Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Map 2020

Introduction

Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Map 2020 is a must-visit destination for travelers who love nature and adventure. This guide will help you plan your trip to this beautiful region, which is located in the southeastern United States. You will discover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.

Top Attractions

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular attraction in the Smoky Mountains. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. The park has over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail. You can also take scenic drives, go camping, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.

Dollywood

Dollywood is an amusement park owned by Dolly Parton. It has over 50 rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions. The park also has live shows, festivals, and a museum dedicated to Dolly Parton.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a world-class aquarium with over 10,000 sea creatures. You can see sharks, penguins, stingrays, jellyfish, and more. The aquarium also has interactive exhibits, a glass-bottom boat ride, and a play area for kids.

Hidden Gems

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a secluded valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has a scenic loop road that passes by historic buildings, churches, and cemeteries. You can also see wildlife, such as deer, black bears, and turkeys.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a scenic drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has waterfalls, historic buildings, and hiking trails. You can also see wildlife, such as black bears, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer.

Little River Road

Little River Road is a scenic drive that runs through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It follows the Little River and has picnic areas, hiking trails, and waterfalls. You can also go fishing, tubing, and swimming.

Food Scene

Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant that serves Southern comfort food. It has a bakery, a gift shop, and a petting zoo. You can try their famous apple fritters, fried chicken, and biscuits and gravy.

Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant

Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant is a casual eatery that serves Southern cuisine. It has live music, a general store, and a bar. You can try their pulled pork, fried catfish, and banana pudding.

The Peddler Steakhouse

The Peddler Steakhouse is a fine-dining restaurant that serves steak and seafood. It has a romantic atmosphere and a view of the river. You can try their filet mignon, lobster tail, and chocolate cake.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Activities

There are many free activities in the Smoky Mountains, such as hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. You can also visit the visitor centers, museums, and historic sites for free.

Picnics

You can save money on food by having picnics in the parks. There are many picnic areas with tables, grills, and restrooms. You can buy groceries at the local supermarkets, such as Walmart and Kroger.

Camping

You can save money on lodging by camping in the national park. There are over 10 campgrounds with tent and RV sites. You can make reservations online or by phone.

Outdoor Adventures

Zip lining

Zip lining is a thrilling activity that allows you to fly over the trees. There are several zip lining companies in the Smoky Mountains, such as Smoky Mountain Ziplines and Legacy Mountain Ziplines. You can choose from different courses, heights, and speeds.

White-water rafting

White-water rafting is a fun activity that allows you to navigate the rapids. There are several white-water rafting companies in the Smoky Mountains, such as Rafting in the Smokies and Smoky Mountain Outdoors. You can choose from different levels of difficulty, from mild to wild.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is a relaxing activity that allows you to explore the trails. There are several stables in the Smoky Mountains, such as Sugarlands Riding Stables and Smoky Mountain Riding Stables. You can choose from guided tours, private rides, and wagon rides.

Family-Friendly Activities

WonderWorks

WonderWorks is an interactive museum that combines science, art, and entertainment. It has over 100 exhibits, such as a hurricane simulator, a bubble lab, and a laser tag arena. The museum also has a ropes course, a 4D motion ride, and a magic show.

Alpine Coaster

Alpine Coaster is a thrilling ride that allows you to control your speed. It is a single-track coaster that runs down the mountain. You can ride alone or with a partner. The coaster also has lights for night rides.

Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg is a ski resort that offers year-round activities. It has a tramway that takes you up the mountain. You can ski, snowboard, ice skate, and snow tube in the winter. You can also ride the alpine slide, the mountain coaster, and the chairlift in the summer.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Forbidden Caverns

Forbidden Caverns is a natural wonder that is hidden underground. It has underground streams, waterfalls, and formations. You can take a guided tour to explore the cave. The tour also includes a light and sound show.

Cataloochee Valley

Cataloochee Valley is a remote valley that is home to elk, deer, and turkeys. It has historic buildings, such as a schoolhouse, a church, and a barn. You can hike, picnic, and wildlife watch in the valley.

Ghost Town in the Sky

Ghost Town in the Sky is a theme park that is located on top of a mountain. It has a western theme and a view of the valley. You can ride the chairlift or the incline railway to reach the park. You can also watch live shows and shootouts.

Natural Wonders

Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains. It has a observation tower that offers a panoramic view of the mountains. You can hike to the tower from the parking lot. The hike is steep but short.

Mingo Falls

Mingo Falls is a waterfall that is located in the Cherokee Indian Reservation. It has a height of 120 feet and a trail that leads to the base. You can also see the falls from the observation deck.

Chimney Tops

Chimney Tops is a rock formation that resembles chimneys. It has a trail that leads to the summit. The trail is steep and strenuous, but the view is worth it. You can see the valleys, the mountains, and the forests.

Vibrant Nightlife

Ole Smoky Moonshine

Ole Smoky Moonshine is a distillery that produces moonshine. It has a tasting room that offers free samples. You can try different flavors, such as apple pie, peach, and strawberry. The distillery also has live music and events.

Smoky Mountain Brewery

Smoky Mountain Brewery is a brewery that produces craft beer. It has a restaurant that serves American cuisine. You can try their signature beers, such as Mountain Light and Thunder Road. The brewery also has live music and sports events.

Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria

Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria is a pub that serves beer and pizza. It has a casual atmosphere and a patio. You can try their local beers, such as Highland Brewing and French Broad Brewery. The pub also has live music and trivia nights.

Local Markets

Gatlinburg Farmers Market

Gatlinburg Farmers Market is a market that