Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Please take note of these revised directions to avoid a closed section of I-40.
FROM FLORIDA: Take I-75 North to I-40 East. Then take exit 435 to Newport. Turn Right on US-321 towards Gatlinburg on 321 to our campground.
FROM THE NORTHEAST: Take I-81 South to I-40 East to exit 435 to Newport. Turn Right on US-321 towards Gatlinburg on 321 to our campground..
When the air turns crisp and the mountains start to glow with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, there's no better place to experience fall than Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Nestled at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this charming mountain town transforms into a leaf peeper’s paradise every autumn.
Fall foliage in Gatlinburg typically peaks between mid-October and early November, but the show can begin as early as late September at higher elevations. The color change sweeps from the mountain peaks down into the valleys, creating a rolling wave of autumn brilliance that lasts for weeks.
Whether you're on a scenic drive or hitting the trails, here are the top spots to catch the best fall colors:
This iconic drive stretches from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, NC, offering stunning mountain views, pull-offs, and elevation changes that showcase foliage at all stages. Don’t miss the overlook at Newfound Gap, where you can see for miles on a clear autumn day.
As the highest point in the Smokies, Clingmans Dome offers panoramic views of fall foliage across the mountain range. The short but steep walk to the observation tower is well worth it in the fall.
This one-way loop road just outside downtown Gatlinburg winds through dense forest and past waterfalls, cabins, and mountain streams. It’s a peaceful and colorful way to spend a few hours.
A bit of a drive from Gatlinburg, but totally worth it. This scenic valley is surrounded by mountains and features open meadows dotted with autumn trees. Wildlife sightings—like deer and black bears—add to the experience.
For a bird’s-eye view of the fall colors, ride the chairlift or gondola up to Anakeesta or Ober Mountain, where you’ll find scenic overlooks, mountaintop attractions, and cozy fall vibes.
Gatlinburg goes all-out for the season. You’ll find:
Seasonal events like the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Fall-themed décor throughout the town
Pumpkin spice everything in shops and cafés
Live music and family-friendly attractions like Ripley’s and SkyLift Park
For a front-row seat to the fall colors and easy access to all the seasonal attractions, book your stay at Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday. Nestled at the base of the Smokies, this campground offers:
Spacious RV sites and cozy deluxe cabins
Fire rings, outdoor seating, and mountain views
Easy access to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the national park
Peaceful wooded surroundings, perfect for leaf peeping right from your site
Whether you're sipping morning coffee on your cabin porch or roasting marshmallows under the stars, KOA East Gatlinburg makes your fall getaway as relaxing as it is scenic.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
