6 Tips for Visiting Pigeon Forge in the Fall

Fall is one of the most popular times to visit the Smoky Mountain area. Not only do the leaves turn gorgeous shades of red, orange, and yellow, but the weather is perfect for exploring the great outdoors! You’ll love everything about the city during this time of the year, and we want to help make sure you have the best fall vacation. Check out these six tips for visiting Pigeon Forge in the fall:

1. Plan in Advance

The best thing to do if you want to visit Pigeon Forge during the autumn months is to plan in advance. As soon as you lock down the dates you want to be in town, you’ll want to find the perfect lodging and get tickets to popular attractions. When you plan ahead of time, you’re guaranteed better rates at hotels and cabins, and you can secure your spot at attractions that oftentimes sell out, like Dolly Parton’s Stampede. Plus, once all the planning is out of the way, you’ll be stress-free and can focus on all the excitement that’s ahead!

2. Bring Your Whole Family

family watching the Stampede and eating

The next tip is to make sure you bring your whole family! Everything automatically becomes more special when you get to share it with the people you love. Nothing’s better than being in a place you love while being surrounded by the people you love. Plus, fall offers endless opportunities for excitement for all ages, from the kids to the grandparents. Whether you’re taking in views of the fall foliage or enjoying our dinner show, you’ll be able to create memories together that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

3. Be Prepared for Crowds

One important tip is to be prepared for crowds. When you visit Pigeon Forge in the fall, crowds are unavoidable. Everyone wants the chance to experience the beauty of the area during this special season, so it’s likely you’ll experience more traffic and longer lines while you’re here. However, don’t let that deter you from visiting! The fall is a can’t-miss time of year in the Smoky Mountains. We recommend taking an early drive into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to beat traffic and getting tickets to popular attractions beforehand to guarantee you get to visit. You can even find lodging within walking distance of the attractions you want to visit to avoid spending an extended time in the car!

4. Enjoy Our Pigeon Forge Show

Finale riders with doves flying

One of the best things to do during the fall in Pigeon Forge is to visit our Pigeon Forge show! Dolly Parton’s Stampede loves welcoming visitors this time of year. We’re the perfect place to be after a full day exploring the park, and our indoor attraction offers warmth and comfort on those chilly fall evenings. It’s also the last chance to see our regular show for the season before our Christmas show kicks off! You’ll experience exciting pre-show activities and entertainment, a high-spirited adventure, and a mouth-watering four-course feast. Our signature creamy vegetable soup will be your perfect fall dish! Don’t forget to stop by our gift shop before you leave to get a bag of our soup mix so you can recreate the dish at home.

5. Attend the Harvest Festival

Pigeon Forge is known for its exciting seasonal festivals, and one you won’t want to miss is the Harvest Festival at Dollywood. Enjoy fall-flavored food, live country, bluegrass, and gospel music, and the colors of autumn brought to life. A highlight of the festival is Great Pumpkin LumiNights, during which thousands of carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin icons light up the night. Of course, you can experience your favorite rides as well! For an extra spooky adventure, enjoy a thrilling ride on Wild Eagle or Mystery Mine after the sun goes down. You’ll love everything Dollywood has to offer during the fall.

6. Take in the Views

Fall foliage in Pigeon Forge

We couldn’t talk about Pigeon Forge in the fall and not mention the gorgeous views! When you’re in town, you have to set aside time to explore the area and soak in the beautiful scenery. As the leaves turn from green to the colors of autumn, you’ll be met with mesmerizing views. Your first chance at spotting the leaves at their peak is at higher elevations, so we recommend going for a hike or scenic drive through the park! Don’t forget to bring a phone or camera with you to capture the scenes! It’ll look like something straight off a postcard.