in town! During October at the SkyLift Park, visitors can walk the haunted SkyTrail and meet animatronic witches, ghostly figures, lighted trees, and spooky spiders. At night, the SkyTrail turns into a haunted walk, and fog cloaks the Gatlinburg SkyBridge. There will also be showings of your favorite, family-friendly Halloween movies on select nights throughout the month, like Hocus Pocus. Plus, this is one of the best spots in town to see the gorgeous fall foliage!
3. Autumn at Anakeesta
When you are in Gatlinburg this fall, you’ll want to visit Anakeesta! They are celebrating the season with Autumn at Anakeesta , an event that lasts from September until November. Enjoy the changing weather and leaves with themed drinks, like a pumpkin spice latte, and special food at the restaurants. Guests can also sit back and relax while they enjoy live music in Black Bear Village. The entire amusement park is decked out in autumn and Halloween decorations, giving you a cozy vibe!
4. Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
Every fall, the city of Gatlinburg puts on the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. Every business in downtown Gatlinburg decorates their store front with yellows, oranges, and reds. You’ll enjoy spooky skeletons for Halloween, as well as cute scarecrows along every doorway. In addition to these decorations, you’ll also get to enjoy the natural decor: the colorful leaves along the mountainside!
5. Enjoy the Changing Leaves
There’s nothing more fun than getting to see the leaves as they are in the middle of changing colors for fall. You have several ways you can get up high and enjoy the amazing views in downtown Gatlinburg. Of course, you can go to Anakeesta or Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. If you plan on going to Oktoberfest, hop on the Aerial Tramway from downtown and take in the beauty as you rise over the mountains on a 2-mile ride in the gondola. You can also stop by the Gatlinburg Overlook, a picturesque viewing spot that shows downtown Gatlinburg set in the middle of the mountains.
Planning on being in town in October? Find out some of the fun things to do in Gatlinburg in October!
You’ll have a blast visiting Gatlinburg in the fall! Wondering what else you can do while you’re in town? Check out these other Gatlinburg attractions you won’t want to miss!
