What’s Happening
What's Happening in the Smokies?
Discover autumn events & new experiences this fall in the smokies!
Autumn creates a patchwork of colors, blanketing mountains and valleys in beautiful and vibrant bursts of color, as the fireworks of nature celebrate the changing of the season. The beauty and serenity created by fall in the smokies has created countless memories and traditions that will carry on.
Whether you are here for the first time, or you have returned every year, there is always something new and unforgettable to experience. The community has long embraced the fall, and it is displayed in all its glory as the smokies celebrate the Harvest Festival from September 18 through October 31. Decorations adorn the porches and entrances to businesses large and small, with corn stalks and bales of hay providing backdrops to countless family photos. Be sure to check out ChalkFest on September 26 at the Island in Pigeon Forge, during their Fall Festival, as chalk artists convene upon the concrete of the Island and create momentary masterpieces that will amaze you and disappear with passing rain.
The season certainly beckons you to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and, if so, we have a few items that might interest you. First up, The Laurel Falls Trail has recently been repaved and widened, with safer viewing areas and improved parking. The Ramsey Cascades has just finished with major trail renovations, and it is fully open now. Also, this fall you can take advantage of 3 Free Parking Days in the Park, as Sept. 17, Oct. 27 and Nov. 11 there will be no fees to park in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Of course, there is always some new and fun options in town as well!
Slick City Action Park has opened their doors at 3735 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Featuring more than 20 slides, air courts, arcade games and a GIANT candy store, all under one roof, it is a thrill park that welcomes every age and adventure level, year-round – rain or shine. The slides are so fast, so smooth, and absolutely exhilarating! Half-Pipe slides, Corkscrews, Twists and Turns, Ramps launching you into soft foam. You must see it to believe it…
Also, Adventure Raceway, in the heart of Pigeon Forge has undergone a renovation, and is back featuring their classic, wooden, elevated go-kart track. The spiral of hardwood under tires, as you race your siblings to the finish line is a core memory in so many minds, and after this year, Adventure Raceway will have the ONLY WOODEN track in the smokies, and now fully renovated, they feature bumper boats, miniature golf and their track is a MUST Stop for adventure enthusiasts.
Of course, not all the new things are big… but often great things are not. First up is Bear Necessities at 3174 Wears Valley Rd. and they have already been awarded best ice cream, and they just opened! They offer both handmade soft serve and Tillamook Ice Cream, amazing homemade sweet treats, and items from local artisans. It is the perfect place to stop and take a break, and you will be so glad you did.
Lucille’s General Store at 2450 Parkway in Pigeon Forge is another jewel of a find. Walking the line of nostalgia and cool, this store has the best Smokies merchandise that you will find, and makes grabbing that gift for your loved one so easy… With a craft coffee and ice cream bar, handcrafted sweet treats and outdoor patio seating on the parkway, you can relax and enjoy the flavors of the smokies while still only steps away from returning to the action.
Rounding out the featured fall fun, we shall finish with the double whammy, which is Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights, and the highly anticipated opening of their brand-new ride, The NightFlight Expedition. The indoor, family friendly, hybrid coaster/whitewater river rafting/ immersive motion simulation ride will be open and operational when you are reading this. The Pumpkin LumiNights and Fall Festival Fun of Dollywood did not need anything to make it more fun, but the new $50 Million Ride opening in mid-August and having the opportunity to be one of the first to experience it has raised the bar on fun this fall!
Of course, the Smokies has Fall Festivals, Bluegrass Festivals, The Sevier County Fair… and SO MUCH MORE to experience and enjoy. Plus, Christmas shows begin in November at our area theaters and there is always something else new to discover when you come to the smokies. Enjoy your autumn with us and thank you for sharing your family time with us!