Fall Colors

One of the most magical signs of fall is when the trees trade their vibrant summer greens for the rich reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn. It’s truly a sight to behold, and one of our absolute favorite things to experience in Pigeon Forge during the fall season. Each year, Pigeon Forge puts on an autumn display that you don’t want to miss, with stunning colors starting in late September and lasting into early November.

Make sure to bring your camera, because the backdrops here are picture-perfect for those family photos!

What to Look For:

If you’re a tree lover, keep an eye out for the early color-changers like the American Beech, Yellow Birch, Hobblebush, Pin Cherry, and Mountain Maple. As the season progresses, you’ll start seeing the brilliant hues of the Sugar Maple, Sweetgum, Red Maple, Scarlet Oak, and Hickory trees.

Best Times to See the Fall Colors:

The exact timing for the leaves to start changing can vary based on weather and other factors, but in general, it begins in early October. You’ll notice the highest elevations turning first, with peak color usually hitting mid to late October when the mid and lower elevations join in the show.

Where to See the Fall Colors:

You can see the fall colors in numerous places throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is like no other in all seasons of the year, but especially during the fall. The changing colors of the leaves will begin at Mt. LeConte and in the Newfound Gap area. These higher elevations may require a little hiking but are definitely worth the climb. The Cades Cove area is one of the last areas to see changes.