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Blue Ridge Parkway
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 four 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.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, North Carolina
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A long ribbon of a road, the Blue Ridge Parkway cuts through some of the most stunning scenery from Virginia to North Carolina. And while the entire Parkway itself offers vistas and stopping points, it’s easiest to cover small stretches at a time. Most of the Pisgah region stretches from Asheville to Cherokee and during October and November, the entire length is a rainbow of auburns, yellow, oranges, and golds.
Plan to stay in Asheville and use that as your starting point as you set out on a few day trips from there. One might include winding your way out toward Cherokee for a leisurely color-filled drive. Or break things up and take several short drives to get into nature.
A good place to jump on is near Biltmore, the legendary Vanderbilt estate. From there, you can easily access the North Caroline Arboretum, and then spend the afternoon cruising along the Parkway toward Brevard.
You could also stick closer to Asheville and explore Chimney Rock State Park where the panoramic views of autumnal colors will leave you breathless. (So will the hike. There are stairs as well as an elevator to get to the top.) Once you hit the peak, you’ll find the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls as well as hiking trails throughout the park.
Whether you’ve spent the day driving, hiking, or relaxing, a night out in Asheville will revive you with a strong selection of locally made brews and a meal at one of the city’s new dynamic restaurants.
Where to Stay
Kimpton Hotel Arras sits at the heart of this mountain town and provides laid back luxury inside a striking, Art Deco-inspired building. The art-filled lobby is also home to Bargello, where craft cocktails and outstanding wood-fired pizzas await.
From its hillside perch, the historic Omni Grove Park Inn is both sprawling and intimate, with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore behind its stacked-granite façade. Whether from the terraced patio, the world-class golf course, or the resort’s famous subterranean spa, you can catch glimpses of Asheville’s natural beauty throughout your stay.
Where to Eat
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For a day-long drive or a hike, load up on snacks and sandwiches at The Rhu—their cheese grits will fortify you in the morning, while their picnic baskets range from the Mountainside, filled with baguette, pickled vegetables, and a selection of local cheeses; to the Ploughman’s, a selection of cold-smoked trout, salami, pimento cheese, and brownies.
Wrap up the day with a meal at Benne on Eagle, where chef de cuisine Ashleigh Shanti welcomes all and invigorates the African-American neighborhood at the heart of the city. Her take on North Carolina shrimp perloo and potlikker-braised chicken wings has earned her praise, including as a James Beard Foundation nominee.
Hikes to Take
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Craven Gap – a moderate 4.8-mile hike that brings you deep into the forest with steady climbs and a few creek crossings.
Craggy Gardens – set amongst high-elevation summits, this trail will take you up to the Pinnacle Trail, where you can take in 360-degree views.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Anakeesta
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.
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Anakeesta
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Anakeesta
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 16-bridge 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.
Where to Stay
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa brings rustic luxury together with family-friendly fun. The resort’s indoor water park, mini golf, and zipline will lure the kids while the Serenity Spa and Mountain Top pool bar offer parents a break.
You already know what to expect with the Margaritaville Resort, Gatlinburg: A laid-back vibe and serious comfort. But aside from the giant blue flip-flops at the entrance and the casual, resort-wear on the staffers, you’ll find a sprawling pool with an epic water slide, fire pits on the terrace, and parrots in the lobby.
Where to Eat
Perched at the top of Anakeesta, Cliff Top Grill and Bar has one of the area’s best dining views. They spotlight local breweries and offer a menu of comforting classics, like red beans with rice and pork and a mac and cheese-laden bacon cheeseburger.
Set up on a ridge in Gatlinburg, The Greenbrier brings modern dining to the mountain. Look for their in-house dry-aged steaks as well as a strong whiskey selection—they have their own whiskey society.
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.
Louisville Tourism
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.
Where to Stay
After a day of driving, the Omni Louisville Hotel provides a luxe, comforting retreat. Pop into the spa or into Pin + Proof, the tucked-away speakeasy.
The Galt House Hotel has been undergoing a massive renovation; the official hotel of the Kentucky Derby now has a modern, stylish feel— and its bourbon bar, Jockey Silks, is part of the city’s Urban Bourbon Trail.
Where to Eat
Brooklyn and the Butcher is a modern steakhouse in a historic setting. Splurge on excellent cuts of beef and housemade sauces, or make a meal of small plates, like the lamb meatballs and baked goat cheese
Biscuit Belly serves up Southern charm and giant biscuits, which will set you up for a long day of exploring and bourbon drinking.
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
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The town of Dahlonega prides itself on offering a fully immersive fall experience. 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. For those new to the area, consider hiring your own personal ranger through Outback Guide Services—the guides will happily lead you to the finest vistas, forests, streams, and trails.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Wineries thrive in this part of the South and are worth a visit for both the tastings and the views. Wolf Mountain Vineyards spreads out over 10,000 square feet and includes production facilities and a tasting room. And at Cavender Creek Vineyard & Winery, you can explore experimental small batches and a tasting occasionally accompanied by live musicians.
Where to Stay
Find yourself sleeping in the trees at Stay Dahlonega Treehouse Daybreak. Custom artisans have built glam treehouses with crystal-clear mountain views and massive decks attached.
Head to Long Mountain Lodge for a cozy, rustic mountain retreat. The bed and breakfast sits on 14 acres and has its own fishing ponds, trails, and waterfalls.
Where to Eat
At 19° North, they bring seafood into the mountains with a range of casual signature dishes, like shrimp and crab penne and chipotle-glazed salmon.
For a few acoustic tunes to accompany your bite, The Crimson Moon Café is a two-story restaurant and venue set right in town. Ticketed shows might be limited these days but the all-day menu, organic coffees, and fried green tomatoes are all worth a stop.
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.