We’re lucky here in Tennessee to have a full range of seasons.
And this time of year, when the fall foliage hits, we have plenty of spots within a few hours’ drive to take it all in. These three drive-worthy destinations are just right for taking in the best of what Mother Nature has to offer this time of year. Just be sure to check local websites for visitor guidelines before you hit the road.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Adam Gravett via Only in Tennessee on Instagram.
October is peak foliage season in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which covers 500,000 acres and is the most-visited national park in the country. At its heart, you’ll find Gatlinburg, a mountain town that bustles with visitors all year round. Use the town as your jumping off point to explore the nearby mountains by car, foot, or Chondola.
Newfound Gap Road is a pleasingly windy way to take in the fall colors. The slow, 30-mile drive takes you across the mountains toward Cherokee, North Carolina, and offers a number of viewing points along the way.
If you’d rather lace up, there are nearly 800 miles of trails in the area. Stop along Newfound Gap to head out on the four-mile Chimney Tops hike, a steep incline that takes you along the Sugarland Mountain ridge until you reach the peak, where you’ll get a clear view of Mount LeConte.
For a more interactive natural experience, head up to Anakeesta. This massive outdoor park has views of Gatlinburg and the mountain range—you can reach it by heading to the center of town and looking for the Chondola, which carries you on a slow climb toward the park. Once sky-high, you can traverse the Treetop Skywalk take a ride on the Rail Runner, a thrilling single rail mountain coaster, or grab a beer at one of the watering holes while gazing out over the valley below. Looking for a scenic drive? Head out to Cade's Cove, a Great Smoky Mountains National Park destination. The 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove and offers sightseeing at a leisurely pace. Plus, it's full of in history and is a great spot for viewing wildlife.
Hikes to Take:
Charlies Bunion – this sliver of the Appalachian Trail offers a rigorous 8-mile roundtrip hike.
Rainbow Falls Trail – the 5-mile roundtrip gets you a view of the falls; a longer trek beyond gets you to the summit of Mount LeConte.
Central Kentucky, Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville Tourism
The drive up to Louisville, might be a straight, easy shot, but jump off of I-65 and you’ll find multiple places to stop and take in the natural world. Of course, Louisville should be on your agenda, either as a stopping point, or a place to park while you day-trip into the surrounding woods—but venture out of the city for the best of fall’s beauty.
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest sits southeast of Louisville and spreads out over 16,000 acres. The main draw is that you can get right into those sparkling autumn woods and examine the fall colors up close. Trek around and you’ll explore multiple hiking trails, fishing holes, and strategically placed public art. While you’re in the area, why not wander over to a distillery or two? Jim Beam is right across the way and nearby, Bardstown is the home of Willett Distillery among others. (Check individual websites for COVID-19 restrictions.) You’ll get plenty of peeping in along the way.
From there, take a leisurely drive down the Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway, which winds its way from Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace National Park past Heaven Hill Distillery and over to Lincoln Legacy Museum—with all of autumn’s glorious hues along the way.
Hikes to Take:
Knobs Forest Loop – an easy 3.3 loop, the moderately busy trail meanders through a wildlife management area.
Millennium Trail at Bernheim Forest – take a day to enjoy this challenging 13.8-mile hike around the arboretum.
Chattahoochee National Forest, Dahlonega, Georgia
Getty/Sean Pavone
The quaint town sits just at the edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest, putting you right at the heart of the Appalachians’ striking fall colors. Set off to explore the many hikes, waterways, and mountains nearby, then take a detour to discover Georgia’s official wine country.
Dahlonega has a long, rich history that includes gold mining—in the 1820s, the area had one of the richest deposits east of the Mississippi—and loves to celebrate that fact, especially during its Gold Rush Festival in mid- October. But even just a stroll around the square itself will get you into the spirit, as it’s lined with trees that glow red and gold into November. For the seasonally inclined, there’s also a Historic Ghost Tour on weekends.
If you’d rather set off for the woods, there are dozens of nearby trails, including the Appalachian, which crosses near town. Amicalola Falls State Park is a good trek—a staircase trail takes you to the top of a 729-foot waterfall. Wineries thrive in this part of the South and are worth a visit for both the tastings and the views.
Hikes to Take:
Lake Zwerner Trail – loops around the Yahoola Creek Reservoir just on the outskirts of town.
DeSoto Falls Trail – a 1.9 mile loop that’s good for all levels and takes you around a waterfall.