September 22, 2016
Top 7 Places to See the Smoky Mountains Fall Colors
So far this season, we have already given you the best reasons to spend fall in the Smoky Mountains inside a Gatlinburg cabin, and we have given you a road map to the top three fall Smoky Mountain drives, but now we thought we would take a few moments and talk about all the other great places in the area where families and guests can see the Smoky Mountains fall colors.
Smoky Mountain Attractions
Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
You and your family can sit back and relax and you gently cruise over the tree tops while riding on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. One of the most scenic routes to take to the popular Gatlinburg ski resort, guests to the tramways will enjoy a fully-panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains fall colors from the car.
Website: https://obergatlinburg.com/aerial-tramway/
Gatlinburg Space Needle
The tallest structure in downtown Gatlinburg, guests to the Gatlinburg Space Needle will enjoy beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains fall colors from as high as 400 feet in the air. Guests arrive to the top of the space needle by riding in an all-glass elevator.
After you have finished enjoying the view, be sure to head back down to the ground to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant located at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or you can try your luck at one of the many exciting games found in Arcadia.
Website: https://www.gatlinburgspaceneedle.com/
Gatlinburg Sky Lift
Similar to the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, guests to the Gatlinburg Sky Lift will enjoy a smooth ride over the Smoky Mountain fall colors in the trees from the comfort of their seat. However, instead of taking guests to Ober Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Sky Lift takes guests to one of the most scenic overlooks in Gatlinburg TN.
If you want to enjoy a totally different experience at the Gatlinburg Sky Lift, try riding the route at night. The twinkling lights of downtown Gatlinburg will illuminate the night sky as you gently drift up to the mountain top and back down again.
Website: https://www.gatlinburgskylift.com/
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island in Pigeon Forge
One of the newest scenic attractions in the Smoky Mountains, The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island in Pigeon Forge takes guests an impressive 200 feet into the air inside a climate-controlled glass gondola. Similar to a ferris wheel, guests who choose to visit the wheel to see the Smoky Mountain fall colors will enjoy some of the most scenic views in all of Pigeon Forge.
Smoky Mountain Overlooks
In case you prefer to experience the Smoky Mountain fall colors with your two feet planted on the ground, here is a breakdown of our favorite scenic overlooks in the Smokies.
Gatlinburg Bypass
The Gatlinburg Bypass is a short 4-mile road that visitors and locals often use when they want to avoid the stop-and-go traffic that is sometimes found in downtown Gatlinburg. However, in addition to being a short cut to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this road also offers one of the most scenic overlooks that the Smokies have to offer, including a direct view of both Gatlinburg and Mt. LeConte.
Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road is popular to visitors of the area for many reasons. It is where former-president Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his iconic speech at the grand opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as the plaque dedicated to John D. Rockefeller, Jr. for his $5 million dollar donation.
In addition to the history found here, guests to the Newfound Gap Road overlook will find a picture-perfect view of the Smoky Mountain fall colors.
Clingmans Dome
Just down the road from the Newfound Gap Road, approximately 7 miles to be specific, Clingmans Dome is one of the tallest peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After visitors climb up a short half-mile walkway, they will reach the observation tower that offers a full-360 degree view of the Smoky Mountains fall colors.
Be sure to wear sturdy shoes because the half-mile hike at Clingmans Dome is pretty steep. That being said, it is paved.
To learn more about our favorite things to do in the area, be sure to check out the Smoky Mountain attractions page on our website. Also, if you have any questions on how to begin planning your trip to see the Smoky Mountains fall colors this year, be sure to give us a call at the number at the top of the page.
