smoky mountains spring bearcamp

5 Things to Do When Visiting Gatlinburg in the Fall

A person hiking in Gatlinburg in the fall.

Gatlinburg is a picturesque destination any time of year. However, this Tennessee town becomes even more magical when the leaves start to change colors. Between the stunning foliage, crisp air, and endless adventure, there are countless reasons to visit Gatlinburg and the surrounding area in the fall.

Whether planning a vacation with friends, family, or your significant other, there’s no shortage of things to do in Gatlinburg that’ll have you embracing the season. To help you have the best trip possible, the Bear Camp Cabin Rentals team has compiled a list of some of our favorite fall adventures.

1. Go Leaf-Peeping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

No autumn escape is complete without going leaf peeping, and there’s no better place for your adventure than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When planning your vacation, look at a fall foliage report to see when colors are estimated to reach their peak. There are several scenic drives and hikes within the park known for prime leaf viewing.

2. Explore the Gatlinburg Harvest Festival

The town of Gatlinburg goes all out for fall with the annual Harvest Festival. Running from mid-September through late November, the festival features life-size scarecrows at various locations throughout downtown. Download the Visit Gatlinburg app for a map showing each location.

3. Discover Seasonal Brews

Gatlinburg is home to a number of breweries and distilleries, many of which brew beer, cider, and moonshine with a seasonal twist. Try flavorful hard cider at Tennessee Cider Company, or head to Ole Smoky Distillery to sample pumpkin spice cream or apple pie moonshine. Visit Smoky Mountain Brewery to sip on fall-themed beer like HarvestFest.

4. Enjoy a Birds-Eye View

Surround yourself with fall foliage by hanging out in the trees. Anakeesta has several things to do that’ll have you high above the ground. Feel the thrill of ziplining on the Dueling Zipline Adventure, or go for a stroll along the hanging bridges that make up the Treetop Skywalk.

5. Brave a Ghost Tour

Fall is also known as spooky season, which makes it the perfect time to go on ghost tours. Hear about Gatlinburg’s haunted past on an outing with GhostWalk of Gatlinburg or Gatlinburg GhostWalks. If you’re feeling extra brave, check out The Mysterious Mansion, considered one of the most terrifying attractions in East Tennessee. Rumored to be haunted, Wheatlands Plantation is currently undergoing renovations and will soon be another spooky spot to explore.

Plan a Fall Escape with Bear Camp Cabin Rentals

A cabin in Gatlinburg to stay at when visiting in the fall.

For anyone planning to visit Gatlinburg in the fall, there’s no better place to turn for your vacation rental needs than Bear Camp Cabin Rentals. Our collection of incredible Gatlinburg area cabin rentals has something for groups of all sizes. In addition to the comforts of home, our rentals come with a range of exceptional amenities like private pools, pickleball courts, and expansive back decks. Call 1-800-705-6346 to speak with someone today about reserving your perfect home away from home.

⚡ New Rentals Discount

Check out some of our most recently added listings below and use promo code NEW2024 to save 5% on all new bookings for a limited time!

🌟 FREE Night Mountain Escape

Create lasting memories with our most popular offer – a FREE night in paradise when you extend your stay!

  • Book 6 nights, get your 7th night completely FREE
  • Valid for ALL our cabins including premium cabins
  • Perfect for family reunions and extended vacations
  • Available year-round (excluding holiday periods)
  • Use Promo Code: STAY6GET7TH
  • Best value: Save up to $500+ on weekly stays

💫 Midweek Mountain Getaway - 30% OFF

Escape the crowds and save big with our exclusive weekday discount – Our deepest savings of the year!

  • Save 30% on stays Sunday through Thursday
  • Valid: November 1, 2024 – May 22, 2025
  • Minimum 2-night stay required
  • No promo code needed
  • Select properties participating
  • Not valid during peak season or holidays
  • New reservations only

⚡ Last-Minute Getaway Deal

Score the absolute lowest rates on Last-Minute mountain escapes!

  • Book before December 19th, 2024.
  • Save up to an Additional 25% on remaining inventory.
  • Available for flexible travel dates
  • Call for help with best available rates
  • Subject to cabin availability
  • Cannot be combined with certain other offers including VIP and Buy 6 & get 7th Free.

🎖️ VIP Discount - 5% OFF

Special savings for those who serve – our way of saying thank you!

  • Use Promo Code: VIP
  • Available for:
    • Active Military & Veterans
    • First Responders (Police, Fire, EMT)
    • AAA & AARP Members
  • Valid on most properties
  • Can be used year-round
  • Holiday blackout dates apply

Deposit Protection

Deposit protection enables you to receive either a refund or reschedule less the deposit protection amount and applicable tax. In order to receive a refund, you must cancel the reservation at least 30 days prior to arrival (for 1-3 bedroom cabins) and 60 days prior to arrival (for 4 bedroom and larger).

With Deposit Protection, once inside this window, you may still reschedule your reservation within 12 months and receive full credit for the amount paid minus the deposit protection amount if you reschedule at least 15 days prior to arrival for 1-3 bedroom properties or 30 days prior to arrival for 4+ bedroom properties. Once the 12 month time frame has expired all monies paid will be forfeited.

Without Deposit Protection, no refunds or reschedules will be allowed.

Deposit Protection

Deposit protection enables you to receive either a refund or reschedule less the deposit protection amount and applicable tax. In order to receive a refund, you must cancel the reservation at least 30 days prior to arrival (for 1-3 bedroom cabins) and 60 days prior to arrival (for 4 bedroom and larger).

With Deposit Protection, once inside this window, you may still reschedule your reservation within 12 months and receive full credit for the amount paid minus the deposit protection amount if you reschedule at least 15 days prior to arrival for 1-3 bedroom properties or 30 days prior to arrival for 4+ bedroom properties. Once the 12 month time frame has expired all monies paid will be forfeited.

Without Deposit Protection, no refunds or reschedules will be allowed.

Skip to content