Fall in the Smoky Mountains
If you've been dreaming of crisp mountain air, colorful leaves, and cozy cabin getaways, there's no better time to visit Pigeon Forge than the fall. The Smoky Mountains come alive during autumn with vibrant shades of orange, red, and gold, making it one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit. Whether you're chasing peak foliage or attending seasonal festivals, Bear Cove Cabins offers the perfect home base for your family's Smoky Mountain Fall adventure. Let's look below at when the best time to see the beautiful colors and the top things to do in the area.
The fall foliage season typically begins in late September at higher elevations and lasts through early November in the Valleys. Here's a quick breakdown below:
Late September – Early October: Higher Elevations near Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap burst with color first.
Mid to Late October - Mid-elevation areas, including Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, are at their brightest.
Late October – Early November - Lower elevations glow with warm autumn hues, offering a stunning finale to the season.
Tip: The second and third weeks of October are usually the best time to catch those peak colors in the Pigeon Forge area.
Drive Through Cades Cove
This scenic 11-mile loop is breathtaking in autumn, offering views of vibrant trees, historic cabins, and wildlife. Some of the wildlife you may see in the fall are White-Tailed Deer, Wild Turkeys, Black Bears, and Woodpeckers. Tip: Animals are more active in the early morning and late evening. Be sure to check the hours of operation of the park before you head there.
Experience Dollywood's Harvest Festival
From late September through October, Dollywood shines bright with thousands of pumpkins, fall treats, live music, and the magical Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
Enjoy Local Fall Festivals
The Smoky Mountains in the fall are something like you've never experienced, and the festivals you'll encounter are even better. Some of the festivals you can experience include the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, SkyLand's Apple Harvest Festival, and the Wears Valley Fall Festival, among others. You don't want to miss any of these on your next visit this fall.
Stroll Through The Island in Pigeon Forge
After a day of fun at either a festival, Dollywood, or Cades Cove, head over to The Island in Pigeon Forge. Dine with your family at one of the many restaurants, shop, or enjoy the seasonal fall fun.
After a day of leaf-peeping and fall festivals, retreat to your private Bear Cove Cabin. Our cabins offer mountain views, hot tubs, fireplaces, and plenty of space to relax and spread out. Whether you're planning a family vacation, romantic weekend, or a fun group trip, staying with us makes your Smoky Mountain fall adventure unforgettable.
Book your fall getaway with us at Bear Cove Cabins and experience the natural beauty of Pigeon Forge in its most colorful season. The temperatures are just right, and it's one of the best times of the year to visit for memorable memories.
