Why September Is the Best Month to Visit the Smokies

Enjoy Fewer Crowds and Perfect Weather

September is the PERFECT time for a trip to the Smokies! You won’t fight the summer crowds, and the weather will still be warm enough to raft the rivers up here. You’ll be able to hike, bike and wind your way in and out of the shops without a jacket. Best of all, there won’t be the onerous lines of summer awaiting you at all the best restaurants. You’ll enjoy leisurely days and quiet, starlit nights.

Top Shopping Destinations in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg

Cruise through Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and on into Gatlinburg, shopping all the way. As the stores prepare for the mid-October rush, they’ll have their very best fall-themed décor for sale! You’ll find the most adorable rugs, mugs, candles, and other cozy items in the beautiful hues of fall foliage. If you like black bears, snag some bear-themed items to remind you of your trip. When life is harsh and deadlines are smashing down around you, a cup of coffee in your mug from your time in our peaceful mountains will bring your blood pressure down.

September is only a couple months ahead of the Christmas season, so, while you avoid those summer crowds and beat the mid-October rush, you can very systematically knock out your Christmas list! The Tanger outlets in Sevierville COULD be a one-stop shop for everyone on that list. From clothes, shoes, handbags and hats in designer names to beef jerky, cookies and beyond, the outlets do not disappoint. Further down the road, encounter the unique shopping experience to be had at The Island in Pigeon Forge.  Offering diverse items ranging from hand-blown glass to the very best in jigsaw puzzles, you’ll have so much fun you’ll forget that Christmas shopping is a “to-do” list item! Have lunch at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen before heading off to Gatlinburg for the grand shopping finale. After walking up and down the Parkway, ducking in and out of the unusual shops, settle in at The Village Shops, a very special destination. There you’ll find old-world architecture, an authentic Irish pub and unique shops galore. This is the point at which you’ll ditch the Christmas list and buy strictly for yourself. You should!

Must-Do Outdoor Attractions in the Smoky Mountains

Hopefully you’ll have several days booked in the Smokies, leaving time to switch gears activity-wise multiple times. If local outdoor attractions are your thing, you can’t miss the Gatlinburg SkyPark. Take the Yellow Chairlift up to Crockett Summit, and get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience crossing the longest pedestrian cable-bridge on the continent. The SkyBridge is longer than two football fields and features a glass center. You’ll be treated to a stunning view of the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains! The manageable September crowds mean that you can enjoy these attractions at your leisure. Take lots of selfies…no one will hurry you along!

Pigeon Forge also offers some pretty unique outdoor fun for all ages. The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, for example, will quickly become a family tradition. This attraction, located at 2940 Veterans Boulevard, is advertised as the longest coaster in Tennessee. Individual cars can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour. It offers lit night rides, which changes the coaster experience completely. If you are interested in a full-sized theme park, Dollywood (in Sevierville) is an excellent choice! This attraction calls for at least one full day of exploring and experiencing all that the iconic locale has to offer. Thrill rides, food, shows and shopping will keep the whole group entertained for many hours. Smaller crowds mean a more leisurely pace of enjoyment.

Dining With a View in the Smokies

When the sun goes down, you need to head up…up to Anakeesta to eat among the stars! At least it will feel that way! Clifftop restaurant in the Black Bear Village area of Anakeesta (above Gatlinburg) offers modern American food and craft beers. Sit on the outdoor deck and drink in that mountain air! After dinner, stroll among the trees on the lit Treetop Skywalk. Again, get ready for some amazing selfies!

The Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg areas offer a huge array of dining options, and the diminished September crowds will make planning so much easier. From less traffic to shorter lines, there will be nothing but pleasure at every meal.  You’ve been to the Hard Rock Café in every major city…don’t forget ours! Hard Rock Café Pigeon Forge is just as much fun as the others. Browse the music-themed décor and learn a little as you go. You’ll love the ribs, without a doubt! (Check out our previous articles featuring Food at Dollywood, Pizza at The Cove, Honey Pot Grill, and Upscale Dining Options.

Plan Your September Getaway to the Smoky Mountains

Come on up to the Smokies in September after everyone else has gone back to school. You won’t regret it! Take a piece of our peace and quiet home with you in your heart.

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