Standing Stone State Park Is an Underrated State Park That Will Dazzle You This Fall

Listen, I know Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes the gold when it comes to fall foliage in Tennessee. Even popular state parks like Roan Mountain and Warriors’ Path State Park are worthy of your time this autumn. But if you’re looking to take the path less traveled and venture away from the crowds, head over to Standing Stone State Park. It’s one of the most impressive, underrated state parks in Tennessee for fall foliage. 

Standing Stone State Park is nestled within the Standing Stone State Forest on the Cumberland Plateau. The 855-acre park was developed in the 1930s and named after the Standing Stone, a massive rock believed to have been a boundary between two Native American Tribes. 

I’m a firm believer that the best way to experience fall in Tennessee is to hit the trails. Standing Stone State Park has more than eight miles of hiking trails to explore, and they just dazzle in the fall. 

Much of the park is centered around Kelly Lake, which is a popular swimming hole in the warmer months. The Lake Trail is a scenic little waterfront hiking trail that will take you all around Kelly Lake in its 4.7 miles. When the lake is still, it becomes a mirror that perfectly reflects those dreamy fall colors.

The park also offers boat rentals, and seeing the fall colors from the water is next-level leaf peeping. Canoes, kayaks, and aluminum fishing boats (row boats) are all available to rent from the state park, or feel free to bring your own canoe or kayak to launch into the water. No other private boats are allowed. If you bring your tackle box, bass, bluegill, catfish, and trout are just a few of the catches you might reel in.

Other hiking trails lead into the woods, which is a no-brainer for a leaf-peeping adventure! If you’re lucky enough to visit this park during Tennessee’s peak fall foliage, you’re in for a treat. I think the last two weekends of October are going to be the best time to see the fall colors, but one cold snap could change that! Read out fall foliage forecast to learn more.

If you want to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway, Standing Stone State Park offers several lodging options. In addition to the park’s 36 campsites, there are also two different types of cabins, and a few of them are even pet-friendly! Camping in the fall is my absolute favorite thing to do during the season, and nothing beats a campfire, a marshmallow, and the crisp air of fall.

Since it’s about 25 miles from the nearest state park, it’s an easy park to overlook. If you want to beat the crowds, this underrated state park in Tennessee could be just what you’re looking for. Visit the Standing Stone State Park website to learn more. 

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to the best places to see Tennessee’s fall foliage using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.