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Fun Things to Do This Fall in Pigeon Forge, TN (2025)
- Joe Rivera
- Aug 15
- 2 min read
Crisp air, mountain views, and pumpkin-lit nights—fall in the Smokies is pure magic. Whether you’re here for leaf-peeping, festivals, or family fun, here’s your 2025 guide to the best of Pigeon Forge (and nearby Sevierville/Gatlinburg).
Leaf-Peeping: Best Scenic Drives & Easy Planning Tips
When to see color: Higher elevations start turning late Sept–early Oct; mid–lower elevations usually peak mid-Oct to early Nov.
Top drives:
Foothills Parkway: huge vistas and classic overlooks (don’t miss Look Rock).
Newfound Gap Road (US-441) & Clingmans Dome Road: early color and sweeping overlooks.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: a photogenic loop with historic cabins and fall foliage.
Hiking for color: Try Alum Cave to Inspiration Point, Middle Prong (Tremont), or Porters Creek. Note: Laurel Falls Trail is closed for rehabilitation until early 2026.
Pro tip: If you plan to park in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 15 minutes, you’ll need a Park It Forward parking tag (daily, weekly, or annual). Buy online and print before you go.
Can’t Miss Fall Events & Experiences (2025)
SkyLand Ranch: Apple Harvest Festival
Sept 5 – Nov 1, 2025 • SeviervilleCider sips, apple treats, live entertainment, and mountain views—this seasonal fest is included with general admission.
Sept 12 – Oct 27, 2025 • Pigeon ForgeBy day: crafts, music, and fall flavors. After dark: Great Pumpkin LumiNights glows with 12,000+ pumpkins (don’t miss the 40-foot pumpkin tree).
Fall at Kyker FarmS
Opens weekends starting Sept 27, 2025 • Sevierville local favorite for corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin patch, and farm fun.
Sunday, Oct 5, 2025 • Pigeon ForgeWatch sidewalks become stunning 3D chalk art at this free, family-friendly event (rain date: Mon, Oct 6).
Oct 1 – 31, 2025 • Pigeon ForgeNight rides with lights, ghouls and themed fun all month; select evenings add live actors after 8 PM.
Sat, Oct 4, 2025 • 8:30 AM • NASCAR SpeedPark, SeviervilleRun (or stroll) with your pup through color zones, then stay for the pet parade and vendor village.
Oct 17 – 19, 2025 • SeviervilleArts & crafts, food, and live entertainment in a gorgeous valley setting. (Hours: Fri–Sat 10 AM–6 PM; Sun 10 AM–4 PM.)
Smoky Mountain Forging Festival
Oct 17 – 19, 2025 • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Smoky Mountain Knife Works, SeviervilleLive blacksmithing demos, hands-on forging, and free kids’ forging—a great peek into Appalachian craft.
Quick Planning Checklist
Book tickets & lodging early—prime weekends fill up fast during color season. (Dollywood’s festival runs Sept 12–Oct 27.)
Pack layers—warm days, cool mountain nights.
Print your GSMNP parking tag if you plan to hike/park in the park.
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