The Small Town In Tennessee That Comes Alive In The Fall Season
By Chris Dodge|Published October 05, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Gatlinburg is known for some pretty special celebrations and events throughout the year, so it should come as no surprise when we think it’s the best small town in Tennessee in the fall. The town gives people plenty of reasons to visit — especially during the height of fall foliage. During this all-too-fleeting season, Gatlinburg is positively bursting with autumnal joy and you don’t want to miss it.
Nestled in the mountains, Gatlinburg feels like a hidden and magical grove found deep in the wilderness. The mountains are alight with fiery colors during the fall and it's tough to beat the view from just about anywhere in town.
Take some time to explore the Smokies to immerse yourself in the autumn colors. Go for a scenic drive through the Roaring Fork Motor Trail or enjoy a hike on the Gatlinburg Trail to be fully surrounded by the fall leaves.
Each year, the Gatlinburger Week kicks off the fall festivities with a town-wide challenge for the best burger around. Certain restaurants participate and only one place will get the gold -- but taking a bite of each burger makes everyone a winner.
This little mountain town has quite a reputation for being artistic, too. The town boasts an eight-mile arts and crafts loop that features over 100 artisan shops. Crafty individuals gather together in the fall for the Gatlinburg Craftmen’s Fair. This multi-day event features woodworking, pottery, and so much more.
Park your car and enjoy the decorations in this walkable town, too. There are dozens of scarecrows and fall decor around every corner. Shop around and take advantage of the various photo ops with beautiful decorations to put you in an autumnal mood.
Ankeesa is a mountaintop attraction that also gets in on the fall fun. Known for being ultra visually appealing, you can always expect a trip to the top of the mountain to be extraordinary.
They host their Bear-Varian Fall Festival and not only is the place decorated perfectly for the season, but guests can expect fun special drinks and food, too.
Another great place to visit during the fall in Gatlinburg is the Gatlinburg Sky Park. Take a lift to a fantastic vantage point of the town and surrounding mountains. Brave the suspension bridge or just sit and enjoy this scenic place -- it's lovely this time of year.
I have been to Gatlinburg many times and love it every time I go. It is a place filled with wild adventures and surreal beauty which is why I can confidently say it is the best small town in Tennessee in the fall. For more information on all the seasonal events, please check out the Visit Gatlinburg website. And show the Smokies some love with this national park shirt.
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