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
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 dynamic and delicious restaurants.
Hikes to Take
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
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
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
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.