October 03, 2024
7 Frighteningly Fun Ways to Enjoy Halloween in Gatlinburg and the Smokies
In addition to breathtaking foliage, fall brings lots of Halloween fun to Gatlinburg, TN! Throughout the month of October, this Smoky Mountain city hosts a number of special events and activities that are sure to delight ghosts and ghouls of all ages. To help you make the most of your Smoky Mountain fall vacation, we’ve put together this convenient guide of the best ways to enjoy Halloween in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
1. Special Halloween Presentation at the Mysterious Mansion
The Mysterious Mansion has been delivering thrills and chills to vacationers in Gatlinburg for over 40 years! From the first Friday of October through the first Sunday of November, this spooky haunted house offers special presentations on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights to help you celebrate Halloween in Gatlinburg. These Halloween shows are even scarier than a typical visit to the Mysterious Mansion. If your family wants an experience that is a little less intense, you can visit this Gatlinburg attraction on a weekday.
2. Great Pumpkin LumiNights at Dollywood
If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween in Gatlinburg and the Smokies, make sure you visit Dollywood to experience Great Pumpkin LumiNights. After the sun goes down, this Pigeon Forge theme park shines bright with the glow of thousands of creatively carved pumpkins arranged in larger-than-life structures and themed settings. Kids and adults alike can enjoy this not-so-spooky nighttime event. You can experience the wonder of this event throughout most of September and October, but keep in mind that Dollywood is closed on Halloween day.
3. Ghost & Haunt Tours of Gatlinburg
Taking one of the city’s Ghost & Haunt Tours is another great way to celebrate Halloween in Gatlinburg! When you sign up for one of these tours, a paranormal expert will take you to all of Gatlinburg’s most haunted locations. Along the way, you’ll hear chilling ghost stories from the town’s past that will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing on end. A highlight of the tour is the chance to use real ghost hunting equipment to check for supernatural activity in the Smokies.
4. Kyker Farms Korn Maze
Visiting Kyker Farms is a fall tradition for many Smoky Mountain vacationers! This family-owned farm is famous for its signature “Kornfusing Korn Maze,” which will have even the smartest guests scratching their heads and walking in circles. In addition to the maze, Kyker Farms also offers hayrides, tunnel slides, corn cob swings, corn hole, a pumpkin patch, an educational barn, zip line, and even more fall fun. This farm is open for fall fun until the last Sunday of October.
5. Ripley’s Fright Nights
Much like the Mysterious Mansion, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure also hosts special Halloween events throughout October. Held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights (along with October 31st), these creepy Fright Nights are guaranteed to leave you screaming! Ripley’s Fright Nights begin at 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Halloween night, and at 1 p.m. on Sundays. This event offers a more immersive and terrifying way to experience this year-round haunted house attraction. The Fright Nights are open to guests ages 6 and up, and those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
6. Trick-or-Treat At The Island
One of the most eagerly anticipated events in October is Trick-or-Treat At The Island in Pigeon Forge. This event takes place on Halloween night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dress up in a costume and stop by for a fun evening of trick-or-treating! You’ll be able to collect tasty treats as you explore The Island and all it has to offer. Admission and parking are free, so you can focus on having a festive, fun time with your family and friends!
7. Ripley’s Trick or Treat Kick Off Karnival
On October 31st, your family can begin Halloween with a bang by attending Ripley’s Trick or Treat Kick Off Karnival. Held at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., this fun event features costumed characters, contests, and lots of candy. Guests are encouraged to dress up for the occasion! This is definitely one of the best ways to celebrate Halloween in Gatlinburg!
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg TN
When you stay with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you’ll be near all of these amazing attractions and events so you can celebrate Halloween in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 26 bedroom cabins, we are sure to have the perfect accommodations for your fall vacation. To start planning your next getaway, browse our selection of cabins in Gatlinburg TN!
