Things you can do in October Fall Foliage, Haunted Houses, Halloween Event
October is the perfect month to take a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. What better way than with your family, friends, and pets. Explore this beautiful city by visting all it has to offer. From autumn leaves that change colors every day of October in Cades Cove or going trick-or-treating around town before Halloween evening begins. You’ll find vibrant fall activities such as apple picking, where you can spend time enjoying nature’s beauty while also tasting these delicious fruits fresh off the tree branches. But for enjoying you should know Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains in October.
October is a fantastic month to visit with friends and family. But, every Saturday in October, there’s a unique event that you can’t miss. “3 Points Festival“ takes place right here on our Main Street – it features live local musicians or artists showing their work while enjoying some delicious food from different restaurants around town. This festival runs all day long, so come ready for fun times (and great deals).
Few Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains in October
Below are 27 Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains in October. Let’s explore them.
Cades Cove Visitor Center: For those who love the great outdoors, this is a must-do. For 1 mile drive along with one of the most popular spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can see wildlife like deer and squirrels, which are usually seen during hunting season. Still, other animals live wild such as birds or even bears coming out at night from their dens just waiting for food, so they won’t be hungry tomorrow morning when no human has any breakfast prepared.
Mountain Tower at Pigeon Forge: This observation tower will give you views of Dollywood, the towns of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, as well as Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Firehouse Golf: At Smoky Mountain there is an 18-hole miniature golf course filled with creepy creatures that will scare small children. There is also a dark ride for those looking for more thrills.
Deer Farm at Wears Valley Ranch: Feed deer, goats, donkeys, and pigs on this 40-acre working farm owned by the McWane Family, who originally built Big Ridge, State Park.
Haunted House at the Island: Take a 2-minute ferry across the river from Pigeon Forge, then check out this spooky haunted house attraction.
Cades Cove at dusk: When the sun sets and night begins, you can see Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a whole new light. Listen for wildlife that emerges after dark, like owls or raccoon dogs, while on your hike through this magical place in Tennessee! The folk festival is filled with entertainment from local singers who bring Americana to life during springtime months at Cades Cove where it all began centuries ago.”
Pigeon Forge Haunted House: Another haunted house filled with scary creatures who live there year-round. The local fire department would tear it down, but they couldn’t because the building was haunted itself.
Appalachian GhostWalks: At various locations throughout October – these trendy walking tours will take participants through downtown Gatlinburg filled with ghost stories, legends, and the area’s history.
Lake Watauga: Rent a paddleboat or canoe on this beautiful mountain lake located in Kingsport. Come back in the evening to watch for great blue herons, osprey, fish jumping out of the water, and squirrels running along the banks.
Rock City at Lookout Mountain: See seven states from hundreds of feet above the ground on this unique attraction inside Lookout Mountain that has been thrilling visitors for decades.
Fall Foliage Train: Excursion through North Carolina – take a train ride through spectacular fall foliage all along the Nantahala Gorge through western North Carolina, then enjoy dinner at an authentic 1880s depot-style station once you arrive.
Haunted Caverns at Ruby Falls: Take a guided tour through 1,400 feet of a cavern filled with unusual rock formations, underground waterfalls, and even manufactured ice chasms.
Cades Cove campground during the week: Enjoy the peace of this beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park campground on weekdays when it is less crowded. October also brings the annual East Tennesseans for Wilderness Fall Festival to Cades Cove. This festival includes hiking, biking, guided tours, crafts, and live music throughout the day. It’s fun for all ages.
Haunted Orchards & Halloween Fun: At Wicked Ways Haunted House – play mini golf surrounded by spooky creatures in costumes as well as scary haunted houses and walk through an orange-and-black tunnel to get into the free parking lot.
Cherokee Ghost Walk: One of many other ghost walks throughout October – hear about how Area 51 was taken by alien outlaws and held hostage here in eastern Tennessee, how the Cherokee taught us about astral projection, or what happened to the ancient race of giants who used to call this area home. The Cherokee Heritage Center has many things to do in October. Please stop by the center to see their exhibits, which highlight traditional Cherokee arts and culture.
Fall in Gatlinburg: Offers a variety of festivals such as Apple Days and Candy Cane Lane. These festivals provide live entertainment featuring local artists and agricultural-related events like hayrides, taste testing, fresh apple cider, and food cooked over an open fire. You can also visit the Old Time Country Store, where they sell pumpkins and other fall-related items during these times.
The annual Apple Days celebration in Gatlinburg: It is an event not to be missed. With “Candy Cane Lane” and apple products galore on display during October – this may be your favorite time of year! Visitors come from all over town for the free entertainment that ranges from dance performances (including live bands) at different venues throughout downtown GPB; shows put up by roaming entertainers like Dolly Parton’s avatar FlynnEdwards II or Shania Twain herself as she belts out tunes about autumn leaves turning color while walking around town incognito (you get my drift!). There are also two stages set up expressly so you can shake what’s left.
Gatlinburg Glider Rides: See downtown Gatlinburg from 500ft above, along with views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Clingmans Dome.
MagiQuest at Wilderness at the Smokies: Explore a mystical castle filled with wizards, fairies & other characters, as well as quests within rooms and a vast forest filled with dinosaurs.
Go to the pumpkin patch: You can find a nice list here. You can also visit one of these haunted corn mazes or go horseback riding at a nearby barn.
Go for a hike in the mountains: See the leaves change color as you walk along trails like the Grotto Falls trail or this list of more fall hiking ideas. You can also take a tour out on one of these three haunted trails.
Dragon’s Lair Mini Golf: Put your way through a dragon’s lair filled with waterfalls, fire-breathing dragons, giant spiders, dark caves, and more, along with special discounts that are available throughout October. You can also visit their new location in Gatlinburg.
Be sure to check out the local craft shows taking place during this time, such as the annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival in Sevierville, along with fall festivals you’ll find on a list here.
During October in Sevierville, they have Arts in the Smokies which features craft booths; clothing; art; music by local school ensembles and dance groups; hayrides; historical displays; games for children of all ages, including a petting zoo with live farm animals, pony rides and an inflatable slide.
Fall festivals at Dollywood: Are a great way to enjoy the changing colors of Fall. Harvest Festival is located in their famous Old Time Country Store, where guests can sample fresh apple cider and waffles cooked over an open fire inside! They also host several other fall-themed events throughout October, such as their popular Pumpkin LumiNights, where you walk through the park, but it’s covered with pumpkin lights on the ground. It looks amazing.
The Great Pumpkin LumiNights Parade is a fun time for families. You can sit back, relax and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer with plenty of activities throughout October! Get your kids (or yourself) involved in the parade by watching as many floats go by or take part in one of their pumpkin carving contests while tasting some delicious apple cider cooked over tons.
Conclusion:
This article has a list of things you should do in October when visiting Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Some places mentioned include haunted houses, tours throughout the Cherokee Nation, and other ghost walks that happen during this month, as well as MagiQuest at night with its medieval village scenery reenactment; there is also an opportunity for visitors to try their luck winning prizes on Cherokee Ghostwalk’s “Reaper” game show.