Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday Blog
Make the Smoky Mountains your home away from home with long-term RV stays
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.
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.
From scenic mountain drives and peaceful hiking trails to seasonal events and cozy evenings around the campfire, fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Smokies. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended camping trip, Gatlinburg makes it easy to enjoy the best of the season.
Fall is already beginning to make its mark in the Smokies, with leaves starting to turn at the higher elevations and hints of red, orange, and gold appearing throughout the mountains. Thanks to the dramatic elevation changes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, fall color arrives gradually, moving from the mountain peaks down into the valleys.
As the season progresses, more and more of the mountains will transform into a brilliant display of autumn color, with peak foliage typically occurring from mid-October into early November. That means now is a great time to start planning your leaf-peeping getaway and experience the changing scenery for yourself.
Whether you visit early in the season for the first hints of color or later for the full fall display, there’s always something beautiful to see in the Smokies.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a short hike, or a panoramic mountain view, Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smokies offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fall colors.
Newfound Gap Road
This iconic drive stretches from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina, offering stunning mountain views, scenic pull-offs, and dramatic elevation changes that showcase foliage at different stages. Don’t miss the overlook at Newfound Gap, where you can take in sweeping views of the Smokies on a clear autumn day.
Clingmans Dome
As the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome offers spectacular panoramic views across the mountain range. The short but steep walk to the observation tower is well worth the effort, especially when the surrounding mountains are covered in fall color.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
This one-way loop road just outside downtown Gatlinburg winds through dense forest and past historic cabins, waterfalls, and mountain streams. It’s a peaceful and colorful way to spend a few hours, with plenty of opportunities to stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy the scenery.
Cades Cove
A bit of a drive from Gatlinburg, but completely worth the trip, Cades Cove is one of the Smokies’ most popular scenic destinations. The beautiful valley is surrounded by mountains and features open meadows dotted with autumn trees. Keep your camera ready—wildlife sightings, including deer and black bears, can make your visit even more memorable.
Anakeesta & Ober Mountain
For a bird’s-eye view of the fall colors, ride the chairlift, gondola, or other scenic attractions at Anakeesta or Ober Mountain. From mountaintop overlooks to seasonal activities, both destinations offer fun ways to experience the colorful Smokies from above.
Gatlinburg goes all-out for the season. After a day of leaf peeping, head into town to enjoy seasonal events, attractions, shopping, and plenty of fall-inspired treats.
You’ll find:
With so much to see and do, you can easily fill a fall getaway with outdoor adventures, mountain views, local attractions, and relaxing evenings around the fire.
Make Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday your home base for a fall getaway in the Smokies. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains, the campground offers convenient access to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the national park while giving you a peaceful place to relax after a day of exploring.
At the campground, you’ll find:
Wake up surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Smokies, spend the day chasing fall colors, and return to your campsite for a cozy evening around the fire.
Pack your sweater, grab your camera, and plan your fall camping getaway to Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday. The Smokies are waiting!
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.
