If you are planning an autumn vacation and trying to choose a destination, you can’t do much better than Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. This time of year is especially beautiful, with comfortable temperatures, spectacular foliage, and lots of interesting events happening all over. Alpine Chalet Rentals has many cabins to rent in the Smoky Mountains, whether you are traveling as a couple, family, or large group. The following are five reasons why our cabins provide the ideal fall vacation:
1. Take a Healthy Autumn Hike
The fall is one of the best times of year to spend some healthy time enjoying nature in the Smokies. You can enjoy taking walks near your cabin or you can venture into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for longer and more challenging hikes. Depending on whether you visit in early or late fall, you can expect warm afternoon temperatures and cool nights. This is perfect weather for getting some fresh air and appreciating nature in this beautiful region.
2. Many Festivals and Special Events
There are many fun and exciting events that take place in the Smoky Mountains during autumn. From late September through early November, Ober Gatlinburg hosts an OktOBERfest celebration featuring traditional Bavarian folk music and delicious German foods and beverages. If you are going to be in the area for Thanksgiving, you can attend the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts show, which is from November 24-29, 2015. This is a great opportunity to find distinctive handcrafted items and do some early holiday shopping. You may also want to attend the National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration at Dollywood, which offers free gospel concerts throughout October.
3. Appreciate the Fall Foliage
When you choose one of our cabins to rent in the Smoky Mountains with spectacular views, you will have a front row seat to the area’s incredible fall colors. The leaves usually begin to change color in late September and early October, more noticeably at higher elevations. One of the best spots to see the mountains in fall is Clingmans Dome, which has an observation deck with panoramic views of the area.

In the last two weeks of October and the first week of November, there are many scenic drives that will give you amazing views of the fall colors in the lower elevations. Some popular driving routes include the Cades Cove Loop Road, Foothills Parkway, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

4. View and Photograph Wildlife
The Smoky Mountains is full of amazing wildlife, and fall is one of the best times of year to appreciate the area’s animals. You are likely to see a variety of birds, mammals, and other critters near your cabin. If you take a hike or drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can spot an even greater selection of wildlife. Fall is a good time to see animals such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, elk, and bears. The best times for seeing wildlife are usually early in the morning and towards dusk. Remember to always keep a safe distance from larger animals such as elk and bears.
5. Take a Fall Ziplining Tour
Ziplining is a fun and increasingly popular activity for people of all ages. While it can be considered an adventure sport, it is completely safe and does not require any special skills or athletic ability. Canopy tours are a fantastic way to appreciate the fall scenery. When you stay at one of our cabins to rent in the Smoky Mountains, you’ll be close to a number of ziplining companies in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area, such as Adventure Park Ziplines and Legacy Mountain. You’ll be able to view the mountains and fall colors from great heights, traveling at up to 40 miles per hour!
To save money on your autumn vacation, be sure to check out our latest Smoky Mountain cabin specials!