Fall in Tennessee

Tennessee’s autumn air has a delightful crispness that lures you to our outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, camping, backpacking, hunting, or taking a scenic tour, Tennessee offers you a breath of fresh air to this wonderful season. Take a tour through our autumn agriculture and discover all the reasons visiting Tennessee delights the senses.

Finding fall foliage has always been a popular pastime in Tennessee. Make your journey to East Tennessee for the first sighting of autumn color. Trees above 3,500 feet show color first during the first week of October. Stay in East Tennessee for the second and third week of October for the best time to see foliage color in this area. Move across the state a week later for sightings in Middle Tennessee. Finish your autumn visit in West Tennessee, as the leaves begin to peak here near the end of the third week in October through the first week in November.

By Road
Autumn in Tennessee offers travelers the chance to see some of the most delightful scenery along our scenic roads. Fall in love with East Tennessee’s autumn along the Cherohala Skyway and the Ocoee Scenic Byway. In Middle Tennessee, tour the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway. Enjoy history and fall beauty in West Tennessee in the Shiloh National Military Park.

By Rail
Enjoy the brisk fall air from the car of a Tennessee train. In Chattanooga, ride the Tennessee Valley Railroad on restored vintage trains. Tour the secret city of Oak Ridge while enjoying the cool weather. Visit the Tennessee Central Railway Museum in Nashville, and ride to Lebanon, Watertown and Cookeville. In Knoxville, ride the 90-minute Three Rivers Rambler Train Ride as you view the East Tennessee beauty.

By Boat
Make the most of Tennessee’s scenery this fall on one of our autumn cruises. In Chattanooga, board the Southern Belle Riverboat for a lunch or dinner cruise. Take in some of Tennessee’s most beautiful sights on Norris Lake in Lake City, and adore the fall beauty and learn about area wildlife. Experience the sights and sounds of Nashville on a midday cruise aboard the General Jackson.