Help Needed For Fall Gatlinburg Trip (home, live, safe)

[MaggieMay29]

Hi! I am planning on visiting Gatlinburg to see the beautiful fall foliage. I visited during the week of November 13, 2007 and the fall colors were awesome. Then last year, I arrived on November 8, 2008, and I just missed the peak. The leaves had already fallen off the trees and the beautiful colors were gone.

My question is this.....should I plan to arrive this year during the weekend of October 23rd or arrive on November 11th? I don't want to miss the rich foliage in November, but on the other hand, I am afraid that October 23rd might be too early for the city of Gatlinburg. The chalet that I stay in is not very high, and right above the city. I know that I can travel into the park (which I am definitely planning to do!), but I would love for the leaves to have already changed near the chalet as well (instead of having to travel to higher elevations).

Do you have any advice/suggestions for me? What weekend would you visit? Normally, when does Gatlinburg experience the rich colors? Thank you so much for your help!!

[JMT]

Originally Posted by MaggieMay29

Hi! I am planning on visiting Gatlinburg to see the beautiful fall foliage. I visited during the week of November 13, 2007 and the fall colors were awesome. Then last year, I arrived on November 8, 2008, and I just missed the peak. The leaves had already fallen off the trees and the beautiful colors were gone.

My question is this.....should I plan to arrive this year during the weekend of October 23rd or arrive on November 11th? I don't want to miss the rich foliage in November, but on the other hand, I am afraid that October 23rd might be too early for the city of Gatlinburg. The chalet that I stay in is not very high, and right above the city. I know that I can travel into the park (which I am definitely planning to do!), but I would love for the leaves to have already changed near the chalet as well (instead of having to travel to higher elevations).

Do you have any advice/suggestions for me? What weekend would you visit? Normally, when does Gatlinburg experience the rich colors? Thank you so much for your help!!

Maybe someone else can answer this for you, but unless they have a crystal ball I cannot imagine how anyone can tell you what weekend will be the best to see fall colors. As you noticed, it changes from year to year. Our fall weather around here can be pretty fickle (like our spring weather) and there are all kinds of variables at play.

If you can hold off on making your reservations for another few months you can probably get better answers. I'm sorry I can't be of more help.

If it's any consolation, those of us who live here wish we knew from year to year when the fall colors will peak!

[William Sold]

As JMT said, predicting the fall color change is about as easy as picking a Kentucky Derby trifecta. Looking at the last 100 years or so, it looks like if I had to pick one, I'd pick late October.
Fall Foliage in Tennessee - Typical Peak Fall Foliage Time Periods - Resources for Finding the Best Fall Color
Apparently, this site gives fall foliage reports too when the time comes.
http://gosoutheast.about.com/gi/dyna...nvacation.com/

[Beretta]

Up until two years ago I could have told you with pretty good accuracy. The weather has been so strange the last few years.

You can still be pretty safe around Halloween. Don't hold me to it though.

[NJDevil]

Not that I have much experience yet, but it seems that when we have a summer drought, it can delay the colors by a week or two. But I think November is too late. I think you'd be pretty safe Oct 24-31 like SMG said.

[BST]

Checking the football schedule...Oct. 23-25 is an away game weekend for Tennessee. Vacancies are more likely that weekend than Halloween or the next week (both home games). Although you can get accommodations this far in advance regardless of which date you choose.