Capture the Burst of Fall Foliage Colors With Tennessee Hikes & Road Trips

Photo Credit: Visit Franklin 

Fall is just around the corner and Tennessee is one of the most beautiful places in the world to capture rich reds, bursting oranges and bright yellows. Autumn is the perfect time for fall foliage hikes and scenic road trips.

Experience brilliant colors on the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway. The Parkway commemorates the ancient trail used by animals and people that connected portions of the Mississippi River to the salt licks in central Tennessee. Hidden gems offer unique stories, restaurants, historic sites, campgrounds, hiking, biking and horseback riding along the way. Drive above the clouds and get a glimpse of where Cherokee tribes and early pioneers traveled on the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway. Discover hidden gems, charming towns and waterfalls along the Discovery Tennessee Trails & Byways.

Not everyone can see the vivid greens, fiery reds, warming oranges and bright yellows. Tennessee installed colorblind scenic viewfinders outfitted with color vision deficiency technology in 12 of the most scenic overlooks across the state to give everyone the chance to experience the beautiful landscapes.

East Tennessee is considered one of the best places in the U.S. to see fall foliage, with rolling hills, mountains and valleys. Every fall, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees an influx of visitors who come to hike and experience the outdoors. Take a ride on the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway or a walk along the Gatlinburg Skybridge, the longest pedestrian bridge in North America.

In the Upper Cumberland region in Middle Tennessee, professional kayakers come from around the world to Rock Island State Park. Boating, fishing and wildlife viewing abound. Hear the roar of the water as you hike to cascading waterfalls and overlooks with beautiful views.

Reelfoot Lake State Park in northwest Tennessee is a perfect destination for outdoor activities. Fall color pontoon cruises take place on weekends during October and November. See the changing leaves and birds on the two-hour tour with an experienced naturalist and learn about the area’s history and wildlife, including majestic bald eagles.

Burning wood, crackling flames and the gooey goodness of s’mores are perfect fall traditions. Here are a few ways to satisfy your taste buds at restaurants,
coffee shops and cafes. If you crave pumpkin spice, snag a pumpkin duffin, a cross-over pastry of a cake, donut and muffin, at Bluff City Coffee in Memphis. Ralph’s Donut Shop in Cookeville serves seasonal pumpkin donuts. Savor autumn in a shot glass with Ole Smoky Moonshine’s pumpkin pie moonshine in Gatlinburg and at the Island in Pigeon Forge.

Make family memories by visiting a pumpkin patch or farm or soak up bone-chilling ghost stories at haunted destinations. Tennessee is packed with plenty of fall fun.

Media Contacts
Jill Kilgore, Public Relations Media Manager, [email protected]
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