Top 5 Gatlinburg Attractions to See the Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage

smokies in fall
September 29, 2020

This time of year everyone is always looking for where to find the best views of the Smoky Mountains fall foliage. While most people will tell you to spend most of your time inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we at Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals want to give you an inside tip on the many great places you can go to still see the leaves, but to also avoid most of the traffic found inside the park. Here are the top 5 Gatlinburg attractions to see the Smoky Mountain fall foliage:

1. Gatlinburg Space Needle

space needle

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is one of the most well-recognized Gatlinburg attractions. Sitting high above the other buildings, the Gatlinburg Space Needle is the perfect place for families and visitors to go who want an unobstructed view of the Smoky Mountains fall foliage. Here you will get a 360-degree view of the scenic Smoky Mountains and downtown Gatlinburg.

2. Gatlinburg Bypass

The Gatlinburg Bypass is unlike any of the other attractions on our list. It is more of a roadway than an establishment, but thanks to the scenic overlook that can be found here, it is still a great place for families to go to see the fall foliage. Please keep in mind that during the peak season for the leaves, traffic on the Gatlinburg Bypass may be a little heavier than normal, so you may want to schedule extra travel time into your itinerary.

3. A Zipline Tour

zipline

Another great way to see the beautiful fall colors in the Smokies is by being up in the trees yourself. When you go on one of the many zipline tours offered in the Gatlinburg area, you can soar above the trees and take in the views from a whole new perspective. Check out the tours at Anakeesta and Legacy Mountain and enjoy the incredible Smoky Mountains fall foliage for yourself !

4. Gatlinburg Sky Lift

Similar to the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, visitors to the Gatlinburg Sky Lift will enjoy the chance to sit back and relax as they slowly glide above the treetops for a unique up-close view of the Smoky Mountains fall foliage. However, unlike the aerial tramway, guests will not ride in a climate controlled cart. Therefore, if you do visit this Gatlinburg attraction this season, you may want to bring a light jacket in case you get cold.

5. Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway

ober

The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains fall foliage from the comfort of a climate-controlled cart. You and your family will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the scenic Smoky Mountains through the glass windows of the cars as you travel from the Gatlinburg Parkway up to Ober Gatlinburg, the only ski resort in Tennessee.

Now that you know what Gatlinburg attractions are best for viewing the Smoky Mountains fall foliage, you can start planning your next vacation! When you stay at one of our cabins you’ll be situated among all the wonderful fall colors! Book your cabin today and we guarantee you’ll have the best fall trip!