11 Of The Most Beautiful Fall Destinations In Tennessee
Tennessee may have the rivers and mountains and rock formations to make a summertime beautiful, but there’s just something about the Volunteer State during the autumn months. The hills light up in all shades of red, orange, and yellow. The weather loses its summer simmer and falls into a comfortable chill that stretches from the streets of Memphis to the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you’re looking for a vacation this year, then you may want to take a look at some of the best places to visit in Tennessee in the fall. They’re stunning in their own way, and the photo opportunities are endless.
Cades Cove is an isolated, naturally lush valley that can be found in the Great Smoky Mountains and is one of the best places to visit in Tennessee in October. You can choose to hike the area amidst the expansive wildlife, or perhaps choose to take a horseback riding class at Cades Cove Riding Stables. The chilly weather makes it the perfect temperature to bundle up and enjoy the colors!
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it's also the highest in Tennessee, so it makes sense that this is one of the best places to visit in Tennessee in the fall. It stretches 6,643 feet towards the sky and can be easily accessed by a half-mile hike. The views are worth the radical elevation change!
Clingmans Dome Drive, Clingmans Dome Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922, USA
The Great Smoky Mountains may seem all-inclusive, but we would be remiss if we didn't include it on our list. Hiking opportunities, campgrounds, tourist towns...there's a little something for everyone tucked away in the mountains and foothills, so of course it makes for one of the most memorable Tennessee fall vacations.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
A visit to Mount LeConte is not for the faint of heart! It's the third-highest peak in the Smokies, and it takes six to nine hours to hike to the top. At 6,360 feet in elevation, get ready for a solid trek.
The city of Chattanooga offers a perfect respite from the wilds of the world, especially come autumn. You can't miss the stunning fall foliage that drenches the city in color, and with hiking trails and camping opportunities nearby it's easy to make the trip your own.
Hike or camp the Tennessee River Valley to get up-close-and-personal with some of the prettiest colors in the state. Plus, you'll be far and away beyond any crowds.
River Valley Drive, River Valley Dr, Germantown, TN 38138, USA
The Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is located near Memphis, Tennessee in Shelby County. It borders the Mississippi and its two lakes - Polar Tree Lake and Lake Piersol - provide a perfect backdrop for fall photos. We'd recommend coming early or late, to see the sun light up the water.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, 910 Riddick Rd, Millington, TN 38053, USA
Newfound Gap is a mountain pass between the states of Tennessee and North Carolina and is one of the best places to visit in Tennessee in the fall. Come with a coffee in hand and eyes peeled. There's a whole lot of beauty along the historic pass!
Fall Creek Falls State Park is best if you're looking to experience the fall foliage alongside some of the prettiest water features in the state of Tennessee. Hiking is required, but beauty is ensured.
Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
10. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Radnor Lake is a popular hiking trail near Nashville, and we'd recommend it as one of the best places to visit in Tennessee in October for Middle Tennessee city-slickers looking for an infusion of natural beauty.
Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37220, USA
Where will you be heading this fall? Make sure you leave your recommendations for your favorite fall destinations in Tennessee in the comments!
If you’re looking for a fun way to spice up your autumn vacation, maybe glamping in Tennessee is in the cards!
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Address: Cades Cove, Tennessee 37882, USA
Address: Clingmans Dome Drive, Clingmans Dome Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922, USA
Address: Great Smoky Mountains, United States
Address: Mount Leconte, Mt. Leconte, Tennessee 37738, USA
Address: Chattanooga, TN, USA
Address: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, 910 Riddick Rd, Millington, TN 38053, USA
Address: Newfound Gap, Tennessee 37738, USA
Address: Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
Address: Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, 4564 Leatherwood Rd, Oneida, TN 37841, USA
Address: Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37220, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best places to visit in Tennessee in the fall
August 22, 2022
Jackie Ann
When can I see peak fall foliage in Tennessee?
While the specific dates are kept secret by Mother Nature, if you want to see the peak fall foliage in Tennessee, you’ll need to be flexible. Generally, eastern Tennessee will see the colors change first, and that usually happens in early October, with the peak occurring by the third week of October. The middle part of Tennessee and western Tennessee will pick up where the eastern part of the state left off and will see the colors change around mid-October and peak around Halloween.
Which hiking trails in Tennessee are best in the fall?
To really immerse yourself in the beauty that overtakes Tennessee during the fall, you’ll want to lace up your boots and hit the trails. One of our favorite hiking trails in Tennessee that’s just gorgeous in the fall is over at Radnor Lake State Park. There are more than six miles of hiking trails that weave throughout the park, and it’s easily one of the best places to visit in Tennessee in October when the leaves are just exploding with color.
What are the best pumpkin patches in Tennessee?
Pumpkin patches are one of the best places to visit in Tennessee in October; nothing will put you in the fall spirit faster than finding yourself the perfect pumpkin to take home. One of the best pumpkin patches in Tennessee is Shuckle's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch at Fiddle Dee Farms. In addition to a massive pumpkin patch, visitors can also enjoy other family-friendly activities like the corn maze, a giant 150-foot slide, an obstacle course, and even a magic show!
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Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
