3 Things You Should Know About the Fall Foliage in Gatlinburg TN

Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers some of the most spectacular fall colors in the nation! With 100 species of native trees in the Smoky Mountains, the area features leaves of virtually every color. To help you plan your autumn vacation, Great Outdoor Cabin Rentals has put together a list of three things everyone should know about the fall foliage in Gatlinburg TN:

1. When to See the Gatlinburg Fall Foliage

The most important thing to know about the fall colors is when to expect them! While predicting exactly when the leaves will be at their best isn’t an exact science, there are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind.

In general, the last two weeks of October and the first week of November are considered “peak season” for the fall foliage. During this time period, the colors are at their most vibrant in the lower elevations of the mountains.

If you can’t visit Gatlinburg towards the end of October, there is no need to despair! It is still possible to see the fall foliage earlier in the season - you just have to go to the top of the Smokies. The leaves in the Gatlinburg area start changing in the higher elevations during the last week of September and the beginning of October. This is a great time to visit Clingmans Dome (the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park) for panoramic views of the autumn colors.

For the most up to date forecasts for the fall foliage in Gatlinburg TN, check out the National Park Service’s fall color report.

2. What Type of Colors Correspond to Which Trees

The autumn leaves in Gatlinburg are particularly beautiful because each type of tree offers its own unique color. Here is a quick guide to what shades and hues you can expect to see from some of the most recognizable trees in the Smokies:

  • Hickories: golden-bronze
  • Oaks: brown, red, or russet
  • Black Maple: glowing yellow
  • Red Maple: bright scarlet or orange
  • Sugar Maple: orange-red
  • Dogwood: deep red
  • Tulip Poplar: golden yellow
  • Birch: bright yellow
  • Shining Sumac: red
  • Black Cherry: yellow
  • Sourwood: brick red

(See Also: 4 Reasons to Start Planning Your Fall Vacation at Our Cabins in Gatlinburg TN)

3. The Best Hikes for Seeing the Gatlinburg Fall Foliage

One of the best ways to enjoy the fall colors in Gatlinburg is with a scenic hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here are some of the best trails for leaf peeping throughout the season:

  • Andrews Bald (late September)
  • Mt. LeConte (late September)
  • Spence Field (early - mid October)
  • Sugarland Mountain Trail (early - mid October)
  • Alum Cave (mid - late October)
  • Charlies Bunion (mid - late October)
  • Porters Creek Trail (mid - late October)
  • Little River Trail (mid - late October)
  • Abrams Falls (early November)
  • Meigs Mountain Trail (early November)

When you stay at one of the cabins from Great Outdoor Rentals this autumn, you will be surrounded by the majestic fall foliage in Gatlinburg TN. Our cabins offer decks with tremendous mountain views, so you can take in the colors from the comfort of your rocking chair or hot tub. To start planning your getaway, check out our complete selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals!