Things To Do in the Smoky Mountains in October

Looking into the Smoky Mountains to visit this fall? In this Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide, we share some of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in October. It’s the perfect place to go to now that the leaves are changing, and the weather is perfect for hiking and enjoying the outdoors.

October is a great time to visit the Smoky Mountains. The leaves are also beginning to change color, creating beautiful scenery.

One of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains in October is to go leaf-peeping.

The fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains is some of the most beautiful in the country.

You can drive through the scenic roads, hike to viewpoints, or take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad to see the leaves up close.

Festivals in the Smoky Mountains in October

Smoky Mountain Oktoberfest: This festival takes place at Ober Gatlinburg and celebrates all things German, including food, drink, music, and dance.
Fall Festivals at Dollywood: Dollywood celebrates the autumn season with a variety of festivals throughout October, including the Harvest Fest Celebration and the Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair: This fair features over 180 of the best Appalachian crafters and artisans, selling everything from wood carvings to quilts to pottery.
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament: This tournament is a catch-and-release event that takes place throughout the month of October in the Smokies
Pigeon Forge Rod Run: This classic car show features over 2,000 vehicles on display, as well as live entertainment and vendors.
Gatlinburg Autumn Fest: This festival celebrates the fall season with live music, a parade, and a variety of family-friendly activities.

So if you’re looking for some festive fun in the Smoky Mountains in October 2022, be sure to check out one (or all!) of these great festivals!

Smoky Mountains Weather in October

The weather in the Smoky Mountains in October can be unpredictable. The days can be warm and sunny, or cool and cloudy. Sometimes it can even be a little bit of both. However, one thing is for sure – the leaves will be changing color and falling from the trees!

The average high temperature in the Smokies in October is 71 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius). The average low temperature is 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). However, it is not unusual for the temperature to dip below freezing at night, so visitors should come prepared with layers of clothing.

October is also a month when the Smokies tend to see a lot of rainfall. The average precipitation for the month is 4.4 inches (11.1 centimeters). However, this amount can vary greatly from year to year.

Smoky Mountains in October — Things to do in the Smoky Mountains In October

Despite the weather being a bit unpredictable, October is still a popular month to visit the Smoky Mountains.

The fall colors are simply stunning, and there are plenty of fun events and activities to enjoy. So if you’re thinking about taking a trip to the Smokies this October, just be sure to pack your rain jacket and sweaters!

Take a Scenic Drive through the Smokies!

Take a scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains National Park. The fall colors are absolutely stunning this time of year!

Photo Credit: www.nps.gov

Hike to Waterfalls in the National Park

Visit one of the many waterfalls in the area. Ramsey Cascades, Grotto Falls and Laurel Falls are all great options.

Visit Cades Cove

One of the most popular areas in the national park. Here you can go hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching, and more.

Photo Credit: www.jdoqocy.com

Have a Haunted Adventure

Get spooked at one of the many haunted houses in Gatlinburg! Ghostown in the Sky, Anakeesta’s Haunted Maze, and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure are all great options.

Photo Credit: obergatlinburg.com

Visit Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park

Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, there’s still plenty to do here! The Aerial Tramway takes you up to the resort, where you can go ice skating, play mini golf, ride go-karts and more.

And don't miss the OktOBERfest from lat September-October 30th!

Photo Credit: www.ripleyaquariums.com

What to Pack in October in the Smoky Mountains

If you’re heading to the Smoky Mountains in October, you’ll need to pack accordingly. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared. Here are a few things to pack:

A heavy coat: October is typically the start of cooler weather in the Smokies. You may not need it every day, but it’s always good to have a coat on hand in case the temperature drops.
A raincoat: October is also the start of the rainy season in the Smokies. A raincoat will help you stay dry when the showers come.
Hiking gear: October is a great time to go hiking in the Smokies. The leaves are starting to change color, and the cooler weather makes for more comfortable hikes. Be sure to pack your hiking boots, a daypack, and plenty of water.
Warm clothing: Even though the days may be warm, the nights can get chilly in October. Pack warm clothes, like sweaters and pants, to keep you comfortable at night.
A camera: October is a beautiful time of year in the Smokies. The leaves are changing color, and the scenery is simply stunning. Be sure to bring a camera along to capture all the beauty.