It's always tricky to plan a vacation to the Smoky Mountains in the fall because you want to make sure you are here see the peak colors. If you come too early, you will miss the changing of the colors, and if you arrive too late, the colors may be gone.
At Stony Brook Cabins, we want to make sure you have the best vacation to the Smoky Mountains. So, if you're looking to see the fall colors while you're here, keep reading to find out the best times to visit!(See Related: The Best Ways to Experience the Fall in the Smoky Mountains)
September
In September, you should expect to see mostly green leaves on the trees. It won't be until late in the month, if at all, that the bright colors begin to show through the leaves. Even so, if there are any leaf changes in September, they will be in the very high elevations, definitely above 4,000 feet.
Early October
In early October, visitors can expect to see some small leaf changes, still in the upper elevations. To see any possibility of color, you will want to visit Clingmans Dome or go on a hike in the upper elevations.
If you want to see the fall colors, but you haven't started planning your vacation by early October, we suggest getting started with planning. The colors will be here before you know it, and you will want to make sure you have a cabin in Gatlinburg where you can see all of the colors.
Mid-Late October
This is the time when the colors really start to shine through the Smoky Mountains! Visitors can expect to see the colors starting to make their way from the upper elevations to the lower elevations in the national park.
If you arrive around mid-October, you should be able to see some reds, oranges and yellows around 2,000 feet in elevation. At this point in the season, the colors are preparing to reach their peak by the end of the month, and visitors will see more reds than oranges or yellows.
November
Peak colors occur from late October through the early weeks of November. There will be at least 5 to 7 weeks of color, so you will be able to plan your stay during any of those weeks to truly experience the Smoky Mountains fall colors.
During these weeks, you will see fall colors while driving, hiking and exploring all over Gatlinburg and through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Best Places to See the Smoky Mountains Fall Colors in Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
Newfound Gap Road (Auto Tour)
Staying in the Smoky Mountains
One of the best views of the Great Smoky Mountains fall colors can be found right from our Gatlinburg cabin rentals. Located in the heart of the Smokies, each of our Gatlinburg cabins has a beautiful view of the mountains. If you want to be surrounded by the beautiful colors and hear the crackle of the leaves beneath your feet, take a look at all of our cabins in Gatlinburg. We have everything from one bedroom cabins to large group cabin rentals, so everyone can relax in the perfect place for their vacation.