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.

1. Cades Cove
Cades Cove, Tennessee, USA
Niemand für Polyphemus - Flickr
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!
2. Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome Drive, Clingmans Dome Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922, USA
Tim Lumley - Flickr
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!
3. Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
Tim Lumley - Flickr
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.
4. Mount LeConte
Mount Leconte, Mt. Leconte, Tennessee 37738, USA
Jmar - G
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.
5. Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN, USA
Megan Morris - Flickr
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.

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6. Tennessee River Valley
River Valley Drive, River Valley Dr, Germantown, TN 38138, USA
idintify media - Flickr
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.
7. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, 910 Riddick Rd, Millington, TN 38053, USA
Tyrin Price - Flickr
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.
8. Newfound Gap
Newfound Gap, Tennessee 37738, USA
Tim Lumley - Flickr
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!
9. Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
Tim Lumley - Flickr
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.
10. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, 4564 Leatherwood Rd, Oneida, TN 37841, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Big South Fork is great for camping, hiking, and exploring with 125,000 acres of land that stretch across the Cumberland Plateau.
11. Radnor Lake
Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37220, USA
Tommy John - Flickr
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.

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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best places to visit in Tennessee in the fall

Jackie Ann | August 22, 2022

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!

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Cades Cove, Tennessee, USA
Clingmans Dome Drive, Clingmans Dome Dr, Knoxville, TN 37922, USA
Great Smoky Mountains, United States
Mount Leconte, Mt. Leconte, Tennessee 37738, USA
Chattanooga, TN, USA
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, 910 Riddick Rd, Millington, TN 38053, USA
Newfound Gap, Tennessee 37738, USA
Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, 4564 Leatherwood Rd, Oneida, TN 37841, USA
Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37220, USA