Fall is here in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A great thing to do while in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas during the season is to see the fall foliage. The best place to go for this is hiking in the Smoky Mountains. There are easy strolls and strenuous hikes throughout the park, so there’s sure to be a hike that is perfect for everyone. Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is the most popular attraction in the Gatlinburg area.
2 Easy Trails to See the Fall Colors
The Gatlinburg Trail and the Sugarlands Valley Trail are both easy, flat hikes in Smoky Mountains. These trails will wind through the forest along streams and rivers, allowing you to see and smell the native plants. The forest floor by this time of year will be decorated in leaves with many fall colors. It’s also very likely that you will see squirrels and chipmunks scrounging around for acorns that fall during the season. Both of these easy trails can be accessed around the Sugarlands Visitor Center inside the park.
Easy, Scenic Fall Colored Trail: Andrews Bald
If you are looking for a trail with a little more elevation and view, Andrews Bald is easy and rewarding. This trail is about 3.6 miles round trip, but don’t let length deter you. The elevation gain is very manageable and slow. This trail is incredibly peaceful. In fact, some points along the hike have trees that have grown up very tall with lots of moss that creates a quiet space. It’s not the peaceful quietness that is the most alluring characteristic for this hike though. Instead, it’s the “bald” area at the top that allows you to gain a view of the mountains towards North Carolina. At this time of year, the trees’ leaves will be changing into colors of different shades of oranges and golds. So, once at the bald, the best thing to do is take a break, eat some lunch, and admire the beautiful scenery before you.
3 Tips for Fall Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
- Bring water even if the hike is easy and flat. Staying hydrated is very important.
- Bring a jacket with you. As the seasons change the weather can be unexpected and sometimes a little chilly, especially in the upper elevations. Towering trees trap a lot of cool air on the forest floor.
- Keep an eye out for animals and watch your feet. It’s very likely that you will see little animals like chipmunks, and you will definitely see plenty of tree roots.
Where to Stay Near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Ready to go hiking in Smoky Mountains? Aunt Bug’s Cabin Rentals has cabins in the Smoky Mountains that you are sure to love! Some of our cabins are only a short couple of minutes from the entrance to the national park, so make sure to take a look at all of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals when you’re planning your vacation.
