Every fall, the Smokies blaze with fiery reds and golden yellows as far as you can see, and one of the best ways to experience these spectacular views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is on a scenic drive from Pigeon Forge.
Typically, in early October, the leaves begin to change colors in higher elevation areas first. The fall colors usually peak during the last three weeks of October, though you may see vibrant foliage before or after that depending on the weather. Through early November, the colors gradually make their way down to lower-elevation areas. Fall is the perfect time to visit Pigeon Forge and experience the Great Smoky Mountains at their finest!
Entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free, but if you want to park your car for more than 15 minutes to hike the trails or admire the view, you’ll need a parking tag: $5 for a day pass, $15 for a weekly pass, or $40 for an annual pass.
Discover some of the best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains to view fall colors on your next visit to Pigeon Forge.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
For autumn foliage viewing and historic buildings, you’ll want to check out Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This 5.5-mile one-way loop is just a short drive from Pigeon Forge. And there are several pull-offs throughout the pulloffs where motorists can take in the magnificent fall colors and views of rushing mountain streams without ever having to leave the car. If it’s a waterfall you’re chasing, trailheads for both Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls can be accessed from the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Visitor Tip: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed during the winter, so plan to take the scenic drive while the trail is still open, typically from mid-April through late November. And remember that buses, motorhomes, vans longer than 25 feet, and passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited on this road.
Getting There: Turn off the parkway onto Historic Nature Trail Road and follow it past the Cherokee Orchard park entrance and Rainbow Falls trailhead to the start of the one-way loop. Visit our Roaring Fork Nature Trail guide for full directions.
Cades Cove Loop Road
About an hour’s drive from Pigeon Forge is one of the park’s most popular areas, Cades Cove. Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile one-way scenic loop road that offers some of the most beautiful views you’ll find anywhere in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s also a great area for spotting wildlife such as deer, coyotes, wild turkeys, bears, and more. You’ll also find several historic structures to stop at and explore along the way.
Pack a picnic and relax creekside at the Cade Cove picnic area found at the entrance of Cades Cove. Plan to stop by the camp store and enjoy delicious ice cream and find that perfect souvenir.
Visitor Tip: In May through September, Cades Cove is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays, giving you the chance to explore on foot or by bike. It’s a peaceful way to experience the park. Allow at least 2-4 hours to tour Cades Cove, longer if you choose to hike or enjoy a mountain picnic.
Getting There: From Pigeon Forge, turn off the Parkway onto Wears Valley Road. The intersection is located at traffic light #3. You will follow Wears Valley Road and turn onto Line Springs Road and follow it into the park until it becomes Wears Cove Gap Road. Cross a one-lane bridge to the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. Turn right onto Little River Road and stay on it for about 20 miles. Turn right at the junction onto Laurel Creek Road and follow the road to arrive at Cades Cove.
Rich Mountain Road
Another great scenic drive within the Cades Cove area is Rich Mountain Road. Located along the Cades Cove Loop Road, this one-way 7-mile drive takes you north out of Cades Cove to the town of Townsend. Although the road is easily accessible, this area of Cades Cove is quieter and less traveled. The winding gravel road takes you by beautiful streams, and one of the most incredible scenic overlooks where you can view the Primitive Baptist Church in the valley of Cades Cove.
Visitor Tip: Rich Mountain Road is typically open mid-April through mid-November. Buses, motorhomes, vans longer than 25 feet, and vehicles towing trailers are prohibited on Rich Mountain Road. Also, this is a one-way road and you are not able to turn around!
Getting There: The entrance to Rich Mountain Road is across from the Missionary Baptist Church in Cades Cove at about the halfway point along Cades Cove Loop Road.
Foothills Parkway
Drive the Foothills Parkway for even more of the breathtaking views Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer. Motorists can enjoy a quieter alternative to view peak fall foliage at some of the many overlooks of the Smoky Mountains. The parkway is open 24 hours a day, year-round, unless temporarily closed by ice or snow. View current real-time road conditions directly via the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Status Updates.
Getting There: The best route from Pigeon Forge into Foothills Parkway is 321 south through Wears Valley.
Newfound Gap Road
US Highway 441, which runs through Newfound Gap and connects to Clingmans Dome Road, is the best route for sightseers wishing to catch an early glimpse of the beautiful natural color display. Some of the first spots where fall colors appear can be found along Newfound Gap Road, which is the lowest pass through the Smoky Mountains. The overlook at Newfound Gap is a great place to stop and snap a few photos. It’s also where you’ll find the Rockefeller Memorial and the spot where President Franklin D. Roosevelt stood to dedicate Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Visitor Tip: Purchase a driving tour booklet for Newfound Gap Road at the Sugarlands Visitor Center for detailed information about the park and its history.
Getting There: The drive from Pigeon Forge to Newfound Gap is about 24 miles accessing 441 South.
Autumn is a magical time in the Smokies. Soak up the vibrant fall colors from the comforts of your own vehicle on one of these scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. Check out even more fun things to do during fall in Pigeon Forge.
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