2024's Towns In Tennessee That Come Alive In The Fall
Come autumn, no other state transforms more enchantingly than Tennessee, where the fall foliage puts on a dazzling display of color across the backcountry backdrop. From the Great Smoky Mountains in the east, illuminating the Blue Ridge range in burnt oranges and amber yellows, to rolling meadows of Middle Tennessee aglow in scarlet and peach hues, picturesque towns throughout Volunteer State become canvases for nature's vibrant artwork.
Meanwhile, seasonal festivals, harvest events, and pumpkin patches add to the magic, inviting visitors to join locals in marking fun-filled traditions. The following towns in Tennessee, from the Smoky Mountain foothills of Gatlinburg to Honeysuckle Hill Farm in Springfield, are especially radiant during the transitional weeks, coming alive in the fall of 2024.
Townsend
From October to early November, Townsend charms visitors with its fall shades. Surrounded by the rich wilderness of the Smoky Mountains, scarlet oak, sugar maple, sweetgum, and hickories explode into a spectrum of reds, oranges, and yellows. The foliage peaks in the second week of October, inviting you to experience the wonderland at Cades Cove. Lush valley views and wildlife sightings draw leaf peepers to this scenic spot, and you can drive along the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop for the best views and photo opportunities.
The moderate temperatures and crisp air are tailored for laid-back cruises on the Vee Hollow Bike Trails, with the promise of picturesque vantage points. Towards the end of September, the Townsend Fall Heritage Festival breathes more life into the small village with Bluegrass music, storytelling, crafts, and other activities.
Tellico Plains
Tree leaves in Tellico Plains begin to transition in late October, showing off their brilliant colors through November. With bright shades of gold, mustard, and crimson best pronounced in early November, this isolated gateway to the Cherokee National Forest provides the ultimate autumn getaway for tourists in Tennessee. Hit the open road along the Cherohala Skyway for spellbinding vistas of the colors coating the forested mountainside.
The 8th Annual Cherohala Skyway Festival in October 2024 promises more autumn cheer as it brings the town to a standstill with arts and crafts, horse-drawn carriages, Bluegrass music, bounce houses, train rides, and other kiddie activities.
Erwin
Mid-October through mid-November is the perfect timing for travelers in Erwin as this tiny Unicoi County village transitions into a fall wonderland. Enveloped by the Cherokee National Forest, the blanket of changing leaves reaches its climax in late October. This is an opportunity to take advantage of the crisp air and venture outdoors on a hike along the Appalachian Trail. Treading on the dropped foliage along the route between the Nolichucky River and the Indian Grave Gap is a surreal experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
Alternatively, head to Erwin Skate Park and watch the autumn scenes play out as the kids have fun on skating boards. Erwin's Apple Festival of October, which draws over 100,000 festival goers, adds to the season's charm with craft exhibits, live music, and apple pie feasts in the downtown area.
Crossville
With the transitioning leaves achieving their brightest colors between late October and early November in Crossville, guests have multiple opportunities to witness its transforming landscapes. Radiant reds, yellows, and oranges throughout the 1,720-acre Cumberland Mountain State Park light up the little village as an invitation to venture into the great outdoors. Conveniently, multiple routes crisscross the park, such as the Pioneer Trail Loop and Byrd Creek Path, encouraging you to immerse in the autumn splendor.
Obed River Park offers an alternative to experiencing the fall shades at its quaint arboretum and hosts a serene riverside jogging trail. During the annual Crossville Oktoberfest, the community also celebrates the season with authentic German beer and polka bands.
Millington
A quiet escape from nearby Memphis, Millington invites tourists to observe changing leaves between mid-October and mid-November. The spectrum of dazzling hues reaches its peak in early November, and the expansive Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park provides the ideal spot for autumn enthusiasts. Housing gigantic elm, oak, and beech trees, you can hike over 20 miles of peaceful trails winding through the wilderness or admire the scenery from the water by kayaking on the Poplar Tree Lake.
It is an excellent opportunity for families to take the kids to Jones Orchard for fun inside its maze and pumpkin patch, spread across 10 acres. Millington's annual Fall Festival on October 26, 2024, will see festivities like costume contests, bouncing castles, and fun hayrides at the Discovery Nature Park.
Spencer
Home to Fall Creek Falls State Park, Spencer is one the best towns in Tennessee to watch the fall colors unravel. This happens between late September and November, with the climax coming toward the end of October. The atmosphere is magical inside Fall Creek Falls State Park, with the brilliant colors reflecting in the shiny waters of Fall Creek Falls. Besides posing for a photo next to Tennessee's most stunning cascades, you can hike the Gorge Overlook Trail for a 360-degree panorama of the beautiful nature area.
Meanwhile, canoe or kayak the 26,000 acres of streams in the park for an easygoing alternative to discovering the foliage from the water. Join the locals at the yearly Mountaineer Folk Festival, held inside the park, to honor the season with live music, boating, fishing, and arts and crafts.
Gatlinburg
The advent of autumn transforms the rich green on the dense forests of the Great Smoky Mountains into shades of red, orange, and yellow. While Gatlinburg starts experiencing this as early as mid-September, the pinnacle comes in late October. Take a trip along the Gatlinburg Bypass to access the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the amber-colored tree tops. Alternatively, take an elevator to the viewing platform of the Gatlinburg Space Needle and delight in the unprecedented panoramas of foliage blanketing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
As an icing on the cake, the Smoky Mountains Fall Festival at Ober Mountain brings pumpkin cravings, live music, German beers, and other family-friendly activities to ensure sustained cheer in Gatlinburg.
Springfield
Leaf peepers in Springfield target late October and early November to feast their eyes on the autumn landscapes taking over the town. Stepping outside to trek the different routes crisscrossing Garner Street Park puts the wonderland into perspective, especially along the Greenway trailhead.
However, most locals and tourists alike head to Honeysuckle Hill Farm, which celebrates fall with monthlong festivities tailored for the whole family. Children enjoy getting lost in a corn maze and weaving in and out of a pumpkin patch. Meanwhile, 70+ rides, giant slides, a carousel, and an adventure park keep the fun flowing throughout the season.
From Gatlinburg's mountainside trails winding beneath maples ablaze in scarlets and oranges to the crimson dogwoods dusting the hillsides surrounding historic Tellico Plains, these quaint towns in Tennessee harbor some of the best spots to admire changing foliage in the Volunteer State. Visiting these bucolic locales reveals the natural splendors that bring the state to vibrant life seasonally. Linger a while to soak in the breathtaking scenery around every colorful brim before the leaves come drifting down.
