Pleasant afternoons and crisp evenings offer opportunities for hiking, fall foliage trips and bonfires, but check local rules and obtain required burn permits before lighting a fire.
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Adventure Center) — Fall is bringing a stretch of sunny skies and comfortable temperatures to the Great Smoky Mountains, creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures across East Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
Gatlinburg is forecast to reach highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s from Tuesday through Thursday, with overnight lows dipping into the lower to mid-40s. Bryson City, North Carolina, will see a similar stretch of sunshine, with afternoon highs in the upper 60s and nighttime temperatures near 40 to the mid-40s.
The dry, sunny forecast offers opportunities to explore mountain trails, take scenic drives to enjoy fall colors and spend time outdoors before colder weather settles into the region.
For those planning an evening around a bonfire, cooler temperatures make gathering around a fire appealing. However, residents and visitors should check local fire restrictions and make sure they have any required burn permits before burning. Always keep fires contained, never leave them unattended and completely extinguish them before leaving.
Here are three ways to make the most of the beautiful fall weather ahead:
- Take a fall hike or scenic drive: Sunny skies and afternoon highs near 70 degrees will provide comfortable conditions for exploring the Smokies. Check higher elevations for changing foliage and prepare for cooler temperatures on mountain trails.
- Plan an evening bonfire: Overnight lows in the 40s will bring a crisp fall feel after sunset. Check local regulations, obtain required burn permits and keep water or other firefighting tools nearby. Never burn during a restriction or when conditions make fires unsafe.
- Enjoy the sunshine in Gatlinburg or Bryson City: Both mountain communities are forecast to stay sunny through Thursday. Gatlinburg will warm into the mid-70s by Wednesday, while Bryson City will see highs near 69 degrees through much of the week.
In Gatlinburg, temperatures climb to around 72 Tuesday and 75 Wednesday. Thursday will remain sunny, with a high near 74. Overnight lows will range from around 42 to 45 degrees.
Bryson City will have highs around 69 Tuesday through Thursday. Overnight lows will range from around 40 to 44 degrees.
With several days of sunshine in the forecast, the week ahead offers a welcome opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and take in the beauty of autumn across the Smoky Mountains.
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