The 5 Best Spots for Leaf Peeping in Tennessee: Peak Dates, Top Driving Routes, and More

Tennessee is one of the best places in the country to see spectacular fall foliage. The state has a wide range of landscapes. From mountains to valleys, they provide plenty of opportunities to take in autumn colors. Tennessee also has a mild climate, which means the leaves change color gradually and stay on the trees longer than in other parts of the country. Most of the beautiful fall foliage emerges in mid-October, with bursts of peak colors closer to the end of the month. In many places, peak foliage may stick around for several weeks into November as well. Here are five of the best spots for leaf peeping in Tennessee!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

It’s easy to see why Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. With over 800 miles of trails, five million acres of forest, and several stunning waterfalls, the park offers endless opportunities for exploration. The leaves begin to change color in October, making for a stunning display of oranges, reds, and yellows. Peak leaf-peeping season is usually from mid-October to early November. However, this can vary depending on the year and elevation.

For incredible views of Mount LeConte, head to Alum Cave Bluffs. If you’re looking for another easy hike with great views, try the 3.8-mile round-trip hike along the Gatlinburg Trail. You’ll pass beautiful fall foliage along the way, along with lovely cascading waters and rivers.

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park. The short hike to the top is well worth it for 360-degree views of some of the most spectacular fall colors in the region. Cades Cove Loop Road offers several miles of unforgettable views. Take a leisurely drive through the cove or hike one of the many trails for up-close views of the changing leaves.

No trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be complete without a drive along Newfound Gap Road. This 33-mile stretch of road traverses the park from north to south and offers breathtaking views of the changing leaves. Pull off at one of the many overlooks to take in the autumn scenery.

Natchez Trace State Parkway

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Natchez Trace State Parkway offers some of the best leaf peeping in the country. The region is home to a diverse array of trees, including maples, oaks, and hickories. In October and November, the leaves erupt in a riot of color, transforming the landscape into a living work of art. Peak foliage is usually in the last few weeks of October, and often continues through the first weeks of November.

Visitors can enjoy the fall foliage by hiking, biking, or driving through the parkway. Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge is 200 feet tall, offering an excellent spot to get some beautiful photos of all the fall colors of the valley. For those who want to experience the area in a different way, there are also several hot air balloon companies that offer tours of the parkway during peak leaf-peeping season. Peak colors surrounding the bridge are typically at the end of October through the first few weeks of November.

You should also check out the historic town of Franklin for more fall fun. While the weather is still warm, take advantage of the great outdoors with a hike at one of Franklin’s many parks, like Pinkerton Park or Ancil Hoffman Park. Or go for a bike ride along the scenic Harpeth River Greenway.

As the temperatures start to cool off, head to Dedmon Farms for some hayrides, pumpkin picking, and corn mazes. And don’t forget about the annual Pumpkinfest festival in October, where you can enjoy live music, food trucks, and of course, plenty of pumpkins! Whatever you do this fall, you’re sure to have a blast in Franklin.

Cherokee National Forest

Fall is an excellent time to visit the Cherokee National Forest in east-central Tennessee, and not just because there are fewer bugs and less humidity — the trees are beautiful here! The leaves begin to change color in late September, and peak foliage usually occurs in early to mid-October.

There are several great spots for leaf peeping, including the Ocoee Scenic Byway, the Tellico River, and Cades Cove. The Ocoee Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive that winds through the forest. There are several lookout points along the way where you can stop and enjoy the view.

If you want to camp under the beautiful fall colors, the park has many designated campsites. The Indian Bound Recreation Area and Dennis Cove Recreation Area both offer fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water, showers, toilets, and even electrical outlets!

Birdwatching is another popular pastime in Cherokee National Forest. The fall months are an ideal time to spot a variety of different species. One of the best spots for bird watching is along the Oconaluftee River Trail, where you can often see American goldfinches, scarlet tanagers, and even the occasional bald eagle. Another great spot is at Hitchcock Woods, where you can find a wide variety of warblers, vireos, and other songbirds. In Indian Gap, there is a boardwalk that takes you through a variety of different habitats, providing an excellent opportunity to see a variety of birds.

Chattanooga

For excellent leaf peeping in Tennessee mixed with creature comforts, head over to Chattanooga in the southeastern region of the state. Whether you’re enjoying yourself downtown or exploring up at Lookout Mountain, there are plenty of beautiful fall colors to see. Peak foliage in Chattanooga is usually seen at the end of October and the beginning of November.

The Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center is a wildlife sanctuary at the base of Lookout Mountain. It has over 300 acres where you can go hiking trails there, canoeing, and encounter many different animals among the fall foliage. Raccoon Mountain also has several hiking and biking trails with breathtaking views of the valley’s expansive fall colors. You can also take a sightseeing cruise down the Tennessee River to see the vibrant colors of the leaves reflected in the deep blue water.

For more adventurous leaf peeping, you can enjoy the day hang gliding, skydiving, and even ziplining through the gorgeous multicolored landscape. The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway and the Tennessee Valley Railroad both offer various train rides up the mountains or through the valley, providing another unique leaf-peeping experience.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Located along the Cumberland Plateau, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a leaf-peeping dream in the fall. There are 200 miles of horse trails if you want to explore the fall foliage on horseback. There are also over 180 miles of mountain hiking trails to discover. Hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding are all great ways to enjoy the autumn scenery.

The leaves start to change color in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in October, and the scenery is simply gorgeous. Peak foliage is usually mid-October and into late November. There are many great spots for leaf peeping. Some of the best are the Bandy Creek Campground, the O&W Railroad Trail, and the Twin Arches Loop Trail. The East Rim Overlook is also an excellent spot for leaf peeping. There are dogwood, sumac, sourwood, tulip poplar, and magnolia trees filled with rich fall colors in mid-to-late October.

For more assistance with leaf peeping in Tennessee, you can check out the Fall Color Predictions map here.

Up Next:

• Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?
• The 10 Biggest Lakes in Tennessee
• 10 of the Most Stunning Waterfalls in East Tennessee
• The Absolute Best Camping Near Nashville

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