The predicted color stage on the selected date, modelled from years of fall color records. A forecast, not a live observation.When each area's color is predicted to peak this season. The date doesn't change this view.

Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Smoky Mountains foliage from the Anakeesta Canopy Walk, the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, or gondola rides.

Typical peak
Oct 30
Late October
Best Viewing Window
Oct 25 – Nov 4
Late October to Early November
Observed now
Moderate color
The newest satellite reading was 4 days old at the latest update.
17 sample points · about 5 clear looks per point.
What the trees look like now, not a forecast.

Forest Composition

Oak Hickory dominant
Maple / Beech / Birch14%
Oak / Hickory64%
97% deciduous canopy (forest survey)

Conditions & 5-Day Forecast

Fetching forecast...

Nearby Towns

Knoxville37 mi1 hr 7 minTellico Plains83 mi2 hr 4 min
© OpenStreetMap contributors · Esri, Garmin, USGS, NPS, HERE · Terrain data: USGS, NOAA; contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada; source: INEGI, Continental relief, 2016Powered by Esri

Field notes · 2026 estimate

When to see peak color at Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Peak fall color is predicted around October 30. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 25 to November 4.

Predicted peakOctober 30
Best windowOctober 25 – November 4
Confidence range±5 days

The prediction comes from 24 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Gatlinburg and across Tennessee.

That is 5 days later than usual (October 26): the six weeks to October 13 ran 5.5°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color. This will settle about ten days before peak, as the weather comes in.

Nearby locales

Other places to see color near Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Under 30 minutes

30 to 60 minutes

1 to 2 hours

2 to 3 hours