- Discover the top fall experiences in the Smoky Mountains, from scenic drives to unforgettable shows.
- See peak foliage on Wears Valley Road and enjoy a classic Cades Cove hayride.
- Cap your day with Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show and the exclusive Jack-toberfest event.
- Book tickets online for the best price; kids under 3 are free, and the venue is fully accessible with free parking.
Imagine a fall adventure in Pigeon Forge like this: Start with a drive through Wears Valley to soak up the magic of autumn’s peak colors, then enjoy a scenic hayride in Cades Cove for even more fall beauty. End the day by cheering for your favorite lumberjacks at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show during Jack-toberfest. The whole family will leave with full bellies, new memories, and a promise to return every fall.
Keep reading to discover the best ways to experience fall in the Smokies on a budget, with both affordable activities and ways to save on dinner show tickets:
1. Experience Jack-toberfest at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show
If you do one thing in Pigeon Forge this fall, make it Jack-toberfest at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show!
- Dates: mid-September through October 31st
- Showtimes: 5 PM or 8 PM
- Tickets: Book online for the best price; weekends sell out quickly!
- Kids under 3: Free admission (one lap child per paid adult)
- Buffet: All-you-can-eat Southern supper with Bavarian fall additions
- Beer: Exclusive drinks and Lumberjack Lager
- Merch: Limited-edition shirts and more
- Venue: Fully wheelchair accessible, climate-controlled, free parking
What makes Jack-toberfest special?
This fall festival transforms the supper show with Bavarian-inspired food, exclusive beer, themed games, and new stunts you won’t see any other time of year. Arrive 75 minutes early to enjoy the pre-show buffet and festivities. After the show, meet the lumberjacks for photos and autographs!
2. Catch Fall Football, Brews & Chews at Lumberjack Square
Just steps from the supper show, Smoky Mountain Brewery is your go-to for catching the big game, sampling local brews, and fueling up on pizza, wings, and burgers.
- Location: Lumberjack Square
- Big screens for all the action
- Seasonal cocktails and rotating taps
- Family-friendly menu
After the game, explore the shops at Lumberjack Square or test your wits in the Haunted Cabin escape room at Trapped, a perfect spooky season activity!
3. Take a Scenic Drive Through Wears Valley
Wears Valley Road (US 321) is a 15-mile stretch connecting Pigeon Forge to Townsend, TN, and is one of the Smokies’ best-kept secrets for fall color.
- Peak foliage: Early October at higher elevations, mid-late October in the valley
- Highlights: Rolling hills, panoramic overlooks, peaceful farmland
- Secret park entrance: Skip the crowds and access Cades Cove, Metcalf Bottoms, and Elkmont via the Wears Valley entrance
- Free to drive (parking tag required inside GSMNP if you stop for more than 15 minutes)
4. Enjoy a Hayride in Cades Cove
Nothing says fall like a hayride through the golden fields of Cades Cove!
- Offered by: Cades Cove Riding Stables
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Location: Near Cades Cove Campground entrance
- What to expect: Open-air wagon, guided narration, wildlife spotting, and unbeatable mountain views
- Other options: Guided horseback and carriage rides available
Insider Tip: Hayrides are weather-dependent and fill up fast on weekends; arrive early!
5. Hike to See the Smokies’ Best Fall Colors
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want a stroll, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a trail for everyone. Here are five top picks for fall:
| Trail Name | Distance (RT) | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Cammerer | ~11 miles | Strenuous | Fire tower, panoramic views |
| Rocky Top/Thunderhead | ~13 miles | Strenuous | Classic summit, sweeping vistas |
| Chimney Tops | 3.5 miles | Moderately Difficult | Steep, stone stairs, vibrant foliage |
| Abrams Falls | 5 miles | Moderate | Waterfall hike in Cades Cove |
| Gatlinburg Trail | 4 miles | Easy | Riverside, pet-friendly, near town |
Mini-Summary: From challenging summits to easy riverside strolls, fall hiking in the Smokies delivers unforgettable color and crisp mountain air.
FAQs About Fall in the Smokies
What is Jack-toberfest at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show?
Jack-toberfest is a limited-time fall festival at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show in Pigeon Forge. It features exclusive Bavarian-inspired food, themed entertainment, limited-edition beer and merchandise, and special show additions you won’t see any other time of year.
When is peak fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains?
Peak color at high elevations (above 4,000 feet) is usually early to mid-October, while mid and lower elevations peak from mid-October to early November. The season stretches over several weeks as colors descend the mountainsides.
Are kids free at the supper show? Is the venue accessible?
Yes! Children 3 and under are free (one lap child per paid adult). The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, climate-controlled, and offers free parking at Lumberjack Square.
Ready to Plan Your Fall Trip?
Fall in the Smokies is a once-a-year spectacle; don’t just see it, experience it! From scenic drives and hayrides to the can’t-miss Jack-toberfest supper show, Pigeon Forge is your gateway to autumn adventure.
Step-by-step:
- Go to lumberjackfeud.com/tickets
- Select Your Date and Time: Choose your preferred show (5:00 PM or 8:00 PM, if available)
- Choose Your Tickets: Select the number of adult and child tickets (kids under 3 are free); the Park Hopper Pass offers the best discount for Lumberjack Feud tickets!
- Complete Your Purchase: Enter payment info and confirm. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your tickets.
