There's more to do in Gatlinburg during the Fall than watching the leaves change. From some of the country's most popular theme parks and iconic attractions, to unique fall festivals and perhaps the finest arts and crafts community in the country, you'll find it here. And all around, the Smoky Mountains' majesty will dazzle you with its beauty. With adventures waiting around every turn, there's bound to be something for everyone in the Smokies. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anakeesta (@anakeesta) 1 | Rail Runner at Anakestea | Satisfy your need for speed on Anakeesta's single rail mountain coaster. You'll fly down the mountain on a single rail track with 1,600 feet of downhill twists and turns. Be sure to hold onto your hat as you race through the vibrantly colored trees at speeds up to 25 mph with a 400-foot elevation change. It's not just a rush – it's the epitome of leaf peeping! And while you're there, celebrate Autumn at Anakeesta with delicious fall foods, night rides, Halloween movies and more. Where: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (traffic light #5) | Who: 865-290-7883VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS Check Out These Related Articles 16 Best Kept Secret Beaches in Florida to Escape the Crowds The 12 Best Fishing Charters Near Daytona Beach Top 12 Local Favorite Places to Eat in Gatlinburg, TN View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anakeesta (@anakeesta) 2 | Astra Lumina at Anakeesta | For adventurers who prefer a more relaxed pace, Anakeesta opens its latest attraction on November 1, 2022 – Astra Lumina. Be among the first to experience this new enchanted night walk journey, where the stars seem to descend from the sky and create a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions and astral song. Immerse yourself in the cool night air as you walk along a celestial pathway created through the magic of lighting, projection and sound. Where: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (traffic light #5) | Who: 865-290-7883 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ober Gatlinburg (@obergatlinburg) 3 | OktOBERfest at Ober Gatlinburg | What's a fall vacation without Oktoberfest in the mountains?! Celebrate this annual tradition at Ober Gatlinburg, where brews, schnitzel, bratwurst, strudel and other Bavarian treats are served. Beginning September 23 and lasting through October 30, this annual tradition comes complete with German folk dances, outdoor games, Oompah bands and yodeling! Don't miss the aerial tram, mountain coaster, alpine slide or scenic chairlift. Where: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-5423 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gatlinburg SkyLift Park (@gatlinburgskylift) 4 | Autumn Adventure at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park | This popular attraction is a landmark on the Parkway, offering the best views in town. It's home to North America's longest pedestrian cable suspension bridge, Gatlinburg SkyBridge. The park also boasts the first four-season scenic chair lift in the South – the original SkyLift – plus a SkyDeck viewing area. During Autumn Adventure, enjoy colorful decorations, music, and special events like early access so you can watch the sun rise over the mountains! There's even a special Halloween event just for kids. Where: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-4307 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ripley's Aquarium Gatlinburg (@ripleysaquarium) 5 | Trick or Treat Kickoff Karnival | Fall isn't complete without a little Halloween fun, and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies delivers a fantastic family Halloween day event on October 31 from 11 AM to 3 PM. Designed for visiting guests and local residents alike, it features contests, costumed characters, games, food vendors, lots of candy and a pumpkin contest, plus trick or treat safety tips from the local police department. After the Karnival, get ready for the regular Trick or Treating festivities in Downtown Gatlinburg from 5 to 9 PM. Where: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-430-8808 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Robyn Strickland (@robyn_d_strickland) 6 | Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival | Gatlinburg is going all out this year to fully embrace the fall season. Not only is the city expanding Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival beginning mid-September through late November, it's also rolling out all the stops with seasonal decorations – like over-the-top displays including life-size, 3-dimensional scarecrow people! Take in the striking displays of gourds and pumpkins, participate in fall driving tours, sample local meals at nearby restaurants, and check out the craft shows. Vote for your favorite displays … and keep an eye out for hayrides through downtown Gatlinburg. Where: 811 E Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-4178 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Space Needle, Gatlinburg TN (@spaceneedletn) 7 | Gatlinburg Space Needle | A downtown fixture since 1969, the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle landmark is a 407-foot observation tower that overlooks both the town and the Great Smoky Mountains. Ride the glass-walled elevators to the observation deck for a 360-degree view of nature's spectacular Fall performance. The experience is totally different during the day and after dark, so consider visiting this landmark attraction twice. Where: 115 Historic Nature Tr, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-4629 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brandon Ore (@winston_360) 8 | Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler Distillery | If you enjoy a good whiskey or moonshine, check out this popular downtown attraction. One of four Tennessee locations, Ole Smoky's The Holler in Gatlinburg welcomed a whopping 2.6 million visitors in 2021, and the company is now considered the No. 1 selling moonshine brand in the world. Each location includes working stills and fermentation tanks, and an expansive visitor experience complete with self-guided tours, tastings, and a large retail shop. Where: 903 Parkway, Suite 128, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-6995 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair (@gcfinthesmokies) 9 | Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair | From October 13-30, 2022, more than 200 craftspeople from around the country will assemble to showcase their historic trades at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. This annual event consistently attracts the country's finest artists and craftspeople. Many of them hold live craft demonstrations so visitors can learn about the skills needed to make the items on display. It's also a great time to do a little Christmas shopping! (Tip: It usually takes more than one day to see.) Where: Gatlinburg Convention Center, 234 Historic Nature Tr, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-436-7479 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beth Mendiola (@appletreehousetn) 10 | Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community | Don't miss Gatlinburg's historic Arts & Crafts Trail, where you can visit more than 100 artists and craftsmen along an 8-mile loop of shops, studios, galleries and eateries. This very diverse community is the largest independent organization of artisans in the U.S. Explore a wide assortment of items, from dulcimers to stuffed bears to ceramics. Artists often talk with visitors and discuss the history of their craft. It's the perfect place to purchase handmade memories of your visit to the Smokies. Where: 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 | Who: 865-412-1012 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by Holly Paige (@hpaige1230) 11 | Dollywood Harvest Festival | Celebrate the changing seasons with the return of Dollywood's Harvest Festival, September 23 through October 29. Experience the beauty of a Smoky Mountain fall as the forests come to life with vivid color, the smells of apple and pumpkin treats waft through the streets, and the sounds of thrill rides fill the air. After sundown, the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights glow even brighter with the debut of Hoot Owl Hollow, and the warming glow of more than 12,000 illuminated pumpkins and towering pumpkin icons! Where: 2700 Dollywood Park Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 | Who: 800-DOLLYWOOD VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS View this post on Instagram A post shared by BRG Smoky Mountains (@brgsmokymountains) 12 | The Apple Barn & Cider Mill | Don't miss a chance to visit The Apple Barn in Sevierville, located just 5 miles past Pigeon Forge. They've been welcoming visitors to their riverside orchards and stores for 50 years now. Watch cider, candy and ice cream being made, then explore the general store and shops where you can buy these yummy treats. There's even a Christmas and candle shop. Finally, don't pass up a chance to dine at the Applewood Farmhouse Grill. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's the quintessential fall experience that your family will remember for years to come. Where: 230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862 | Who: 865-453-9319 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS Fall is a magical time in Gatlinburg! Use this map to help plan your Smoky Mountains vacation. Book Your Exploria Resorts Stay Today Gatlinburg Town Square By Exploria Resorts is ideally situated in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, within easy walking distance to downtown and all the entertainment, shopping and nightlife only the Smokies could offer. So hurry! Check out these resort destination offers and book your stay today! * Exploria Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.