Hello, Reader!

Welcome to November! Thanksgiving is now just over three weeks away, then Christmas is four weeks later. And, we all know the days in between have a way each year of filling up fast. Are you ready?

I was talking with a friend this past weekend about her recent trip to Gatlinburg, TN. She and her partner went down to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to enjoy the fall foliage and a little R&R before the holiday season kicks into high gear. Unfortunately, most everywhere they looked was green, with just a random splash of yellow or orange.

You know what that means, though?

There may still be time to catch some fall color on your own trip to Tennessee! 💛🧡♥️ Color arrives at different times throughout the mountains, with lower elevations often putting on their show into early November. Mother Nature keeps her own schedule though, so check the latest conditions before you head out.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

A few years ago, we took our own trip down to Gatlinburg. We did some hikes in the Smoky Mountains and compared that forest to the Sierras we grew up with. We discovered how VERY MANY species of mushrooms grow along the trails, then started taking pictures and keeping count. Looking back, we found 11!

We were a bit ahead of the fall foliage, having visited in September. It was hot and so humid, but absolutely beautiful. I can only imagine those trails dressed in fall colors.

We hiked the Rainbow Falls Trail, a short drive from downtown Gatlinburg, one day; then drove about a half-hour east to Cosby and hiked the Gabes Mountain Trail another day.

One of the things I loved most was how easy it was to reach the trailheads from where we were staying. The trails themselves were maintained and well marked, and we passed people of different ages along each one. That doesn’t mean they were easy strolls, though! Rainbow Falls is 5.6 miles round trip with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain, so choose a hike that fits your abilities, remember to take water, and allow plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

Things to do and love about Gatlinburg

Go ziplining over the Smokies. There are several locations to go ziplining in Gatlinburg and the nearby communities of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Two of them are:

• ​CLIMB Works Smoky Mountain (Gatlinburg), featuring a UTV ride up the mountain, side-by-side ziplines down, suspension bridges above the forest canopy, and more.
• ​Legacy Mountain Ziplines (Sevierville), featuring seven ziplines soaring nearly 500 feet above the forest, giving you sweeping views of the mountains and any fall colors still on display.

Take a ride on the Moonshine Mountain Coaster. You control the speed… Slow a bit to take in the scenery or speed along the track at up to 30 mph.

Make tasting the spirits of the Smokies more fun with a small-group guided walking tour that includes stops at three locations. Sample local wine, moonshine, whiskey and bourbon while learning about the storied past of moonshine production in the mountains.

Go on a Fall Foliage & Dolly Photo Tour, stopping at iconic locations along the way, including Emerts Cove Covered Bridge, lunch at Preacher’s Barbeque, the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, and ice cream at Dolly’s favorite, Red’s Ice Cream Fountain.

More to make your trip easy and enjoyable

Pack layers! Fall afternoons can feel warm, while mornings and evenings turn chilly. Check the forecast before you go, especially if you’re heading into the mountains.

And if you’re planning to go hiking, bring comfortable hiking shoes you won’t mind getting dirty.

If you’re staying in Gatlinburg, check out the Gatlinburg Free Trolley. The published winter schedule runs from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with hours and operating days varying by route. Check your route before heading out, then skip the stress of traffic and parking. Plus, letting someone else drive means you can enjoy sampling local flavors like Ole Smoky moonshine and Yee-Haw Brewing worry free.

Need a place to stay? Find a cozy cabin on VRBO or reserve a room at one of the many hotels right in Gatlinburg and the surrounding area through Booking.com.

Before the holiday calendar fills up, maybe there’s room for a little something to look forward to just for you.

A few days in the mountains. A cabin with no alarm clock. And a walk through the woods with someone you love, stopping frequently to photograph mushrooms. 😉

Whether it’s Gatlinburg or somewhere closer to home, consider this your invitation to put a little breathing room on the calendar, too.

The holiday season will give us plenty to do. For now, there’s still time to enjoy this season while we’re here.

When you get back from your wandering, send us your best fall photos. We'd love to see them! 🍂🧡🍁

Until next time...

With love,

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