Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Five Must-Do Outings On Your Fall Trip To The Smokies
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on October 11, 2016
Maybe the kids have a fall break coming up, or maybe that time has passed but you're still looking at getting away to the Great Smoky Mountains for a few days this fall. If so, you couldn't pick a better time. Autumn is one of the peak seasons that visitors choose to travel to the Smokies, and it's not hard to understand why. Folks love those cool, sunny days and chilly nights as well as the color show that goes along with the annual transformation of our foliage
That may be enough to lure you to this neck of the woods, but once you're here, you'll still be faced with so many options for how to spend your days that you might not even know how to begin narrowing them down. This week, Smoky Mountain Ziplines will offer you a few suggestions for some of the must-do things to put at the top of your travel itinerary this fall.
1. Drive (then walk) to Clingmans Dome
There are dozens of places we could recommend you visit to see some great panoramic views of the Smokies. But if you have to pick one, try this one, especially if you've never been there before. From Gatlinburg, take U.S. 441 (Newfound Gap Rd.) into Great Smoky Mountains National Park and drive about 16 miles to Clingmans Dome Rd. From there, travel seven miles to the Clingmans Dome parking area and the walking trail that leads about a half-mile to the observation tower itself.
Once there, you'll enjoy 360-degree views of the Smokies from an elevation of some 6,600 feet. You will be able to see as far as 100 miles away on a crystal clear day, and depending on your timing, you might just get to see colorful patchwork blankets of turning foliage that stretch to the horizon. Note that it's cooler up there than in most of the lower-lying areas, so make sure you take an extra layer or two. But it's worth the trip, and you'll find plenty of ways to put your phone's camera to good use.
2. Go ziplining
Our Pigeon Forge attraction offers one of the best zipline destinations in the Smokies, with a new course that offers more fun and a longer total zipline experience than any other attraction in town. Enjoy long, fast ziplines, great views of surrounding mountains and the sense of peace that comes with spending quality time in the great wooded outdoors. With a multipurpose facility, guides who are both safety-conscious and entertaining, and competitive pricing, it's no wonder that TripAdvisor.com has us rated as the number one outdoor attraction in Pigeon Forge.
3. Check out a craft fair
Craft fairs and fall go hand in hand in the Smoky Mountains. Through the end of October, you'll have multiple craft fair options to choose from, including the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair at the Gatlinburg Convention Center (through 10/23); the Rotary Club Craft Fair at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge (through 10/29); and the National Southern Gospel Harvest Celebration at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge (through 10/29). Collectively, these events showcase the hand-made arts and crafts of artisans from all over the country. Craft forms include pottery, glass blowing, basket making, jewelry, painting, sculpture, woodwork, broom making and many more. At some events, you'll even see live demonstrations of crafts people at work.
And if you're into crafts, you might also want to visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community in Gatlinburg, home to dozens of galleries, studios and shops, all located along an eight-mile auto loop.
4. Eat some fall foods
One place to start is the aforementioned Harvest Celebration at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. They serve up an array of Southern comfort foods, available at their multiple eateries as well as the Market Square section of the park during their fall festival. You can also find down-home foods that hit the spot during cool weather at restaurants like the Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge and the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant in Sevierville.
5. Do some early Christmas shopping
It almost feels too early to mention that particular holiday, but it's coming up on only two months away. Spend a morning or afternoon (or longer) browsing the many outlet malls and specialty shops you'll find throughout the Smokies. It's a great way to get some early Christmas bargains and get some names crossed off your “nice” list.
