The unseasonably warm weather means fall colors in Tennessee likely won’t pop until mid-October, but that means you’ve got some time to plan the best ways to enjoy them.
Earlier this month, we asked you where you enjoy fall colors + we used your feedback to create this list of cool ways to fall colors in this area + click here and here if you’re up for a longer haul.
🍂 Chickamauga Battlefield
“You can hardly beat Rock City for gorgeous fall vistas and the Chickamauga Battlefield trails would also be amazing to walk or bike through in the fall. Downtown in the art district would also be awesome..really anywhere in the parks along the river also.” — Victoria G.
📍3370 Lafayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia
The Chickamauga Battlefield is just across the state line in Georgia. It’s about a 20-minute drive. If you go at dusk you’re almost guaranteed a dear sighting and you can bike or walk through while taking in the history + fall colors.
🍂 The Cherohala Skyway
“The Cherohala Skyway that goes from Tellico Plains, TN to Robbinsville, NC is as pretty in the fall as anywhere in the Southeast!” — Jordy L.
📍Just outside Tellico Plains
The Cherohala Skyway, between Knoxville and Chattanooga, is 43 miles of scenic overlooks + forested mountainside. It’s ideal for a motorcycle ride, according to the Discovery Channel. But, be careful. It can be desolate and dangerous in the winter months. There are no facilities other than a couple of restrooms for 41 miles.
🍂 The Tennessee River Gorge
“Boating downriver through the gorge to Hales Bar.” — Jamie C.
📍Through the Cumberland Mountains + Chattanooga
The Tennessee River Gorge is 27,000 acres of land that the Tennessee River carved through. It’s the only large river canyon that borders a mid-size city. It begins about five miles downstream from downtown Chattanooga across from Williams Island. Jamie is right-on. A boat trip is the way to go. The Southern Belle offers a Fall Foliage Sightseeing Cruise. The three-hour tour costs $30.
🍂 More reader ideas
“Take a drive up to Sewanee, around the University of the South, it’s always beautiful in the fall, especially in the early AM.” — Mike D.
“Monteagle Mountain.” — Amber P.
“Cloudland Canyon.” — Mila M.
