Best Things To Do in Pigeon Forge in October

With so many opportunities to see the beautiful fall foliage of the Smokies, Pigeon Forge brings thousands of visitors to the area year after year.

The change begins for higher elevated areas in early October and the colors will peak within the mid and low elevations around mid-October through the start of November.

Here are some of the best places to view the beautiful Smoky Mountain fall foliage;

• Clingmans Dome
• Chimney Tops Trail
• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
• Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

Happening in late September all through the month of October, Dollywood’s Harvest festival is one of the most popular events in Pigeon Forge in Fall.

Voted America’s #1 Fall Family Event by USA Today Readers, offers fall-themed fun and attraction for people of all ages. Enjoy the beautiful colors of fall around as you enjoy exciting rides across the park.

Dollywood guests can also enjoy the incredible artistry of world-class artisans from around the country and taste the flavor of fall with a bounty of Smoky Mountain Harvest turned into the most delectable dishes. 

Also one of the highlights of this festival is the colossal pumpkins all in a massive display and ready for the camera!

With the setting of the sun, Dollywood lights transform into a magnificent display of autumn splendor. Dollywood features artistic sculptures and whimsical displays that will surely delight each guest.

There are numerous lighted pumpkins all over the park for nighttime fun. Enjoy amazing displays including a forest of shimmering sunflowers, family of glowing frogs, and a towering Pumpkin Tree.

The gorgeous fall foliage in the Smokies makes for the perfect backdrop for picture taking. With the fall foliage at its peak in October, take this opportunity to go hiking and see some of the best sights in the area and capture its beauty through the lenses of your camera. 

• Mount LeConte
• Cades Cove
• Cataloochee
• Clingman's Dome

Great weather and spectacular autumn leaves make for a great ATV riding adventure in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains.

ATV rides in Pigeon Forge offer family fun and thrilling trails through the beautiful mountain forest.

There are ATV/UTV rentals in Pigeon Forge so you can just hop on, drive, and explore different local attractions and amazing scenery.

You can also take ATV guide tours from one of the four main ATV trail tour providers near Pigeon Forge, TN in the Smokies including:

• Bluff Mountain Adventures
• Jayell Ranch
• Big Rock Dude Ranch
• Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park

If you want to take a break from hiking or sightseeing, try zip lining in the fall! Sure, admiring the autumn foliage from the ground is lovely, but one of the best ways to experience the magnificent fall colors is on the treetops.

Go zip-lining at the Smoky Mountain Ziplines and fly through the trees at up to 25 miles per hour! 

The Island in Pigeon Forge changes things up in autumn, filled with vibrant fall colors and plenty of fun activities and attractions that the whole family will enjoy.

One thing you can’t miss is riding The Great Smoky Mountains Wheel on the Island which offers one of the best views of the Smoky Mountain foliage from the top.

Almost every day during the fall, guests can enjoy live bluegrass music at the Ole Smoky Moonshine stage.

And don’t forget the food! From Ole Smoky’s pumpkin pie and apple pie moonshine to new flavors of ice cream at The Island Creamery.

Special events are happening on the Island in October like The Island's Chalkfest and The Island's Halloween Trick or Treating on Oct. 31.