United States, North America

Great Smoky Mountains in September

Summer crowds gone and the first color appears at the highest elevations late in the month. Elk rut begins in Cataloochee.

GoodWarm, highs near 81F (27C), drier

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

The straight answer

September is a good month to visit Great Smoky Mountains. Summer crowds gone and the first color appears at the highest elevations late in the month. Elk rut begins in Cataloochee.

Weather: Warm, highs near 81F (27C), drier
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What September is like in Great Smoky Mountains

September is warm and drier, with highs near 81F (27C) and less of summer's sticky haze. Summer crowds have gone home, prices drop a notch, and weekdays feel relaxed. Late in the month, the first color shows at the highest elevations, and the elk rut begins in Cataloochee Valley.

September suits couples, retirees and homeschool families who want warm hiking weather with room to move. It is a smart pick if October's traffic sounds stressful. Leaf peepers should know that real color is still weeks away at most elevations, so aim for mid October to early November for the full show.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Great Smoky Mountains this month.

Elk rut in Cataloochee

Bull elk bugle and spar in the valley fields at dawn and dusk. Watch from the road or your car and keep your distance.

First color up high

Late in the month, the highest ridges near Kuwohi begin to turn, a preview of October.

Room to breathe

Popular trails like Alum Cave are much easier to park for than in summer or fall.

What to pack for September

Light layers for warm days and cooler evenings
Binoculars for watching elk at a safe distance
A rain jacket, just in case
A headlamp for dusk elk viewing

Our timing tip

Get to Cataloochee Valley by dawn or stay until dusk for the elk, and leave extra time for the narrow, partly gravel road.

Book Great Smoky Mountains for September.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Great Smoky Mountains
Opens a hotel search for Great Smoky Mountains in September, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for September
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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 in Great Smoky Mountains
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Great Smoky Mountains for September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in September

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.

Elk rut in Cataloochee

September and October

Bull elk bugle and spar in the valley fields at dawn and dusk. Keep your distance.

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 September, quick answers

Is September a good time to visit Great Smoky Mountains?

September is a good month to visit Great Smoky Mountains. Summer crowds gone and the first color appears at the highest elevations late in the month. Elk rut begins in Cataloochee.

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

Warm, highs near 81F (27C), drier.

Is Great Smoky Mountains crowded in September?

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

What is happening in Great Smoky Mountains in September?

Fall color (late september at the highest elevations to early november at the lowest); Elk rut in Cataloochee (september and october).