Beautiful fall colors on the Cherohala Skyway
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Fall is for Leaves and Festivals

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Football, festivals, and leaves are a fun season in the 9 Lakes Region  The official start of Fall is Sept 22, but when should you plan to take leaf peeping trip?

When to experience the season is up to you…but we have some suggestions to help with your planning.

Smokies High Elevation – Gatlinburg- the highest elevations of the Smokies are predicted to be at peak color in mid-October.  To avoid traffic, consider hiking Mount Cammerer Trail, driving the Foothills Parkway East near Cosby, or a weekday drive along the Cherohala Skyway. Stop for lunch in Tellico Plains. 

Smokies Mid-Elevation– Townsend on the “quiet side of the Smokies” will see peak colors mid-October to late October.  Take your time to enjoy the beauty by biking the 9 mile Townsend Historical Trail or driving through Cades Cove.

Cumberland Mid-elevations—The elevation changes will begin as early as Oct 15 and peak in the lower elevations by the end of October..  Make it an October Fest adventure by hiking in Obed.  The Lily Bridge and the Nemo Bridge trails offer spectacular views of the gorge, waterfalls, and towering hardwood canopies.   Grab lunch and a beer at the Lily Pad Hopyard near Lily Bridge or a stop at Tanners Café in Wartburg to fuel up with some yummy home cooking. 

Valley– The long Appalachian valleys of the Smokie and Cumberland Mountains are leaf peeping destinations at the end of October and early November.  Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and farmer’s markets, and festivals bring more color and sounds to this harvest season.

Plan your leaf peeping trip to include a stop at one of the many East Tennessee fall events and festivals.  Here are a few of our favorites across the 9 Lakes Region:

  • Sept 14- Oct 31- Dollywood Harvest Festival – Annual tribute to the harvest season with pumpkins, fall food, and shows.
  • Sept 18-19: Overmountain Road Rally– Newport- national ARA sanctioned event.
  • Sept 19: Pine Fest– White Pine- Annual fall street festival and car cruise.
  • Sept 19: Haunting in the Hills– Oneida- Annual storytelling festival at Big South Fork
  • Sep 19: Louie Bluie Festival– Caryville- Annual Music and arts festival named after talented legend- Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong
  • Sept 25-26: Scots Irish Festival- Dandridge- Music, highland dog parade, pipe and drum, and children’s activities. The event is free.
  • Sep 25-26: Townsend Fall Heritage Festival– Townsend- Two days of live music, demonstrations, and traditional foods.
  • Sep 26: Rugby Roundabout– Rugby- Cycling event with several routes, children’s event, live music, and food. The fall colors should be peeping through.
  • Sept 30: Scots Irish Festival- Dandridge- Music, highland dog parade, pipe and drum, and children’s activities. The event is free.
  • Oct 2-25 Gatlinburg Fall Craft Fair– Gatlinburg- 200 plus booths of hand made arts and crafts. Live music.
  • Oct 2: Pickin in the Park– Norris- Annual bluegrass playing and pickin at Norris Dam State Park.
  • Oct 2-3: Clinch River Antique Festival– Clinton- This is the one you wait for each year as hundreds of antique vendors line the streets of downtown Clinton. Free.
  • Oct 3-4: Annual Newport Harvest Street Festival– Newport- 2 days of live music, street food, and crafts. Free!
  • Oct 3: Corn & Bacon Festival– Mossy Creek- A celebration of Mossy Creek’s agricultural history, railroads, music, and food. Free.
  • Oct 3: Union County Heritage Festival- Maynardville- Annual event spotlighting the musical heritage of Union County.
  • Oct 15-17: Windrock Park Fall Jamboree– Oliver Springs- ATV fun with rock climb, haunted trail ride, mud bog, bonfire. Onsite camping is available.
  • Oct 17: Annual Harvest Festival- Bean Station- Enjoy live music, crafts, and the heritage of this farming community.
  • Oct 17: October Sky Festival- Oliver Springs- Car show, food, and crafts.
  • Oct 23, 19, and 30: Fall Heritage Days at the Museum of Appalachia- Norris-
  • Oct 24- Cherohala Skyway Festival– Tellico Plains- Live bluegrass music, hayrides, leaf peeping, food, and children events.
  • Oct 24-25: Mountain Makins– Morristown- 50th anniversary of this timeless Appalachian heritage with demonstrations, food, artisan booths, and live music. Free admission.

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