3 Things Not To Do in the Fall in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

A local offers advice on avoiding these common mistakes when visiting the Smoky Mountains in the fall

It’s hard to pick a favorite season in the mountains. From the blooms of spring to the verdant greens of summer to the explosion of color in autumn, even the snowcapped mountains of a snowy winter, something is appealing about every season in the mountains. However, if I were to hazard a guess, fall is likely the most popular season among visitors. Sure, summer gets more numbers, but you have to consider the importance of summer break skewing that perspective.

As someone amid his 35th fall in the mountains, I’ve done just about every little autumn activity that can be found in the mountains. From haunted houses to leaf-peeping in Cades Cove to apple picking in Western North Carolina, I know what it is to enjoy autumn in the mountains. While I have offered many things you can do each fall, let me also take the opportunity to tell you about a few mistakes you can avoid this fall in the Great Smoky Mountains:

1. Don’t assume you know what the weather will be

You have several factors to consider when planning your fall getaway in the mountains. One of them is considering how the local weather can change from day to day and by elevation. As you’re planning your trip, even well into October, be prepared for near-summer-like daytime temperatures. That said, also be prepared for winter-like conditions once the sun drops in the mountains.

Are you staying in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? That can make a difference in how you plan or how you dress. My best recommendation? Layers. Be prepared to adjust your outfit on the fly. A lot of people talk about how quickly the weather changes where they live. But when it comes to quick changes, the East Tennessee mountains can compete with any location.

2. Don’t forget to check the outlets for early Christmas shopping

I know most people don’t like to start thinking about Christmas before Thanksgiving. And certainly, many folks think September or October is too early. But while I appreciate a good defense of Christmas creep, the fact is you can find better deals at the outlet malls in the weeks before Black Friday, in my opinion. Sure, there will be specific Black Friday sales. But also, depending on the store, some of those mark-downs look more impressive on paper than in real life. I usually find overall better deals in September and October when retailers are moving inventory to get ready for the Christmas season.

3. Don’t skip Dollywood

Dolly Parton’s theme park Dollywood is fun in the spring. It’s packed in the summer. It’s magical in the winter. But the best time to visit Dollywood is in the fall. During the day, it’s summer-like and you can attack the rides full force. But, as the sun dips behind the mountain and the temperature cools, it’s perfect for strolls. Holiday shows and Dollywood treats just hit differently when the temperature drops a little bit. Throw in the harvest and Halloween theming, and Dollywood may well be at its best each fall.

All in all, the fall is a time of wonder and majesty in the Smokies, but it’s also a time of fun. Its warm days offer the last time for many of the mountains’ popular summer activities, while its chilly nights offer a cornucopia of classic autumn fun. From the big destinations like Dollywood, Ober Mountain and Anakeesta to the smaller, out-of-the-way places hidden away in the mountains, the Smokies are a fall paradise.

What do you avoid in the fall in the Smokies? Let us know in the comments!