If you love sweater weather, the smell of hot apple cider filling the air and Pops of color with stunning fall foliage, a visit to the Smoky Mountains needs to be in your plans!.
While you can’t go wrong with whichever time of year you choose, we have a few reasons why fall is one of our favorite times to visit.
Why Fall Season is a Great Time To Visit Dollywood
There are lots of exciting events to enjoy during the fall at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and the surrounding areas. Dolly Parton’s Theme Park transforms into a fall masterpiece thanks to Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, renowned as the country’s best fall theme park event. The highlight of the festival, award winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights, turns the park into a pumpkin wonderland after the sun goes down, with artistic sculptures, cool lighted pumpkin displays, and themed shows that add a special magical touch.
If you go specifically for the food and drinks, you will not be disappointed!.
There are so many great fall dishes you’ll find at different locations in the park, like the Spiced Pumpkin Bisque with Toasted Pepitas, the Pulled Pork Sandwich & Pumpkin Spiced BBQ Sauce or the Pecan Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake & Chantilly Cream.
When Does the Fall season start and end at Dollywood?
Mark your calendars and plan your trip to Dollywood from September 9 to October 28. With fall hours, Dollywood opens at 10 am and Visitors can enjoy everything Dollywood’s fall celebration has to offer.
When is the best time to Visit in the Fall Season?
You’ll find the best times to visit Dollywood in the fall to be most days in September and weekdays in early October. Keep in mind holidays and school fall breaks, including the weekend of Columbus Day (Oct. 9), Veterans Day (Nov. 11) and, of course, the week of Thanksgiving which is always crowded. If you want to enjoy the festival with less crowds, you should plan your visit during the week if possible.
How is The Weather During the Fall Months at Dollywood?
During the Fall Pack for at Least Two Seasons!. The weather in the Smokies can be unpredictable. If you’re heading this way during the fall season, opt for layers. We normally have cool mornings and evenings with warmer afternoons.
You’ll want to make sure that you have clothing to keep cool, jackets to keep you warm and an umbrella to keep you dry if unexpected rain rolls in. Being prepared will help you enjoy your trip, regardless of the weather that you experience. Here’s a breakdown of the average temperatures for each month:
September
Expect mild and pleasant temperatures in September, with daytime highs around 80°F (27°C) and cooler evenings at approximately 56°F (13°C).
October
As autumn progresses into October, temperatures begin to cool. With Daytime highs of about 71°F (22°C) and cooler nights around 44°F (7°C).
November
November brings a crisper feel to the air, with daytime temperatures averaging around 61°F (16°C) and cooler evenings at approximately 35°F (2°C).
Keep in mind, these temperature ranges are averages, and the weather can vary. You should always double check the weather before your trip to help you pack.
Packing Tips and Essentials For The Fall Season
Layered Clothing
Just as in spring, fall temperatures can change throughout the day. You might be wearing pants in the morning and shorts in the afternoon. Consider packing clothes that can be layered plus cozy sweaters or lightweight jackets that you can easily add or remove.
Comfortable Shoes
Make sure to pack your comfy shoes! You should always wear comfortable shoes if you are going to be walking all day, especially at a theme park.
Power Bank
By Having a power bank you can quickly recharge any device on the go and keep taking pictures or videos of your fun day.
Umbrella or Poncho
It’s always a good idea to carry a small umbrella or a poncho just in case you get unexpected rain.
Unique Fall Flavors at Dollywood
Here are just a few of the delicious flavors you might find at Dollywood’s 2024 Fall season;
- Smoked Sausage Mac & Cheese:
Warm savory flavors of smoked andouille sausage and white cheddar make the ultimate mac & cheese taste experience. - Pumpkin Sausage Pizza:
A Fall twist on your favorite pizza! This pizza has Crumbled Italian sausage, toasted pumpkin, ricotta cheese and parmesan. - Maple, Bacon & Walnut Funnel Cake:
Salty and sweet flavors of walnuts in maple syrup and candied bacon are accented with powdered sugar and whipped cream on a bed of funnel cake. - Pulled Pork Sandwich with Pumpkin BBQ Sauce:
A brioche-style bun filled with delicious pulled pork smoked onsite at Dollywood, topped with pumpkin-infused Memphis-style BBQ sauce and some cole slaw. Yum! - Pumpkin Spiced Churros with Pumpkin Fluff:
The ultimate pumpkin treat. A crisp churro made with cinnamon, sugar, and pumpkin spice! It’s served with pumpkin fluff.
If you are like me and want to try everything, you should definitely get the tasting pass for the ultimate tasting experience, offering the chance to sample five different fall-themed dishes.
What Can You Find At Dollywood During The Fall?
Autumn Glow at Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights
As the leaves change, Dollywood transforms into an autumn wonderland. One of the standout attractions during this season is the Great Pumpkin LumiNights.This event features spectacular lighted pumpkin displays that cast a warm glow over the entire park.
The Enchanting Pumpkin Tree
At the heart of Dollywood stands the 40-foot tall Pumpkin Tree, a mountain of glowing pumpkins that serves as the centerpiece of the festival.
Unique Craftsmanship
Talented Artists at Craftsman’s Valley showcase their handmade crafts, you will want to take everything with you!.
Pumpkins Everywhere
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival has huge pumpkins everywhere you look! They weigh anywhere from 800 to over 1500 lbs. each.
Besides everything Dollywood has during the fall season,
you have all of the great rides and coasters Dollywood is known for!
What Seasonal Entertainment Can You Find in The Surrounding area?
You will find endless things to do around the Sevierville/Gatlinburg Area like;
Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Patches
Nothing beats spending a day going apple picking or picking out a perfect pumpkin to carve for Halloween or making the most delicious pumpkin pie together!.
Haunted Tours and Ghost Walks
As the sun sets you can embark on an eerie adventure with haunted tours and ghost walks. In Gatlinburg, companies like GhostWalk of Gatlinburg & Sevierville have guided tours with spine-tingling tales and mysterious history of the area. You can Wander through dimly lit streets and visit haunted sites!.
Autumnal Arts and Crafts Shows
Events like the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival showcase the work of skilled artisans.
Stroll & Shop through Gatlinburg’s Craftsmens Fair with More than 200 booths of local artisans displaying their beautiful work.
Enjoy and make beautiful memories and new traditions together, have fun! Did you visit during the fall? What are some of your favorite activities?
Share your experiences with us in the comments!
