Gatlinburg , United States

Fall Color Tour in the Smoky Mountains

Active

(16 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Since 1998, our naturalist guides have taken over 100,000 people into the Smokies to experience the sea of mountains. Experience these ancient treasures up close on this once in a lifetime trip! Your tour guides may include a former Park ranger, a former Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker, or biologist and geologists.

A Walk In The Woods offers once in a lifetime guided hiking and walking tours in the Smoky Mountains, emphasizing the teaching of natural history.

On this tour, we are on a quest to find the best fall color at the time of your tour. Where we go could vary greatly depending on where the leaves are peaking at that time. The hiking can be easy to moderate.

Available options

Fall Color Tour in the Smoky Mountains

Pickup included

What's included

Snacks

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Professional Guide

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide at the Sugarland's Visitors Center for your hiking tour to experience the wonders of a Smoky Mountain Fall!

Experience the wonders of a Smoky Mountain Fall! Where we go during the tour will depend on where the best Fall color is at the time of your tour. Fall color starts in the high elevations and moves down the mountain. At the beginning of the Fall color season, we will go to places up high. This could include Kuwohi, Newfound Gap, etc. Mid season, we will seek out a mid elevation hike and at the end of the Fall color season, we will hike at low elevations

What's not included

Bring 32 oz. of water

Gratuity for your guide.

Rain Gear - We have emergency ponchos on hand if needed.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

12 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please note that, while we do our best to follow the itinerary listed, we may need to pivot due to road closures or events outside of our control. We require a minimum of 2 people to operate this tour. We operate rain or shine.

Meeting point

We meet our guests at the Sugarland's Visitors Center in front of the benches by the Flag Pole. If we are picking you up from here, you will need a parking tag.

About Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a charming mountain city nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for its stunning natural beauty, family-friendly attractions, and rich Appalachian culture, it's a year-round destination offering outdoor adventures, scenic views, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The most visited national park in the US, offering stunning mountain scenery, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails.

Nature Half day to full day Free entry

Gatlinburg Space Needle

A 400-foot observation tower offering panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Moderate

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

A popular aquarium featuring a wide variety of marine life, interactive exhibits, and a penguin habitat.

Entertainment 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive

Ober Gatlinburg

A year-round amusement park and ski area offering activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and an alpine coaster.

Entertainment Half day to full day Moderate to Expensive

Anakeesta

An outdoor adventure park with treetop trails, zip lines, and scenic views of the Smoky Mountains.

Adventure Half day to full day Moderate to Expensive

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fried Catfish

Crispy fried catfish, often served with hushpuppies and coleslaw

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan

Biscuits and Gravy

Fluffy biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy

Breakfast Can be made vegetarian with vegetable gravy

Mountain Trout

Freshly caught trout, often grilled or fried

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan

Apple Stack Cake

A traditional Appalachian cake made with layers of spiced apples and cake

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains Zip-lining at Anakeesta Mountain coaster rides Scenic drives through the Smokies Visiting spas and wellness centers Dining with a view Exploring the Arts and Crafts Community Visiting local museums

Best Time to Visit

June to August, October (fall foliage season)

Summer brings warm weather and outdoor activities, while fall offers stunning foliage and cooler temperatures. Crowds are highest during these times, especially in October.

18-30°C (summer), 5-20°C (fall) 64-86°F (summer), 41-68°F (fall)

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (GMT-5:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Gatlinburg is generally a safe destination, but visitors should take common precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas

Getting there

By air

McGhee Tyson Airport • 45 miles (72 km) from Gatlinburg
Knoxville Airport • 50 miles (80 km) from Gatlinburg

By bus

Gatlinburg Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

A convenient and scenic way to get around town. Trolleys are frequent and easy to use.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community The Village

Day trips

Pigeon Forge

7 miles (11 km) • Half day to full day

A nearby town known for its entertainment attractions, shopping, and dining.

Cades Cove

16 miles (26 km) • Full day

A scenic valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with historic cabins and wildlife.

Cherokee National Forest

30 miles (48 km) • Full day

A vast forest offering hiking, camping, and scenic drives.

Festivals

Gatlinburg's Winter Magic • November to February Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair • August (annual event) Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Christmas • November to January

Pro tips

Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and see wildlife
Take the aerial tramway or scenic chairlift for stunning views of the mountains
Explore the Arts and Crafts Community for unique souvenirs and to support local artisans
Try local specialties like fried catfish, biscuits and gravy, and apple stack cake
Book accommodations and popular attractions well in advance, especially during peak seasons