Smoky Mountain Solitude

Secluded Vacation Getaways in the Smokies

Autumn in the Smoky Mountains

Secluded Smoky Mountain Vacations

Autumn's a Great Time for a Relaxing Smoky Mountain Vacation

In the Smoky Mountains, during the last days of September, you can tell that Autumn's in the air. The first frosts shrowd the Smoky Mountains, but come October, the Smokies are in the full throes of their fall spectacular. The maples turn red and orange, the elm trees yellow, the birch a brilliant gold, and all our deciduous trees in the Smokies make a grand, picturesque scene.

Besides Smoky Mountain leaf peeping, there are a slew of fall events. While it's almost impossible to provide a summary of all, here's a brief glimpse of the more popular Smoky Mountain celebrations.

Autumn's a great time to vacation in the Smokies, so what are you waiting for!


Autumn Celebrations in the Smokies

Old-Fashioned Hayrides in Gatlinburg

From late August through December, you can take an old-fashioned hayride through the streets of Gatlinburg. Daily hours are

  • 6:00 - 10:00 pm in August and September,
  • 6:00 - 9:00 pm in October and November, and
  • 5:30 - 10:00 pm in December.

The cost is very reasonable and you can climb onboard at the Mountain Mall, at traffic light #6.


Gatlinburg's Heritage Festival

The first of the fall festivals in the Smokies is Gatlinburg's Heritage Festival. This is a two-week celebration of the city's folk traditions. It takes place at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, beginning on the weekend preceding Labor Day.

Throughout the festival you can explore the various galleries, shops including several special venues where guest artists and craftfolks showcase their talents. You'll also hear many local musical groups who perform and compete for cash prizes. Audiences at each musical concert are asked to vote for their favorite musical groups.

Directions to Gatlinburg's Heritage Festival
From downtown Gatliburg, take East Parkway, US 321N, about 2 miles to Glades Road, traffic light #3A. You can find the festival information booth located at the Wood Whittlers complex.


September Celebrations in the Smoky Mountains

Boomsday in Downown Knoxville

Knoxville's Boomsday is a daylong annual celebration of the first Monday of September, okay -- it's Labor Day. Yes, all kinds of carnival events take place throughout the day, but don't you dare miss the evening fireworks.

For about 20 minutes you'll witness about four tons of fireworks. In fact it takes almost 48 hours to set them up on Knoxville's longest bridge across the Tennessee River. How else can I describe the immensity of this show? They use 60 miles of wire to connect the computers that produce more than 12,000 pyrothechnic effects. It's is not a truckload of fireworks -- we're talking a trainload. You'll see around 12,000 explosions.

Where's the best spot to experience Boomsday?
If you're staying in Sevier County, we recommend being on Chapman Highway, US 441N, no later than 7:30 pm. Follow Chapman into Knoxville until you must detour away from the Henley Street Bridge. Turn either direction, and drive a few blocks to find a good view of the bridge and a great place to park. Just be sure to get as close to the river as you can by 9:00 pm. Don't forget the snacks and drinks for the entire family.


Smoky Mountain Fall Trout Tournament

This is the fall spectacular of a popular trout-fishing event that brings anglers young and old to the Little Pigeon River. The September tournament takes place the third weekend of the month.

Smoky Mountain Fall Trout Tournament
 (865) 429-3474
www.rockytopoutfitter.com


Smoky Mountain Wine Festival

Each fall, the Smoky Mountain Wine Festival is held at the Tennessee Smokies baseball stadium. For $15, you'll get a souvenir wine glass that can be used to sample wines from 11 different local wineries.

Of course there's live music, crafts and specialty foods, but more that 50 award-winning wines are availbe for tasting. Our Smoky Mountain Wine Festival is held each year in late September.


October Celebrations in the Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Fall Celebration

Throughout October, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community puts on a huge outdoor crafts festival. All throughout the month, the artisans are outside their shops selling their goods and demonstrating their mountain crafts.

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, Gatlinburg
(865) 436-4315


Dollywood's Harvest Celebration

Throughout October, colorful autumn decorations are everywhere. The Dollywood Harvest Celebration features music, crafts, fall food and of course-- tons of fun. Also featured is the largest Southern gospel music event, the Southern Gospel Jubilee.

For up-to--date prices and hours, just go to the Dollywood website.

Dollywood Entertainment Park
1020 Dollywood Lane
(865) 428-9488
(800) 365-5996
www.dollywood.com




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