United States, North America

Great Smoky Mountains in November

Late color at the lower elevations early in the month, with far fewer people. Gatlinburg's winter lights begin.

BestCool, highs near 61F (16C)

A misty meadow in the Great Smoky Mountains — Great Smoky MountainsPhoto: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Great Smoky Mountains. Late color at the lower elevations early in the month, with far fewer people. Gatlinburg's winter lights begin.

Weather: Cool, highs near 61F (16C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What November is like in Great Smoky Mountains

November is cool and calm, with highs near 61F (16C) and chilly nights. Early in the month, the last fall color glows at the lower elevations while the high ridges go bare. Crowds and prices drop well below October levels, and Gatlinburg's winter lights begin, adding a festive feel to evenings.

November is one of the best-value months, great for couples, families on Thanksgiving break and anyone who missed October. Come in the first half for color. Later in the month is quieter and grayer but still pleasant for walks. If you want wildflowers instead, April and May are your months.

Make the most of November

What is especially good about Great Smoky Mountains this month.

Low-elevation color

Early November often brings the last good color to the valleys, with far fewer people than in October.

Gatlinburg's winter lights

The town's winter lights begin in November, a fun evening outing after a day of hiking.

Thanksgiving in the mountains

A holiday cabin trip with short hikes and mild days is an easy family tradition here.

What to pack for November

A warm jacket and a hat for cold mornings
Waterproof boots for leaf-covered, slippery trails
Gloves for evening light walks
A thermos for hot cider or cocoa

Our timing tip

Target the first week of November, midweek, for the last color with light traffic, and check Kuwohi Road status before driving up.

Book Great Smoky Mountains for November.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Great Smoky Mountains
Opens a hotel search for Great Smoky Mountains in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for November
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Vacation rentals in Great Smoky Mountains
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Great Smoky Mountains
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Great Smoky Mountains for November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in November

Fall color

Late September at the highest elevations to early November at the lowest

Color follows elevation. Mid to late October is the usual peak at mid elevations, with the heaviest crowds.

Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains

Full guide

Cades Cove

An 11-mile one-way loop through a valley of historic buildings and wildlife. Closed to vehicles on Wednesdays, typically May through September, which makes it a cyclist's day.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome)

The highest point in the park at 6,643 feet, with an observation tower. The road closes for winter, typically December through March.

Tickets and tours →

Newfound Gap Road

The main road over the mountains between Gatlinburg and Cherokee. Open year-round but closed temporarily by snow and ice.

Tickets and tours →

Alum Cave Trail

A classic hike to Alum Cave Bluffs and on to Mount LeConte. Parking fills early in fall.

Tickets and tours →

Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls

Popular waterfall hikes. Grotto Falls lets you walk behind the water on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which is seasonal.

Tickets and tours →

Cataloochee Valley

Elk herds, historic buildings, and a remote feel on the North Carolina side. The road in is narrow and partly gravel.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Enter through Townsend or the North Carolina side at Cherokee instead of Gatlinburg, the most congested entrance.
Visit Cades Cove at opening or in the last hours before sunset; midday loop traffic can take hours.
In fall, go midweek and target early November for low-elevation color with far lighter crowds.
Hike trails away from the main corridors, such as the Cataloochee area or Big Creek, for solitude even in October.

Know before you go

The park is open all year, but several roads are seasonal: Kuwohi Road typically closes from December through March, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and some other roads close for winter.
Newfound Gap Road stays open year-round but closes temporarily during snow and ice, sometimes for days.
There is no entrance fee, but a parking tag is required to park anywhere in the park for more than 15 minutes. Daily, weekly, and annual tags are sold online and at visitor centers.
Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays, typically May through September.

Great Smoky Mountains in November, quick answers

Is November a good time to visit Great Smoky Mountains?

November is one of the best months of the year to visit Great Smoky Mountains. Late color at the lower elevations early in the month, with far fewer people. Gatlinburg's winter lights begin.

What is the weather like in Great Smoky Mountains in November?

Cool, highs near 61F (16C).

Is Great Smoky Mountains crowded in November?

Crowds in Great Smoky Mountains are moderate in November; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Great Smoky Mountains in November?

Fall color (late september at the highest elevations to early november at the lowest).