Tennessee Fall Traditions: Fall Foliage

From the Smokies to Reelfoot Lake, here are some great places to see Tennessee’s fall splendor on display.

Credit: Smoky Mountains National Park

As autumn sweeps across Tennessee, the state transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues, drawing leaf-peepers and nature enthusiasts alike to witness one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles of the year.

Thousands flock here to witness the changing of the foliage guard. Spring-promise green doesn’t fade here as much as it pops into reds, yellows, and oranges in a way that should be mundane by now but is instead endlessly fascinating.

As a general rule, leaves in East Tennessee begin to change color in early October and peak around the third week of the month. In Middle and West Tennessee, color change begins in mid-October and peaks by Halloween.

Those dazzling colors spread across the mountains, hills, and Delta farmland. From the Great Smoky Mountains to charming towns and the surreality of Reelfoot Lake, here’s where you can experience the peak of fall splendor.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

At the top of the list for fall foliage aficionados is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This iconic destination becomes a kaleidoscope of oranges, reds, and yellows as the foliage reaches its zenith. The park’s diverse range of elevations and ecosystems means visitors can experience a broad spectrum of colors.

Popular spots like Kuwohi (formerly Clingman’s Dome), the park’s highest point, offer panoramic views of the colorful tapestry stretching as far as the eye can see. The Newfound Gap Road is another must-visit, providing stunning vistas and easy access to some of the best leaf-peeping viewpoints.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the park’s hiking trails like the Alum Cave Trail and Laurel Falls Trail offer intimate encounters with those brightly colored forests.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Beyond the park’s boundaries, the nearby towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge serve as excellent bases for exploring the fall landscape. Gatlinburg, with its quaint shops and cozy lodges, offers a charming backdrop against the vibrant colors of the Smokies. The Gatlinburg SkyLift Park provides an elevated view of the fall foliage, allowing visitors to float above the treetops and take in the panoramic beauty from a unique perspective.

Pigeon Forge, known for its family-friendly attractions, is equally captivating in the fall. The town hosts a variety of fall festivals and events, where you can enjoy everything from pumpkin patches to craft fairs while soaking in the surrounding colors.

Credit: Smoky Mountains National Park/State of Tennessee

The Beauty of the Cumberland Plateau

Further west, the Cumberland Plateau offers another fantastic fall experience. The region’s rolling hills and dense forests make it perfect for peeping those leaves. Fall Creek Falls State Park, one of Tennessee’s largest and most popular state parks, features cascading waterfalls framed by beautiful fall colors. The park’s extensive trail system allows visitors to explore at their own pace, with viewpoints like the Falls Overlook providing stunning scenery.

Reelfoot Lake State Park

In the northwest corner of Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake State Park offers a one-of-a-kind fall adventure on its cypress-studded waters.

The park hosts fall color pontoon cruises on weekends, inviting visitors to embark on a guided, two-hour journey through the heart of its surreal landscape in its most-changing season. The park’s famous bald cypress trees are deciduous conifers, meaning they have needle-like leaves but they change color and fall. (Hence, the term “bald” cypress.)

In the fall, the lake also becomes a part-time haven for the majestic (and enormous) White Pelican. To celebrate these magnificent birds, the park hosts its annual Pelican Festival (October 18-20), offering a rare opportunity to see these elegant birds in their natural habitat.

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Tennessee Living: Memphis’ Cooper-Young Neighborhood

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Tennessee Fall Traditions: Down on the Farm