Fall is one of the most popular seasons to visit the Smoky Mountains, and it’s often considered the most beautiful time of the year! In the fall, the Smoky Mountain landscape is painted in vibrant shades of reds, yellows, and oranges. This majestic autumn scenery can be enjoyed both up in the mountains and in the surrounding towns like Pigeon Forge, TN. Keep reading to learn more about Smoky Mountain fall foliage, including the best times and places to see fall colors!
Why the Leaves Change Color in the Fall
When the temperatures begin to cool down in the fall, the deciduous trees in the Smoky Mountains start to prepare for the cold winter months ahead. The days get shorter, causing the green pigment in the leaves to start to deteriorate and carotenoid pigments to be exposed. This makes the leaves turn from green to yellow. Anthocyanins are formed when the sugars in the leaves are broken down, and these chemicals have deep red and purple pigments. Different types of trees display different colors at various times in reaction to the weather, causing a variety of pigments to be seen throughout the Smoky Mountains area. This draws out the duration of Smoky Mountain fall foliage and leads to the magnificent display of colors during the autumn season!
The Best Time to Experience Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage
The best time to experience Smoky Mountain fall foliage varies from year to year depending on weather conditions. If cold weather starts earlier, leaves will start changing sooner. When the leaves change is also based on elevation. Fall colors first appear at the highest elevations in the Smoky Mountains because they experience cooler temperatures first. Leaves above an elevation of 4,000 feet typically start changing in late September or early October, then peak around early to mid-October. The middle and lower elevations typically reach their peak fall colors around mid-October or early November.
The Best Places to See Fall Colors in the Smokies
At the beginning of the season, Smoky Mountain fall foliage can be found at the highest elevations. During this time, the best places to see fall colors are higher elevations like Newfound Gap and Kuwohi. Later in the season, fall foliage is best experienced at the middle and lower elevations. These could include places like Cades Cove, Roaring Fork, Foothills Parkway, and the surrounding towns. Especially great spots to see breathtaking fall foliage and views of the autumn landscape are SkyLand Ranch and our very own Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark. At these attractions, you’re higher than the Parkway and can take in panoramic views of the town below and the surrounding mountain scenery! Plus, you can experience exciting activities while enjoying the splendor of the season!
Plan Your Visit to Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark This Fall
There are so many fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains this fall! At Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark, snow tubing begins in the fall, allowing you to race down snow-covered tubing lanes for a thrilling ride with family friends! Other fun things to do at our Pigeon Forge attraction include the Avalanche Snow Coaster, Ski Lift Shootout Coaster, Axe Throwing, and more! When you experience these activities and rides in Pigeon Forge this fall, you can have an exciting time while surrounded by the natural beauty of Smoky Mountain fall foliage!
Get your Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark tickets today and start planning your Smoky Mountain fall adventure!
