As leaves change color and crisp air settles in, it's the perfect time to explore Tennessee's natural beauty. With over 60 state parks, you'll find countless opportunities to witness autumn's vibrant hues. Here are some unique suggestions for viewing fall foliage—including what to do and where to visit.
Unique Ways to Experience Fall Foliage in Tennessee
Embark on a Backpacking Adventure
Backpacking is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the fall foliage and establish a deep connection with nature. If you're an experienced backpacker, Tennessee State Parks offer numerous backcountry campsites to explore this fall. For those new to backpacking, check out our upcoming events calendar for guided backpacking programs.
Suggested State Parks:
- West TN: Mousetail Landing, Fort Pillow and Natchez Trace State Park.
- Middle TN: Fiery Gizzard, Savage Gulf, Henry Horton and Montgomery Bell State Park.
- East TN: Big Ridge, Cumberland Trail, Roan Mountain and Rocky Fork State Park.
Peer Through a Colorblind Viewfinder
The vibrant red, yellows, and oranges of fall foliage bring joy to visitors and draw in travelers from all over to our state parks. Now, more visitors can enjoy an expanded spectrum of colors thanks to our colorblind viewfinders at several parks across the state, with support from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy. Placed with care at some of the best views within our state parks, these viewers use EnChroma lenses technology that enhances colors for visitors with red-green color blindness, bringing a wider spectrum of colors during the fall season.
Suggested State Parks:
- West TN: Chickasaw, Meeman-Shelby Forest, T.O. Fuller, Nathan Bedford Forrest, Fort Pillow, and Paris Landing State Park.
- Middle TN: Fall Creek Falls, Savage Gulf, Standing Stone, Radnor Lake, and Montgomery Bell State Park.
- East TN: Roan Mountain State Park.
Horseback
Chickasaw State and Cedars of Lebanon State Park offer guided rides that showcase the best of autumn's beauty from horseback. These excursions allow both novice and experienced riders to explore hidden gems of fall foliage, with knowledgeable guides. For those with their own horses, miles of scenic trails await at parks across the state, offering the freedom to create your own leaf-peeping adventure at your own pace.
Suggested State Parks:
- West TN: Chickasaw, Natchez Trace, Meeman-Shelby Forest and Big Hill Pond State Park.
- Middle TN: Cedars of Lebanon State Park.
- East TN: Warriors' Path and Norris Dam State Park.
Engage With Tennessee History
Discover the unique beauty of Tennessee's fall foliage while immersing yourself in the state's rich history and culture. From guided tours at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park to climbing to the top of Saul’s Mound at Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park, Tennessee State Parks offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the season's beauty while learning more about the state's fascinating history.
Suggested State Parks:
- West TN: Pinson Mounds, Johnsonville, and Fort Pillow State Park.
- Middle TN: Port Royal and Old Stone Fort State Park.
- East TN: Sgt. Alvin C. York, Red Clay, Sycamore Shoals, and Fort Loudoun State Park.
Enjoy Outdoor Dining
Seven Tennessee State Parks offer dining with stunning views that capture the essence of the season. Savor a meal on the outdoor patio at Fall Creek Falls, or unwind with a beverage in the cozy lakefront lounge at Paris Landing.
Suggested State Parks:
- West TN: Paris Landing and Pickwick Landing State Park.
- Middle TN: David Crockett, Henry Horton, Cumberland Mountain, Montgomery Bell and Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Take a Guided Pontoon Tour
Norris Dam State Park offers unique pontoon tours during October, guided by expert park rangers who provide insights into the natural, cultural, and historical elements of the area while you admire the vibrant fall colors. These unforgettable one hour tours showcase stunning views of Norris Lake and views of the park you can only experience from the water. Find upcoming tours on the park's event calendar.
Go Whitewater Rafting
Experience the vibrant fall foliage along the Ocoee River in southeast Tennessee on a guided whitewater rafting trip. The Ocoee River’s surprisingly warm waters are surrounded by fiery reds, deep oranges, and browns. With the river open weekends through the end of October, you have multiple chances to experience the season's beauty at Ocoee River State Park.
Register for a Guided Program
Go Paddling
Experience the serenity of paddling through the cool waters of a Tennessee river or lake surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. Paddling is a great form of exercise and can offer a new perspective on a park that you know and love. Some parks even offer accessible paddling launches to help make paddling easier for people with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
Suggested State Parks:
- West TN: Chickasaw and Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.
- Middle TN: Edgar Evins, Henry Horton, David Crockett, Harpeth River and Montgomery Bell State Park.
- East TN: Warriors' Path, Big Ridge, Cove Lake, Hiwassee River, Seven Islands, and Indian Mountain State Park.