Named for its eerie, smoky haze, the Great Smoky Mountains are a sight to behold all year round. Spanning the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, it is the most popular national park in the USA, with more visitors than the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone combined! But, don’t let that scare you away... When you visit outside of peak season, you won’t have to fight with quite so many crowds.
Main draw in Autumn: The park boasts over 100 different species of trees which put on an autumn display of vibrant gold, orange, crimson, and purple. You’ll also come across more active wildlife as the weather cools down.
Autumn climate: Dry, cooler and foggy. September highs are in the 80’s, with lows in the 50’s. In November, daytime highs are in the 60’s with lows in the 30’s. Temperatures can change by 20 degrees from the base to the mountaintop, so be sure to pack layers.
What to do in Autumn:
- Climb Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park and the tallest mountain in Tennessee. You can get there by driving the scenic road from Newfound Gap and walking a half-mile to the summit. Enjoy 10-mile views on a clear day!
- Drive the 5.5-mile Roaring Fork Motor Trail for gorgeous mountain scenery and access to two of the best waterfalls in the area, Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls.
- Climb Chimney Tops, one of the most popular trails in the park with sweeping views from the top. Be prepared for a short but very steep climb.
- Take a day trip to Gatlinburg, Asheville, or Pigeon Forge to explore local breweries, attend seasonal festivals, and more.