Millions of visitors come to Gatlinburg, Tennessee each year to experience the wonderful autumn season. Here are six things you might not have known about fall in the Smokies:
(See Related: Why a Gatlinburg Chalet is Your Front Row Seat to the Fall Season)
1.Fall Foliage
It is not just an October event. From late September to early November, Mother Nature works non-stop on over 95 species of trees. Each has leaves that produce a magnificent display of reds, oranges, and yellows. The colors begin their cascade down the Smoky Mountains, pausing at each tier of their journey. Fall in Gatlinburg is exquisite!
2. Weather
According to the Weather Channel statistics, Gatlinburg records its lowest annual rainfall total during October. Rainfall in November is low as well. The dry climate and the cool crisp air makes autumn in the Smokies perfect for outdoor activities!
3.Nature
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which surrounds Gatlinburg on three sides, is one of the only wild habitats for black bears in the eastern U.S. Bird lovers will marvel at the hundreds of species, many of which are passing through on the way to even warmer climates. The rare elk, whose population was almost non-existent in the late 1800s, can sometimes be spotted standing majestically among the white-tailed deer.
4.Great Smoky Mountains National Park Secret Entrance
While thousands of visitors come to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the fall season, only a few know about its secret entrance in the scenic Wears Valley area. Just take Wears Valley Road and turn onto Lyon Springs Road. Eventually, Lyon Springs becomes Wear Cove Gap Road and you will enter the park by crossing over a small creek on a quaint wooden bridge.
5.Moonshine
Who would have thought that moonshine distillers were alive and well in Gatlinburg? Adults will be delighted to know that there is not just one but three such locations in the city. Visit Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, Sugarland Distilling or Doc Collier Moonshine and tour the facilities before having some tasty samples.
6.Traffic
Fall in Gatlinburg is a busy time of year. To avoid excess traffic, visit during the week. If your schedule does not permit this, plan to arrive Friday afternoon and depart Sunday evening.To start planning your vacation, take a look at our selection of two bedroom cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg!