Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness the breathtaking autumn foliage while taking a scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains. Here are the top 10 places to see vibrant autumn foliage color in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains.
1. Cades Cove
Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage colors as you cruise down 11 miles of the Cades Cove Loop.
2. Foothills Parkway
The scenic 71-mile Foothills Parkway, located at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers panoramic views of the mountains and vibrant fall foliage.
3. Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Take a scenic drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, a scenic 5.5 mile loop road that has a stunning display of vibrant fall foilage. Near Roaring Fork Motor Trail is the Rainbow Falls trail if you want to venture out of the car and see fall foilage up close.
4. Newfound Gap
Covering a stretch of around 30 miles, Newfound Gap Road connects Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC. As you drive along this beautiful route, make sure to stop by the overlook point, where you can admire the breathtaking fall color.
5. Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is the tallest point in the Smoky Mountains. The observation tower has one of the best views of the fall color. The hike to the top of the observation tower is less than a mile on a paved path.
6. Little River Road
Little River Road winds between Gatlinburg and Townsend in Tennessee. The road spans 18 miles and has vibrant views of the autumn color.
7. Rich Mountain Road
Rich Mountain Road is an 8 mile scenic loop located in Cades Cove. This road has amazing views of the fall color.
8. Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a charming mountain village that offers a wide range of entertainment options. One of the highlights is the SkyLift, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. From the bridge, you can enjoy breathtaking views of both Gatlinburg and the Smokies all at once.