Blog for Zip line Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
5 Ideas For An Early-Fall Day
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on September 26, 2023
For those of you who enjoy both summer and fall, September is definitely hitting the sweet spot. We can enjoy warmish days without oppressive humidity, but at the same time, the evenings and early mornings are pleasantly cool - ideal for an after-dinner outing or an a.m. workout.
If you plan to head to the Great Smoky Mountains in the next few weeks, you'll likely be able to take advantage of this Goldilocks weather we've been enjoying. It's still a little early yet for fall foliage to be turning colors, but one of the advantages of visiting now is that you'll avoid the larger crowds that descend on the Smokies in mid-October. This mild lull in the action offers up lots of opportunities for playtime in the mountains, especially anything that involves being outdoors.
So this week, we bring you five ideas for how to spend an early-autumn day in the Smokies. And naturally, all our suggestions are geared toward enjoyment of this glorious fall weather.
Picnicking
If you've read our past two blog posts, you already know that there are lots of great places to go for a picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains. We won't repeat all the details here; just dig back a week or two in our archives. But suffice it to say that in Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone, there are lots of great picnic backdrops on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park. Look for amenities like picnic tables, grills, restroom facilities, covered pavilions and more. And of course, if you find a great natural spot like Cades Cove, you won't even need amenities (even though they have them). Just spread out a blanket in a scenic spot along the loop road and enjoy the sights - and the food.
Ziplining
If you've had the itch to take a ride on a zip line, Pigeon Forge, TN, is the place to be. We've been enjoying some great days here at Smoky Mountain Ziplines. Our canopy tour features seven lines of fun, and with the help of our experienced guides, you can go from novice to seasoned zipline veteran over the span of seven amazing ziplines. Some of our lines are as long as 800 feet and stand more than 100 feet above ground level. We also have a vertical descent feature on our course that adds a whole new twist to up-in-the-air excitement. Call us today to reserve a tour.
Hiking
Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts some 800 miles of hiking trails, many of which are easily accessible from the Tennessee side of the park. You'll find hikes ranging from short, level, easy nature strolls to multiple challenging routes to the summit of Mt. LeConte, the third-highest peak in the Smokies. Also look for hikes with unique features like historic structures, waterfalls and amazing geological features. Most trailheads offer ample parking, and some trails are even paved for handicapped accessibility.
Horseback riding
This is wonderful weather for a horseback ride in the mountains. When you visit the Smokies, you'll have your choice of several different horseback-riding attractions. Depending on the location, you might take a guided group ride or be allowed to hit the trail on your own. Generally, stables offer a selection of horses suitable for most ages and experience levels. For a change of pace, try marveling at the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains while sitting in a saddle. You won't forget it!
Theme parks
Theme parks are fun, but on a scorching mid-summer day, the heat and humidity can sometimes zap some of the fun out of your day. That's why this is the ideal time to visit your favorite Smokies theme park. These days, there are many to choose from, including Dollywood, Ober Mountain, Anakeesta and SkyLift Park.
