Take a Trip to Your Childhood with an Authentic Hayride in the Great Smoky Mountains

By Shelia Ogle Think of your best memories of autumn and what comes to mind? If big orange pumpkins heaped in a wooden cart, chilly nights spent laughing around a campfire, and snuggling atop a swaying hay wagon put a smile on your face, then Gatlinburg, TN is just the place for your autumn getaway. Fun for Everyone on an Old-Fashioned Hayride As the sun sinks behind the mountains and the air begins to turn chilly, grab a blanket or two and snuggle up with the kids and your spouse for a fun evening hayride. Far from big city scents and sounds, you’ll appreciate the sweet smell of hay and autumn leaves and the soft creaking of the wagon as it carries you deep into the woods. During the ride, you’ll have a chance to stop and warm your feet near a roaring bonfire, which is sure to delight kids of all ages. You’ll make new friends along the way, and most of all, you and the kids will have a wonderful time recreating those precious memories from your own youth. Horse-Drawn Hay Wagons Add a Touch of History For a truly magical adventure, opt for a horse-drawn wagon. The clip-clop of hooves on the road is the perfect backdrop for quiet conversation and more than a few laughs as you take in the amazing scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains. You simply can’t ask for a more relaxing time with the family than to spend it nestled in a blanket atop a hay wagon as it creaks and sways along a mountain trail, while the crisp mountain air puts a rosy glow on everyone’s cheeks. Enjoy the Fall Colors with a Daytime Ride Fall color lovers will want to make time for one of Gatlinburg’s favorite activities – a fun-filled daytime hayride that highlights the spectacular changing of the seasons. Easy to get to and with rides scheduled frequently throughout the day, this popular attraction is the perfect way to enjoy the stunning show nature provides. More Autumn Fun in the Great Smoky Mountains Beyond hayrides and scenic tours, you’ll find plenty more to see and do in and around Gatlinburg this fall. The Gatlinburg Craftsman’s Fair takes place each October, and offers a chance to browse hundreds of booths filled with beautiful arts and crafts created by talented artists. Family fun spot Dollywood joins in with the National Gospel & Harvest Celebration featuring four weeks of free concerts with some of the area’s best gospel performers. Or just plan to spend a relaxing week in a secluded cabin, where you’ll enjoy the peacefulness that only a mountain retreat can provide. For young and old alike, autumn is a special time. Childhood memories of hayrides, fall color tours, and festivals are cherished for a lifetime. You can relive those memories – and build new ones with your children – with a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains this fall.