Experience the Smokies like never before with these top things to do in the Smoky Mountains in November! Here is a Smoky Mountains vacation guide to help you make the most of your fall trip.
Close the autumn season with a bang and welcome in the winter season with fun and festive activities in the Smoky Mountains in November. From watching the leaves change color to Thanksgiving celebrations, there is something for everyone to enjoy this month.
The Smoky Mountains are a great place to visit any time of year, but they’re especially beautiful in the fall. If you’re planning a trip to the area just before the winter, here are some of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in November!
Is It Cold In The Smoky Mountains In November?
Yes, it can be cold in the Smoky Mountains in November. The average high temperature in November is only 50 degrees and can dip down to the 30s and 20s usually at night. However, there can be warm days in November, with highs in the 60s.
The average low temperature in November is close to freezing, and snowfall is possible in higher elevations. Although this month is considered the driest period of the year, there may be occasional rain showers.
Make sure you pack appropriate clothing if you’re planning to visit the Smoky Mountains in November, including sweaters, jackets, and pants. You should also be prepared for cold weather activities like hiking and camping.
Things To Do In The Smoky Mountains In November
Check out these fun and festive things to do in the Smoky Mountains in November.
The Smoky Mountains are known for their beautiful fall foliage, and November is the perfect time to see it! And there are plenty of ways to experience the fall colors of the Smokies.
The leaves are changing color and falling, making for a picturesque view no matter which route you take. Be sure to stop at overlooks along the way to really take in the scenery.
With the cooler weather, hiking is a great activity to do in the Smoky Mountains during November.
There are many different trails of varying difficulty levels, so you can find one that's perfect for you. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, and wear a good pair of hiking shoes.
One of the most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains is to drive the Cades Cove Loop. This 11-mile one-way road takes you through a lush valley with beautiful scenery.
You're likely to see wildlife such as deer, turkey, and bear, so be sure to have your camera ready!
If you're looking for some thrills, riding a mountain coaster is a great option. There are multiple coasters to choose from, and they all offer unique experiences.
What better way to enjoy the Smoky Mountains than by renting a cozy cabin? GSM Family Vacations got some great deals on their cabin, so be sure to check them out!
Starting from Nov. 10 the Smoky Mountains town of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg will be transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of lights on display! You can also enjoy trolley rides, shows, and more.
Whether you’re looking for live music or a theatrical performance, you’ll find it in the Smokies. The area is home to several great venues, including the Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Hatfield McCoy Dinner Show, Smoky Mountain Opry and more!
Dollywood offers a wide variety of rides and attractions for people of all ages, making it a perfect destination for family vacations.
The park is especially festive during the holiday season, when it is decorated with millions of twinkling lights. Holiday shows and other special events are also held during this time.
For indoor fun, check out Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The aquarium is home to over 10,000 aquatic animals, including sharks, rays, and penguins. You can even take a glass-bottom boat ride to see the fish up close!
The Island in Pigeon Forge is a great place to shop, eat, and play. The island is home to dozens of shops and restaurants, as well as an arcade, the Great Smoky Mountains Wheel from which you can see the beautiful fall foliage of the Smokies.
Festivals & Events In The Smoky Mountains In November
- Pigeon Forge Winterfest(Nov 9, 2023 – Feb 18, 2024)– See millions of Pigeon Forge Christmas lights, larger-than-life sculptures, holiday shows, and much more!
- Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas(Nov. 4, 2023 – Jan. 6, 2024)– This holiday season, Dollywood invites you to enjoy a colorful Christmas! Enjoy the Dollywood Christmas lights display, lots of Christmas shows, and more!
- Thanksgiving Celebration(Nov 23, 2023)– Come out and celebrate Thanksgiving in the Smoky Mountains! This is a great time to visit with family and friends and enjoy all that the Smokies have to offer.
- Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic (Nov. 10, 2023)- Gatlinburg celebrates the holiday season with millions of lights, trolley rides, shows, and more!
- Veterans Day Celebration (Nov. 11, 2023)- Men and women who have served in the Armed Forces are honored annually at this event. The public is invited to attend the parade, enjoy live music, and watch a fireworks show.
- Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees (Nov. 22-26, 2023)-The Festival will have a children’s craft and play area, entertainment, photos with Santa Claus, and more!
Where To Stay
Your perfect Smoky Mountain vacation starts at GSM Family Vacations. With a 5BR/5BA cabin complete with over 2600 square feet of finished living space, they have the perfect accommodation for families who want to spread out and enjoy their time in the Smokies.
Soak in the crisp autumn air and take in the natural beauty of the Smokies and rent a cabin today!
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Download Our FREE Fall Packing Checklist For The Smokies!
Related Smoky Mountain Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
More Related Resources
Planning to visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Fall? Then make sure to check out our list of amazing Things to do in Gatlinburg in November and Things To Do In Pigeon Forge In November!
To capture all the beautiful fall foliage, don’t forget to pack a compact travel camera.
