Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Leisurely Evening in Gatlinburg
Arrive in Knoxville and transfer to a charming lodge near Gatlinburg, nestled amid the vivid colors of autumn. As you go through the mountains, you’ll be greeted by a tapestry of golds, oranges, and reds—nature’s masterpiece of fall foliage. After settling in, take the evening to explore Gatlinburg at your own pace.
The quaint town offers artisan shops and cozy cafés, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the crisp autumn air. As twilight sets in, the warm glow of the setting sun filters through the vibrant leaves, creating a magical atmosphere. Dinner will be at a local restaurant, where you can savor Appalachian cuisine.
Overnight at a local lodge.
Day 2: Cades Cove & Abrams Falls Hike
Begin your adventure in the breathtaking Cades Cove, where the morning light paints the landscape with a golden hue. As you explore this serene valley, the colorful canopy of fall trees creates a stunning contrast against the open meadows, perfect for wildlife and landscape photography.
Later, embark on a 50-minute easy hike to Abrams Falls, a peaceful retreat surrounded by towering trees with leaves that shimmer in shades of crimson and amber. The gentle sound of the waterfall blends with the rustling of leaves as you capture long-exposure shots of the cascading water. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a nearby spot, perhaps with views of the surrounding hills cloaked in autumn's finest colors.
In the late afternoon, explore the serene beauty of Greenbrier Road. The vivid fall colors reflected in the river provide picture-perfect compositions, from slow-moving water framed by trees to the bursts of color in the foliage. Return to Gatlinburg for dinner, where you can unwind after a day spent immersed in nature.
Overnight at a local lodge.
Day 3: Cosby Creek & Cataloochee Elk Sighting
Spend the morning along the peaceful Cosby Creek, where the foliage reflects in the clear water and sunlight filters through the dense forest. This quiet area is ideal for capturing the morning glow on the trees, turning every photo into a vibrant postcard of autumn in the Smokies.
After lunch, prepare for a late afternoon adventure in Cataloochee Valley. As the day begins to wind down, the valley’s rolling meadows and towering trees are bathed in the golden light of dusk. With the elk out to graze, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture majestic wildlife against the backdrop of the flaming autumn leaves. As the sun sets, the vibrant colors of the trees deepen, providing a breathtaking scene to end the day.
Overnight at a local lodge.
Day 4: Roaring Fork & Whitewater Rafting Photography
Start the day with a drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, one of the most scenic routes in the Smokies. The road twists and turns through tunnels of colorful trees, with brilliant shades of yellow, red, and orange lining the forest floor. At each stop, you’ll be greeted with the sights and sounds of flowing streams, and the forest alive with the colors of fall.
In the afternoon, get ready for an exciting whitewater rafting photographic experience along the Pigeon River. You’ll have the chance to photograph the thrill of the rapids from riverside viewpoints. Surrounded by the vivid colors of fall, this activity offers a dynamic and exciting way to immerse yourself in the autumn landscape.
Overnight at a local lodge.
Day 5: Clingmans Dome & Farewell
On the final morning, head up to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains. As the sun rises, it illuminates a sea of mountains, each blanketed with the brilliant colors of fall. This panoramic view is the perfect way to capture the essence of autumn in the Smokies, with the ever-changing leaves stretching as far as the eye can see.
After breakfast, return to the lodge to pack up and say farewell to the Smoky Mountains. You’ll leave with not just stunning photographs but memories of a vibrant, awe-inspiring landscape at the peak of fall's beauty.
Transfer to Airport and end of services.
Expedition Leader
