Ahh, I finally have my pictures from the Smokies ready and I’ve been so excited to share them, and there’s a lot of them, so I decided to share the best of the Fall Colors all in one post. Don’t worry, you’ll see them again, I just wanted to share these together. After all, it is why we went up to the Carolinas and Tennessee!
Tips for visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the fall:
- Go during the week. It’s way busier on the weekends.
- If you are there on a weekend, definitely get up early. The park is busiest between 10 AM and 6 PM. The earlier you go to Clingman’s Dome, the better. Or later. Middle of the day is packed.
- An alternative for great views is a drive down part of the Blueridge Parkway. A couple of these are actually from there.
- Popular trails could get busy, too, so consider a quite walkway instead. They’re just as wonderful.
- Hotel rooms are also a lot cheaper during the week.
- They don’t need to be booked in advance for a weekday stay, but consider booking ahead for a weekend stay if you want to stay somewhere specific.
- Bug spray isn’t necessary, but it would be good to have, just in case.
- I would take bear spray if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, though.
- It can get chilly, so definitely bring a hat, gloves, And warm shoes. I only had Chacos, but I managed. I worse socks one day and it was warmer the other days.
- If you stay in Gatlinburg, which I recommend, stay parked at your hotel and just walk around town. Parking is expensive and you’ll still have to walk. Unless wherever you’re going is on the opposite side of town and it’s really cold.
Have you been to the Smokies in the fall? What did you think of it? Any advice you would add to this?
