Tips for Enjoying Fall Foliage from Buckhorn Inn

Guests often ask us when the “best” time for fall foliage arrives in our area.  And our answer is “it depends”!  Leaf peeping season varies from year to year.  This year, the experts tell us that the colors will peak in mid-October in the high elevations, and will last through mid-November in the lower elevations.

Since mid-September we have noticed some beginning leaf color at the Buckhorn Inn property.  The fall color season is a long one, so guests definitely will not be disappointed whenever they come to visit.

Favorite Spots for Fall Foliage

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers many beautiful scenic drives.  Remember that there may be traffic, so allow plenty of time to reach your destination.  We recommend leaving for your drive in the morning, right after breakfast. http://Www.nps.gov.fall-suggestions

One of our favorite drives is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.  This 5.5 mile loop road is reached by driving Cherokee Orchard Road in Gatlinburg.  Your trip might include a stop at the Ogle Cabin.  This historic site features a 19th-century log cabin, a four-pen barn, and a tub mill.  

Cades Cove Loop Road is a beautiful 11-mile drive with spectacular colors.  Be aware, though, that traffic is heavy in the fall and it could take up to four hours to loop around the cove.

The Foothills Parkway has amazing views.  You should allow an hour to drive the 33-mile stretch of road.  There are several pull-offs so you can take pictures and the driver can get a chance to take in the view!

The Greenbrier entrance to the Park offers several hiking trails that allow you to see the leaves close-up.  We enjoy Porters’ Creek, Old Settlers’ and Grape Yard Ridge trails in the fall.  Later in the year, when the leaves are gone, the views seem to go on forever!

Whether you drive or go for a hike, don’t forget to pre-order your sack lunch so you can picnic amid the lovely colors.