- #610021
- Duration: 2days
- Available: 25/9/3 - 26/9/1
- Atlanta,GA
Overview and Highlights
This year, the fall foliage season in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) follows typical patterns influenced by elevation, weather, and temperature drops (daytime in the 70s°F, nights in the 40s°F for optimal color). According to forecasts from sources like the National Park Service (NPS), Visit My Smokies, and the Gatlinburg Fall Foliage Report, colors begin in higher elevations (above 4,000 feet) as early as mid-to-late September, with mountain maples turning first. Peak viewing for these high-elevation maples occurs from late September to mid-October. Mid-elevations (2,500–4,000 feet) and lower areas peak from mid-to-late October through early November, featuring vibrant displays from sugar maples (orange-red), red maples (scarlet/orange), and black maples (glowing yellow). The season can extend into mid-November in lower areas if conditions are mild.
Most essential locations
Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi Mountain)
Highest point in the park (6,643 feet); early-to-mid October peak for mountain maples in bright reds and golds. Recommended for panoramic 360-degree views from the observation tower (0.5-mile steep paved trail), providing an overview of the color wave descending the mountainsides—ideal for high-elevation maple immersion with minimal effort.
Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) and Overlooks (e.g., Morton Overlook, Oconaluftee Valley Overlook)
A 33-mile scenic drive from Gatlinburg, TN, to Cherokee, NC, with peak season from early to mid-October at higher elevations and mid-October at lower elevations. Essential for its elevation changes showcasing red and sugar maples along the roadside and from pullouts; the overlooks offer sweeping valley views framed by colorful ridges, making it a convenient drive for spotting maple transitions without hiking.
Cades Cove Loop Road
An 11-mile one-way loop in the western park, with a peak in mid-to-late October featuring sugar and red maples amid open fields. Chosen for its historic meadows, which contrast vibrant maple foliage against the mountains, and for wildlife sightings (deer, bears). Although less strenuous than hikes, expect traffic, making it best for immersive, low-elevation maple displays in a pastoral setting.
Foothills Parkway
A 33-mile drive along the park’s western edge is available from late September to late October, varying by section. Recommended for uncrowded, open vistas of maple-dotted valleys and the Tennessee River; its gentle curves and pullouts allow relaxed viewing of red and black maples in the foothills, especially at dawn or dusk for mist-enhanced colors.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
5.5-mile one-way loop near Gatlinburg; mid-October peak for mid-elevation maples. Ideal for its narrow, winding path through dense forests rich in red and sugar maples, with historic cabins and waterfalls adding foreground interest; a short, shaded drive perfect for intimate maple canopy views.
Photography Suggestions
Capturing the maples’ fiery hues requires planning around light, weather, and gear to highlight contrasts with evergreens and misty backgrounds. Focus on golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm tones and soft shadows, or on overcast days to avoid harsh highlights that wash out reds/oranges.
Shoot during early morning (just after sunrise) or late afternoon (before sunset) for golden light that enhances maple vibrancy and creates long shadows for depth; avoid midday sun. For 2025, target mid-to-late October for peak saturation, but check forecasts for fog or light rain, which add atmospheric drama (e.g., at Cades Cove or Newfound Gap).
Aperture
f/8 to f/11 for sharp landscapes with good depth of field, keeping maple clusters and backgrounds in focus; stop down to f/16 for expansive vistas if light allows, but avoid smaller apertures to prevent diffraction.
Shutter Speed
1/100–1/200 second for handheld sharpness in moderate wind (common in fall); slower (1/30 or less with a tripod) for silky waterfalls amid foliage (e.g., near Chimneys Picnic Area) or intentional motion blur in breezy leaves. Use faster speeds (1/500+) for wildlife with colorful backdrops.
Lens & Filters
Wide-angle (16–35mm) for sweeping scenes like Newfound Gap panoramas to capture the scale of maple-covered ridges; telephoto (70–200mm or 100–400mm) for compressing distant layers or isolating vibrant branches against skies (great at Foothills Parkway). A polarizing filter is essential to reduce glare on leaves and saturate colors; bring a tripod for low-light shots and a macro lens (50–100mm) for close-ups of textured bark or fallen leaves.
Filters can reduce glare on water and leaves, making colors more vibrant. A Neutral Density (ND) filter is essential for long-exposure shots in bright conditions, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds.
Itinerary
Kick off your journey with a burst of excitement! At 10:00 AM, our friendly and knowledgeable guide will meet you at your Atlanta hotel, ready to whisk you away to the breathtaking Smoky Mountains National Park.
As you travel, soak in the scenic views and get ready to explore! Whether you have a dream itinerary in mind or prefer a curated experience, your guide is here to share insider tips and tailor the day to your preferences. From scenic hikes to hidden gems, the Smokies are yours to discover!
Enjoy a relaxed morning soaking in the beauty of the Smokies—perhaps a final hike, a quiet picnic, or a scenic photo stop.
After that, we’ll begin our journey back to Atlanta. Depending on traffic, you’ll arrive around **6:00 PM**, wrapping up a short but unforgettable escape into nature.
PRICE
Final pricing and service content are subject to change based on factors such as season, group size, and your preferred level of food and lodging.
For a specific quote, please reach out to our team.
Good to Know Before You Go
● This is a private, fully independent tour, featuring a dedicated guide and vehicle throughout your journey. Unless otherwise specified for certain activities that require a minimum number of participants, all arrangements can be made for groups starting from just one traveler.
● If you’d prefer to join a shared group for cost-sharing or other reasons, please get in touch with our customer service team in advance to explore available options.
● Activity schedules and availability listed on our website may not always reflect real-time updates and are subject to change without notice.
● Before booking, please confirm the final price and itinerary details with our customer service team to ensure accuracy prior to payment.
● EasyTour can only process formally confirmed reservations. Any unconfirmed bookings will be refunded in full to your original payment method after review by our finance department.
● EasyTour provides fully customized travel solutions, including transportation, accommodation, registration support, and more.
● Want to adjust your itinerary, change travel dates, or add personal arrangements? Just contact our customer service team—we’re here to help tailor your experience.
