Autumn is the perfect time for a bit of road trip fun. Taking a quick trip out to East Tennessee is sure to rally your senses, bringing you fully into the autumnal spirit. Down here in the south, we tend to believe that fall is the best time of year – and if you follow this road trip, you’re bound to agree. You’re certain to see the best fall foliage in Tennessee.

Google Maps Fall colors in The Volunteer State never cease to amaze. Gas up the tank and get ready for a stunning adventure to see the best fall foliage in Tennessee!

  1. Cherohala Skyway

Dima Parul - Flickr The 43-mile National Scenic Byway is one of the prettiest places in the state, and garners quite a few visitors a year. When the leaves start changing color in Tennessee, this is where you want to be.

  1. Cades Cove

SpeedProPhoto - Flickr A popular place in the summertime, Cades Cove is almost even more perfect when you make a visit surrounded by the fall colors in Tennessee. 10042 Campground Dr, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

  1. Clingmans Dome

amsd2th - Flickr Take a drive out in East Tennessee, and you’ll have the option to enjoy peak fall foliage on the way to the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. 107 Park Headquarters Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

  1. Chimney Tops Trail

Shannon McGee - Flickr Drive out to Chimney Tops Trail, and whether you make the two-mile trek up the hill or not you’re bound to enjoy the fall colors in Tennessee on the way. Chimney Tops Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA

  1. Roaring Fork Trail

Jeff Moore - Flickr If you’re looking for things to do in fall in Tennessee, this place is a must-visit. With a five mile loop available to hike, the Roaring Fork Trail is one of the prettiest places you can visit in the fall. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

  1. Newfound Gap

Timothy Wildey - Flickr Here’s autumn in its truest form showing off some of the best fall foliage in Tennessee. Newfound Gap is a scenic highway mountain pass within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it’s one that is just begging for multiple trips. Newfound Gap, Tennessee 37738, USA

This road trip will most definitely help you fall in love with the autumn months – it’s our favorite time of year. Where’s your favorite place to see fall colors in Tennessee? Where else can you see the best fall foliage in Tennessee? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for more ideas, embark on these 16 picture perfect fall day trips.

Google Maps

Fall colors in The Volunteer State never cease to amaze. Gas up the tank and get ready for a stunning adventure to see the best fall foliage in Tennessee!

Dima Parul - Flickr

The 43-mile National Scenic Byway is one of the prettiest places in the state, and garners quite a few visitors a year. When the leaves start changing color in Tennessee, this is where you want to be.

SpeedProPhoto - Flickr

A popular place in the summertime, Cades Cove is almost even more perfect when you make a visit surrounded by the fall colors in Tennessee.

10042 Campground Dr, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

amsd2th - Flickr

Take a drive out in East Tennessee, and you’ll have the option to enjoy peak fall foliage on the way to the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

107 Park Headquarters Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Shannon McGee - Flickr

Drive out to Chimney Tops Trail, and whether you make the two-mile trek up the hill or not you’re bound to enjoy the fall colors in Tennessee on the way.

Chimney Tops Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA

Jeff Moore - Flickr

If you’re looking for things to do in fall in Tennessee, this place is a must-visit. With a five mile loop available to hike, the Roaring Fork Trail is one of the prettiest places you can visit in the fall.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Timothy Wildey - Flickr

Here’s autumn in its truest form showing off some of the best fall foliage in Tennessee. Newfound Gap is a scenic highway mountain pass within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it’s one that is just begging for multiple trips.

Newfound Gap, Tennessee 37738, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Fall Foliage In Tennessee August 13, 2019 Elisa Regulski What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Tennessee? While Tennessee is stunning all year round, the best fall colors can be seen between mid-October and early November. This is the best time to plan your trip to the Smoky Mountains. A world of crisp autumn sights await you! Where are the best places in Tennessee to see fall foliage? Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Gatlinburg, is a wonderful place to see fall foliage. There are many nearby hiking trails and scenic drives located around this area. While you’re there, you should visit Clingmans Dome. This spectacular lookout sits at the highest point in the park, so you can really soak up the autumn colors.  What are the best Tennessee hikes to take in the fall? To experience some blissful fall colors, embark on the Gregory Bald Trail. This pristine 10-mile trail sits in the middle of Smoky Mountains National Park and offers non-stop gorgeous views. If you are looking for an easier trail, opt for the Baskins Creek Trail in Smoky Mountains National Park. This short and sweet hike is perfect for beginners and young ones. Take your whole family and enjoy Tennessee’s classic beauty.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Fall Foliage In Tennessee

August 13, 2019

Elisa Regulski

What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Tennessee? While Tennessee is stunning all year round, the best fall colors can be seen between mid-October and early November. This is the best time to plan your trip to the Smoky Mountains. A world of crisp autumn sights await you! Where are the best places in Tennessee to see fall foliage? Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Gatlinburg, is a wonderful place to see fall foliage. There are many nearby hiking trails and scenic drives located around this area. While you’re there, you should visit Clingmans Dome. This spectacular lookout sits at the highest point in the park, so you can really soak up the autumn colors.  What are the best Tennessee hikes to take in the fall? To experience some blissful fall colors, embark on the Gregory Bald Trail. This pristine 10-mile trail sits in the middle of Smoky Mountains National Park and offers non-stop gorgeous views. If you are looking for an easier trail, opt for the Baskins Creek Trail in Smoky Mountains National Park. This short and sweet hike is perfect for beginners and young ones. Take your whole family and enjoy Tennessee’s classic beauty.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

While Tennessee is stunning all year round, the best fall colors can be seen between mid-October and early November. This is the best time to plan your trip to the Smoky Mountains. A world of crisp autumn sights await you!

Where are the best places in Tennessee to see fall foliage?

Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Gatlinburg, is a wonderful place to see fall foliage. There are many nearby hiking trails and scenic drives located around this area. While you’re there, you should visit Clingmans Dome. This spectacular lookout sits at the highest point in the park, so you can really soak up the autumn colors. 

What are the best Tennessee hikes to take in the fall?

To experience some blissful fall colors, embark on the Gregory Bald Trail. This pristine 10-mile trail sits in the middle of Smoky Mountains National Park and offers non-stop gorgeous views. If you are looking for an easier trail, opt for the Baskins Creek Trail in Smoky Mountains National Park. This short and sweet hike is perfect for beginners and young ones. Take your whole family and enjoy Tennessee’s classic beauty.