Smoky Mountain Fall Hiking Recommendations

There’s nothing quite like a cozy cabin getaway in November. The air is crisp, the trees are bursting with color, and the Smoky Mountains make the perfect backdrop for a relaxing retreat. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a quiet escape with friends, here’s how to make the most of your cozy cabin stay this fall.

1. Settle In and Get Cozy

Start by creating that classic cabin atmosphere. Light a fire in the fireplace, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy a good book or conversation by the glow. Make use of the cabin’s amenities, play a round of pool or board games, watch a movie on the big screen, or soak in the private hot tub while taking in the cool autumn air. With a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor grill, you can cook up a hearty dinner and enjoy your meal on the deck surrounded by the beauty of fall.

2. Explore the Great Outdoors

When you’re ready to venture outside, take advantage of the season’s stunning scenery. Drive along scenic routes like Cades Cove Loop Road or the Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking views of fall foliage. Go for a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just start early to avoid crowds. You can also visit a local pumpkin patch, explore Gatlinburg’s charming downtown, or stop by the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival for crafts and seasonal fun.

3. Plan Ahead for a Perfect Trip

November is a busy month in the Smokies, so book your cabin and activities early. For a quieter experience, try visiting midweek instead of the weekend. And don’t forget to plan your meals and stock up on groceries before you arrive so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying your autumn escape.

If you're ready to take the plunge or are just interested in where you should stay this fall click here for the best autumn cabins around.

Albright Grove Loop Trail 

• The Baxter Cabin (one-room historic cabin).


• Historic stone walls.


• Old-growth forest.


• Very large tuliptree standing more than 135 feet.


• Connects to additional trails and paths.

Alum Cave Trail 

• Plentiful rosebay rhododendron.


• The Arch Rock landmark.


• A heath bald that showcases views of Little Duck Hawk Ridge.


• "The Eye of the Needle".


• Stairs cut into the rock ground leading to the "cave".


• The Alum Cave itself. Alum Cave is not really a cave, but a huge concave rock structure that is worth the excursion to see.


• Trail has been renovated and restored in recent years.

Andrews Bald 

• Spruce-fir trees dating back to the Ice Age.


• Access to the Appalachian Trail.


• Famous open grassy meadow where views are at their peak. Often used as a picnic spot.

• Short, easy trail for casual hikers.


• Views of Gatlinburg in Winter months.


• Falls Branch - the first waterfall on the trail.


• Baskins Cemetery.


• The Baskins Creek waterfalls that give the trail its name.

Bullhead Trail 

• A heath-covered bald providing wonderful views of the mountains.


• Views of several rock cliff faces along the trail.


• Two small caves created by overhanging slabs of rock.


• Connection to Mt. Leconte path.

Grapeyard Ridge Trail

• Proximity to the Little Pigeon River.


• Views of enormous mountains Mt. Chapman, Mt. Sequoia and Mt. LeConte.


• Rhododendron Creek.


• Old homestead sites.


• Injun Creek with remains of old steam engine.

Gregory Bald

• Incredible flame azaleas that are found along the path.


• Summit is the bald that gives it its name with many views worth the challenging climb. Cades Cove, Fontana Lake and Thunderhead Mountain are among them.


• Backcountry site with three footbridge crossings required to get there.


•  Blueberry patches that ripen toward the end of August and into early September.

Little River Trail 

• Old gravel railroad bed.


• Proximity to Townsend Wye River.


• Homesteads of vacation cottages that were built in the 1920s.


• Rhododendron patches.


• Huskey Branch Falls cascades.


• Connects to other hiking trails.

Mt. Cammerer 

• Old world hardwood forest.


• Gorgeous wildflower patches.


• Summit overlooks dozens of miles of Appalachia and the Pigeon River Gorge.


• Stone house fire lookout building.


• Trail overlaps with Appalachian Trail and others.

Porters Creek Trail 

• Proximity to Porter's Creek.


• Elbert Cantrell farmstead.


• Historic stone walls.


• Ownby Cemetery.


• John Messer historic farm site.


• Fern Branch Falls waterfalls.

Rich Mountain Loop 

• Proximity to and views of Cades Cove.


• Turkeys may be seen.


• John Oliver cabin.


• Lots of wildflowers expected. Mountain laurel, flame azalea, purple phacelia, violets, rattlesnake hawkweed, yellow ragwort, butterfly weed and more.


• Access to Cerulean Knob, the highest point of Rich Mountain.


• Rich Mountain Fire Tower remains.


• Crooked Arm Falls waterfalls.