"I found some of the best fall foliage in North Carolina at Great Smoky Mountains National Park." - Acacia Gabriel Acacia Gabriel Acacia Gabriel covers responsible ecotourism, cultural experiences, and the intersection of outdoor adventure and luxury. After solo traveling through 35+ countries on five different continents, she began writing to connect travelers with local communities and conservation opportunities. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A biodiverse, misty mountain park famous for its temperate forests, rolling ridgelines, abundant trails, and seasonal foliage that draw large numbers of visitors seeking classic Appalachian scenery." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"For a luxurious, car-free approach, consider staying at Blackberry Farm, which lies about 12 miles from the park and whose concierges will arrange guided hiking tours. This option can be expensive (especially since ground transfer from Knoxville’s airport to the resort requires some spending), but it’s an appealingly upscale way to experience America’s most-visited national park." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"I time visits to Great Smoky Mountains for the fall foliage, planning shoulder-season trips to catch peak colors with fewer crowds." - Jessica Chapel
"The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasured spot for families to picnic and enjoy nature. It is the most visited national park in the National Park Service. The park is renowned for its cold mountain streams and a wide variety of native trees, offering a unique natural experience. It holds a special place in the memories of Dolly Parton's youth and remains a significant natural landmark." - Rachel Chang Rachel Chang Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines