Melody Wagstaff
REALTOR®, MRP, ePro, C2EX, RENE, PSA
Realty Executives Associates
As October fills the hills of East Tennessee with fiery reds and golden yellows, Melody Wagstaff, REALTOR® with Realty Executives Main Street, takes a moment to celebrate the beauty of the season and her favorite title, Santa’s Favorite REALTOR®. With the holidays right around the corner, Melody reminds everyone that if your wish list includes a new home, she is ready to help make that dream come true.
Today, she is taking a break from open houses to talk about one of her favorite East Tennessee pastimes, exploring the mountains. Even if you are not an avid hiker, these scenic trails offer some of the best places to experience the incredible fall colors that make our region so special.
Located in Gatlinburg, Alum Cave Trail winds through a tunnel of brilliant foliage before opening up to sweeping Smoky Mountain views. It is a favorite among locals who want a rewarding yet manageable hike surrounded by vibrant autumn beauty.
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The panoramic views from the observation tower are breathtaking, especially when the valleys below are painted in every shade of fall color.
This short, scenic trail leads hikers through open meadows framed by trees glowing in orange and gold. The views from Andrews Bald are especially beautiful in the crisp fall air.
If you prefer a gentler stroll, Laurel Falls Trail is paved and easy to navigate. It leads to one of the park’s most photographed waterfalls, surrounded by dazzling fall foliage, which makes it perfect for family photos.
Cades Cove is a must-see for every East Tennessean, and Abrams Falls Trail adds a touch of adventure to the visit. The moderate hike leads to a stunning waterfall framed by fall color, offering one of the most memorable spots in Townsend.
Mount LeConte is a local legend among experienced hikers. The climb is challenging, yet the view from Myrtle Point is unforgettable, especially in October when the Smokies are wrapped in color.
Known for its blooming azaleas in spring, Gregory Bald shines just as brightly in fall. The trail offers wide-open views filled with orange, red, and amber tones that stretch across the mountains.
Ramsey Cascades features the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hike is strenuous, but the reward is a powerful cascade surrounded by hardwood trees glowing in fall color.
This easy trail winds through a peaceful forest and past remnants of old homesteads. The variety of trees makes it a colorful and educational experience, perfect for families or beginner hikers.
Rainbow Falls gets its name from the mist that creates rainbow hues in the sunlight. The hike leads to a magnificent waterfall surrounded by vibrant foliage, creating a truly magical autumn experience.
Before setting out on any of these trails, always check the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for weather updates or road closures. Conditions can change quickly in the higher elevations. Melody also encourages hikers to follow the Leave No Trace principle, packing out everything you bring in so these trails remain as beautiful for others as they are today.
East Tennessee offers some of the most breathtaking fall scenery in the country. Whether you are exploring the trails or simply admiring the colors from your backyard, this season is a reminder of why so many people fall in love with life in the Smokies. If your fall adventure includes finding a new home, Santa’s Favorite REALTOR®, Melody Wagstaff, is here to help you make that wish come true.
