Fall Colors in Gatlinburg, TN 2024

The Great Smoky Mountains stand as the premier destination for leaf-peeping in Tennessee. Visitors often begin their vibrant experience in Gatlinburg, known as the gateway to this magnificent national park. The charming mountain town provides several outstanding vantage points to immerse in the breathtaking fall colors fully.

Best Places to See Sall Foliage

Gatlinburg Space Needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle, located south of the Parkway, is one of the top spots to view the fall colors in the Smokies. Standing at 407 feet (124 meters), this observation tower in downtown Gatlinburg offers a unique bird's-eye view of the area. There is no need to climb a long staircase, as the tower is equipped with two glass elevators, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery on their way to the top. For a closer look at the brilliant foliage, free viewfinders are available on the observation platform.

General admission to the Gatlinburg Space Needle is $15.95 for adults and $9.95 for children aged 4-11. Children 3 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Another place to meditate over fall colors is Gatlinburg SkyLift Park located on the opposite side of the Parkway. Take in the colorful canopies below on your way to Ober Gatlinburg, the famed amusement park with skiing. You can opt between a scenic chairlift (30-minute ride) or an aerial tramway (10-minute ride), both departing from downtown.

Additionally, in 2019, Gatlinburg SkyLift Park introduced a brand new way to absorb sweeping vistas—Gatlinburg SkyBridge. Stretching for 680 ft (207 m) above the land, the SkyBridge is North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. Glass floor panels at 140 ft (45 m) above the valley provide exquisite outlooks. You can access the bridge from Crockett Mountain via the SkyLift ride.

A single visit ticket for Gatlinburg SkyLift Park costs $32.95 for adults (12-64) and $22.95 for juniors (6-11). Kids under five can enter for free.

Gatlinburg Bypass

Lastly, visitors can drive the Gatlinburg Bypass, also known as Parkway Bypass or U.S. 441 Bypass. This scenic 3.6-mile (5.8 km) route can be accessed from both ends of the town. Along the way, you'll pass the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook, a popular pull-off spot with a small parking lot offering views of downtown Gatlinburg.

Best Time to See Peak Fall Foliage

The timing of the best fall foliage always depends on the weather. Typically, colors start to develop in mid-to-late October and peak in early November. The most vibrant displays occur after a series of warm, sunny days followed by cool nights.

Gatlinburg Fall Events

Visitors who plan to explore Gatlinburg's fall foliage independently can enhance their trip by attending various fall events. Highlights include the Bear-Varian Beer Festival, running daily from September 15 to October 31, the Gatlinburg Harvest Festival from September 4 to November 7, the Gatlinburg Farmers Market until October 19, and the Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair from October 3 to 20, among others.

Discover additional spots to observe fall colors throughout Tennessee.