Tennessee transforms into a painter’s palette every autumn as vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows blanket the landscape. From the majestic Smoky Mountains to hidden valleys tucked away in state parks, the Volunteer State offers some of the most spectacular fall displays in the country.
Pack your camera and hiking boots for these unforgettable leaf-peeping adventures across Tennessee.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America’s most visited national park becomes a kaleidoscope of color from mid-October through early November. The park’s diverse tree species create a stunning patchwork of crimson, amber, and gold against the misty mountain backdrop.
Drive along Newfound Gap Road for panoramic vistas without leaving your car, or hike to Clingmans Dome—the highest point in Tennessee—for breathtaking 360-degree views. Rangers offer special fall programs to help visitors identify tree species by their autumn hues.
2. Cades Cove Loop
Morning fog drifts across historic homesteads surrounded by golden meadows and flame-colored forests in this beloved valley. The 11-mile one-way loop road winds through a living museum where pioneer cabins and churches stand against a backdrop of mountains draped in autumn splendor.
Wildlife viewing reaches its peak during fall months. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and sometimes even black bears forage amid fallen leaves. Early morning visits reward photographers with magical light and fewer crowds to navigate.
3. Cherohala Skyway
Cutting through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, this 43-mile scenic byway soars to elevations over 5,400 feet. Less crowded than other leaf-peeping destinations, the Skyway offers solitude among stunning fall colors that typically peak in late October.
Pull over at designated overlooks like Santeetlah and Huckleberry Knob for sweeping views of endless mountains rippling toward the horizon. Pack a picnic lunch and warm clothes—temperatures drop quickly at these heights, especially as the sun begins to set.
4. Fall Creek Falls State Park
Home to one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, this 26,000-acre wonderland bursts with autumn brilliance against dramatic gorges and cascading waters. The 256-foot Fall Creek Falls becomes even more spectacular framed by golden hickories and scarlet maples.
Hike the Woodland Trail for an immersive forest experience, where sunlight filters through colorful canopies and illuminates the forest floor. The park’s six smaller waterfalls offer photographers multiple opportunities to capture the perfect combination of flowing water and fall foliage.
5. Big South Fork National River And Recreation Area
Rugged sandstone bluffs and natural stone arches create dramatic backdrops for autumn’s performance in this 125,000-acre wilderness. The Big South Fork of the Cumberland River carves through gorges lined with maple, oak, and hickory trees ablaze with color.
Horseback riding trails offer a unique perspective on fall foliage here. Local outfitters provide guided rides suitable for all experience levels. The Twin Arches, one of the largest natural bridge formations in the eastern United States, become even more photogenic surrounded by autumn’s palette.
6. Natchez Trace Parkway
Following ancient Native American pathways, this historic 444-mile route cuts through Tennessee’s western portion with 38 miles of spectacular autumn scenery. The Trace’s northern terminus near Nashville offers rolling hills cloaked in fall colors beginning in mid-October.
Stop at the famous Double Arch Bridge for postcard-worthy photos where engineering marvel meets natural beauty. The Jackson Falls pull-off leads to a short trail ending at a charming cascade framed by golden trees. History buffs appreciate the numerous markers explaining the route’s significance to early American travelers.
7. Roan Mountain State Park
Famous for spring rhododendron blooms, Roan Mountain transforms into an autumn paradise as September cools into October. The park’s higher elevations mean fall colors arrive earlier than most Tennessee locations, sometimes beginning in late September.
The world’s largest natural rhododendron garden sits atop the mountain, but autumn highlights the surrounding beech, maple, and oak forests. The Appalachian Trail crosses nearby, offering day hikers access to spectacular ridge views. Round Bald, just a mile from Carvers Gap, rewards modest effort with extraordinary panoramas of color-drenched mountains.
8. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Just 13 miles from Memphis lies a hardwood forest wonderland that erupts with color each autumn. Steep bluffs overlook the Mississippi River, creating dramatic contrasts between blue water, white limestone, and the fiery canopy of mature hardwood forests.
Kayaking Poplar Tree Lake during peak color season offers mirror-like reflections that double the visual impact. Bald cypress trees add unique rusty-orange hues to the palette. The park’s 20 miles of hiking trails wind through ravines where fallen leaves create a crunchy carpet underfoot, adding sensory dimensions to the autumn experience.
9. Cherokee National Forest
Spanning over 650,000 acres along Tennessee’s eastern border, this vast wilderness offers countless secluded spots to enjoy autumn’s spectacle away from crowds. The Ocoee River Gorge section features particularly stunning fall displays as hardwoods change against a backdrop of rocky outcroppings.
Mountain bikers flock to the Tanasi trail system near Ocoee to ride through tunnels of fall color. Benton Falls trail leads to a 65-foot waterfall surrounded by colorful forest. For the adventurous, whitewater rafting the Ocoee during autumn combines thrilling rapids with unbeatable scenery as colorful leaves drift alongside your raft.