As fall descends on Tennessee, the Rocky Top State blazes in magnificent oranges, reds, and yellows from the Great Smoky Mountains in the East to the Mississippi River Valley in the West. We have you covered if you’re looking for the best places to see fall colors in Tennessee.
Read on for tips to make your Tennessee in Fall trip interesting, unique, and distinct!
Set Sail on a Fall Foliage Sightseeing Cruise in Chattanooga
Lookout Mountain features ziplining through the trees at Ruby Falls and the famous Seven State Overlook at Rock City. Gazing out over Garrity’s Battery at Point Park or from your seat on the Incline Railroad, you’ll see the colors of the Chattanooga Valley spread out beneath you. It’s a sight to behold when Mother Nature paints her masterpiece in leaves.
If anything, the views get better downtown along the Tennessee River. From vantage points on the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world’s largest pedestrian bridges, you’ll see the trees along the 13-mile river trail putting on a show. It’s also home to the unofficial kickoff for Tennessee fall foliage season, the Wine over Water Festival.
Fall in Franklin
When thinking about a fall escape for vibrant foliage, Franklin, Tennessee certainly won our hearts. Located just outside Nashville, this charming town surprises with its rich history and current prosperity. As the county seat of Williamson County, Tennessee’s most affluent county, and the home of none other than Dave Ramsey, Franklin offers an inviting and idyllic setting for a romantic fall getaway.
Ride a Horse-Drawn Carriage in Lynchburg
Fun fact about Lynchburg, Tennessee–Jack Daniel’s produces every one of their 150 million bottles at the distillery in Lynchburg. However, you can’t buy a drink in town because it’s in a dry county (Moore County). You can (and should) take a Jack Daniel’s tour to see where (and how) the magic happens. There are tasting tours and specialty bottles for sale in the gift shop. Even if you’re not a whiskey fan, you’ll enjoy the experience.
You’ve heard the saying spring forward / fall back. If you keep falling back and back and back, you’ll reach Lynchburg – which I like to call the town that time forgot. It’s built around the Moore County Courthouse with plenty of gift shops, front porch rockers, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Kayak at Radnor Lake in Nashville
Radnor Lake State Park is one of the state parks within city limits and one of several state parks that are an easy, quick drive from downtown Nashville. Radnor is also a well-loved local destination. The views are always gorgeous, but in the fall, the trees really come alive in the different autumn colors. Radnor Lake is one of the best places to see wildlife.
The park is one of the most protected state parks in the state, and the wildlife reflects that. I always tell people there is about a 95% chance you’ll see deer, turkey, and owls while here. There’s also a high chance of seeing turtles, squirrels, chipmunks, otters, bald eagles, birds, and more.
Bike at Cades Cove
Many people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see wildlife – especially black bears. If you’re one of them, you absolutely can’t miss Cades Cove. Cades Cove is about 25 minutes away from downtown Gatlinburg and is an eleven-mile one-way paved Cades Cove Loop.
You can drive the loop, pull off to the side of the road, and park to walk the different trails. You can also ride your bike on the loop and hike the trails along the way.
The best chance of seeing wildlife is to be at the gates at sunrise when they open. There’s a great possibility of seeing deer, wild turkeys, and black bears. Like all of the Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove is a gorgeous area of Tennessee in Fall to see beautiful colors.
Soar Over Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is located on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is an excellent base for exploring the park’s waterfalls, hiking trails, history, synchronous fireflies in the summer, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, and more.
The national park is the most visited national park in the country, and Gatlinburg is one of the most visited vacation spots. Families come to spend a weekend or more to enjoy all the restaurants, attractions, outdoors, and much more.
The area has gorgeous views all year round, but head there for Gatlinburg in the fall, take a gondola ride up the side of the mountain, walk across the brand-new sky bridge, and take in the beautiful foliage.
Tour by Train in Knoxville
Where else to head for fall scenery in Tennessee than where blood bleeds orange?! Knoxville is perhaps Tennessee’s most underrated city and a perfect weekend trip from Nashville. There are tons of things to do in this city that still feels like a small town.
Head to the local coffee shops. Stroll around downtown in Market Square. Catch an outdoor movie on Friday nights. Grab some seasonal produce at the farmers’ market. Find your German heritage at Oktoberfest.
While in Knoxville in the fall, you can root for the home team at a University of Tennessee football game or take a train ride on the Three Rivers Rambler to see the autumn colors.
Hike Mt. LeConte
With 11 miles of round-trip hiking, 2763 feet of climbing, and having to hike for four hours until you reach the end, the Mt. LeConte Hike is definitely strenuous — but it’s also definitely worth it. Among the Great Smoky Mountains, this hike to Mt. LeConte will grant you unbelievable panoramic views, incredible wildlife sights, and intimate lodging experiences.
During your hike, you might come across exciting views of peregrine falcons or other birds of prey and crossing under natural formations like the Arch Rock — the first prominent landmark you’ll see. Don’t forget your camera as you head to Cliff Top and Myrtle Point for the best panoramic views of the mountains!
Climb Clingmans Dome
One of the best things to do in Tennessee during the fall is to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park has so many beautiful hiking trails and things to explore, but one of the best things to do during the fall is to view all the trees changing to the gorgeous fall colors. The best way to see a great view of the trees is to drive up to Clingmans Dome.
The road to Clingmans Dome is exceptionally windy, but it is worth it once you get to the top. At the top, there is a parking lot, and from there, it is a steep 0.5-mile walk up a paved road to a lookout tower. If you are in shape enough to walk up the steep path, the view from the top of the lookout tower is simply magnificent. During the fall, you can see some of the best views of the changing colors.
Drive on a Delta Blues Road Trip
The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Centre is your first discovery. Full of stories of the blues, the history of the area, and a spectacular photo wall showing the beauty of the autumn leaves in Tennessee. It might take a moment to wander around and chat with the happy and helpful curators.
Memphis itself is a celebration. If you love music, you can’t help but be enthralled by its stories of rock, soul and blues, and the chance for a trip to the legendary Beale Street. Fall in Tennessee is a fabulous time to hit the road, whether in search of the blues or just to appreciate the sheer beauty and charm of the state.
Travel the Trace
Natchez Trace Parkway is a must-visit destination in the fall if you’re eager to immerse yourself in a world of breathtaking fall colors. Stretching across 101 miles in Tennessee alone (444 total miles), this scenic route is a leaf-peeper’s paradise. The vibrant foliage transforms the landscape into a mesmerizing tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds, making it an ideal place for a leisurely drive or a picturesque hike. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just in need of some autumnal serenity, Natchez Trace Parkway promises an unforgettable fall experience.
Are You Heading to Tennessee for Leaf Peeping Yet?
With so many great places to see fall colors, you might need to extend your weekend getaway into a full-blown road trip. Tennessee in the Fall is hard to beat with its German heritage and rolling rivers lined with magnificent autumn color.
When is the best time to see leaves change in Tennessee? Leaves begin to change at the end of September and peak in mid-October. Leaf peeping season varies with elevation, so the earlier the season starts, the higher you go. You can optimize your altitude for prime leaf viewing.
Tennessee is not only one of the best places to see fall colors; it is also one of the best places to visit in October in the US, with an outstanding assortment of festivals, history, and natural wonders.
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Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman, and together we are Coleman Concierge. It is our goal to inspire you to get out, expand your world, and to seek adventure, even in your own backyard.
