7 Spots In Tennessee That Are Perfect For Catching Fall Foliage
By Meghan Kraft|Published September 30, 2019
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
The fall foliage in Tennessee is really second to none when it comes to the American South. The state’s topography is pitted with extravagant natural gorges and mountains, it’s run straight through with rivers, streams and gentle, rolling valleys. With such a stunning landscape with which to work, those fall colors really do show out when it comes to the autumn season. These seven spots throughout the state make for a great place to start your leaf-peeping, although you’ll find yourself regaled with shades of yellow, orange and red no matter where you go.
The Cataloochee Valley is a valley located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, perhaps best known for its shared North Carolina and Tennessee location. It's within a stone's throw of the state line, and it operates as a recreational area that doubles as an epic spot for foliage peeping.
Sure Chattanooga may be a whole city, but it's also one of the best spots in Tennessee to indulge in a foliage-filled vacation. Wander the hiking trails above the city or spend some time on the river, it doesn't really matter. There's nothing like a Chattanooga autumn!
Radnor Lake boasts 1,332 acres of land, and it's Nashville-adjacent location makes it easy for Middle Tennesseans to indulge in a long hike in the great outdoors. There are plenty of activities and wildlife viewing opportunities that make it a fantastic spot for the whole family.
Natchez-Trace Parkway stretches over four hundred miles from the heart of Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi, and boasts some of the most beautiful foliage-filled views around. You can stop along the way and take photos, or perhaps take a quick pit stop and hike through the grand, autumnal wilderness.
Newfound Gap Road links Tennessee and North Carolina, and references a mountain pass in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The rolling hills and mountains are studded with colorful trees, best enjoyed in the fall.
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, just a hot second from Ober Gatlinburg, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is one of the top trails in the national park. It's a beautiful hike if you're looking to really indulge in the scenery. The views of gushing streams and forested mountains is second to none!
Cades Cove is tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains, and you can indulge in all sorts of views both in the cove itself and along Cades Cove Loop Road. It's great for leaf-peeping, whether you'd rather hike or ride.
If you’re looking for more fun Tennessee fun, this darling pumpkin patch makes for a perfect autumnal experience.
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