9 Least-Crowded Towns In Tennessee To Catch Fall Foliage
Tennessee's most populous cities like Nashville and Knoxville bustle with visitors year-round. However, sometimes it is necessary to take a trip to a calmer, less busy town. These least-crowded towns offer a tranquil fall visit and feature natural areas and attractions that make sightseeing more intimate. The beauty of nature's phenomena in the wake of fall is truly special. Take a drive through the scenic roads of Cherohala Skyway and Roaring Fork Motor Nature in Townsend while soaking in the vibrant colors along the leaf-carpeted paths. Anakeesta Mountain makes mountain climbing feel different, revealing an amazing view of the vegetation and a fun zipline ride on the Dueling Zipline.
Each of these towns has a lively history and unique reputation. For example, Jonesborough is famous as the story capital of the world, Lynchburg is the town origin of Jack Daniel's whiskey, and Dandridge is named after President George Washington's wife! There is a lot of history embedded in these quintessential small towns and can be visited year-round, however, they are particularly mesmerizing in the brilliance of fall.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a quintessential small town admired by many adventure seekers and nature lovers, thus making it one of the top visits in the fall. This town in Sevier County, Tennessee, highlights outdoor fun and sweeping natural scenery perfect for a mix of fall foliage viewing and recreational activities. The thrills of mountain life at Anakeesta Mountain provide a clear view of the changing leaves atop the mountain and an exhilarating ride on the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster and Dueling Zipline. A walk at Gatlinburg Skybridge will be extensive as it spans 680 feet, but it's worth it as visitors will witness a satisfying view of the panoramic red vegetation in the soothing crisp air. Hiking along the lush forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Appalachian Trail takes trekkers through several wildlife animals, especially black bears. A trip to the area's waterfalls highlights the bloom of wildflowers at Laurel Falls, Abrams Falls, and Grotto Falls.
Fall foliage is at its zenith in October in Gatlinburg, so it's the best time to catch the beautiful colors. Due to the various walking, hiking, and outdoor areas in the town, it is recommended to bring a pair of good walking shoes!
Townsend
Townsend is a small town along the Tuckaleechee Cove, nicknamed the "Peaceful side" of the Smokies, which is all shades of fun in fall. You'll discover why it's called "peaceful" as it grants you tranquility while relishing in the stunning vistas of nature at its calm attractions and welcoming community. Whether it's a scenic drive through the Cherohala Skyway and Roaring Fork Motor Nature, a hike through the Cades Cove on the South of Townsend, or horseback riding at Davy Crockett Riding Stables, you'll experience the refreshing air sweep through your face as you witness the awe of autumn's tinted leaves. The Great Smoky National Park offers cycling, hiking, and fishing opportunities in its sparse area. Golf is a great way to relieve stress at Laurel Valley Golf and Country Club.
September to November is the best time to witness the leaves change colors in Townsend. And while you are there, don't miss the opportunity to taste modern Appalachian cuisine at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, and whiskey at Company Distilling.
Jonesborough
With only 5,954 population as of 2021, Jonesborough has made a name for itself as the "Storytelling Capital of the World" and one of the small towns in Tennessee for quiet and fun getaways. Fall here shines differently, peeping through the town's excellent architectural and cultural scene. Visitors can take relaxing walks or bike rides through the paths of the Town of Jonesborough Park, Stage Road Park, and Persimmon Ridge Park. Jonesborough's most popular event is the National Storytelling Festival in October every year, which started in 1973. It's a great way to spend time in the fall, hearing and sharing stories as you walk through the town's vibrant streets. The International Storytelling Center gives the history of the town's most renowned offering and tells some stories.
For the best warm-weather activities, visiting Jonesborough in August through September is recommended. Please note, events and festivals this season at Jonesborough include the Brews & Boos Ghost Story Event.
Dandridge
Dandridge is the county seat of Jefferson County and the second oldest town in Tennessee. It was named after the wife of President George Washington, Martha Dandridge. It has various exciting features, including historical buildings and natural vegetation, making it one of the best places for fall.
You can't visit this town without first going to the Dike that Saved Dandridge. The Dike was created to provide hydroelectric power and electricity but had gone a long way to prevent the town from being flooded. The area has become fun, taking in visitors year-round with its ecstatic view of Douglas Lake and the East Tennessee mountains dazzling in fall foliage. Douglas Lake, spanning 30,400 acres on its surface area, is an excellent location for natural viewing as it is surrounded by peaks of mountains and hills tinted in red with hiking and camping options. Hikes along the Tennessee Valley Trail lead up to the Wolf Paws Positive Awareness Wolfdog Sanctuary where travelers can discover rescued wolf dogs.
Exploration of the town is available with tours such as the Extended Douglas Lake Region Tour, which offers a helicopter ride through the area. The town maintains perfect weather from June to October, so plan your vacation accordingly.
Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains is a small town with incredible appeal, consolidating waterfalls, scenic drive spots, and wildlife areas into one place. The crashing of the white-washed waters at the 90-foot Bald River Falls into the Tellico River is nestled in the southern part of the Cherokee National Forest. The view of the natural vegetation soaked in by the season change is outstanding. Baby Falls has boasting kayaking opportunities and an overview of the beautiful vistas walking along the gravel path. The Tellico Trout Hatchery provides a chance to fish and feed on fish, along with an outstanding view of autumn's effect on the natural areas. There are various other natural areas here, including Conasauga Falls Trail and Cherohala Skyway.
October is the best time to visit this town as it grants perfect weather conditions to ensure the ease of all your outdoor activities. Additionally, the Cherohala Skyway Fall Festival is scheduled in October, promising features of arts and crafts, fantastic food, and the best opportunities for fall foliage viewing.
Rogersville
Rogersville was named after its founder, Joseph Rogers, and was settled in 1775 by the grandparents of Davy Crockett. The town welcomes visitors in the fall due to its natural environment and attractions.
Crockett Springs Park, where Davis Crockett and his wife's log cabin was built near Crockett Spring, is a go-to place in Rogersville. It now serves as a recreational area, and the Arboretum has a unique shine in the fall. The Rogersville City Park offers 42 acres of recreational activities in its lush vegetation, including a public swimming pool, pavilions, tennis courts, picnic shelters, outdoor basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and a sand volleyball court. There are several other places to see in Rogersville, like Swift Park, the Tennessee Newspaper and Printing Museum, and Hawkins County Courthouse.
From Late July to September, the weather at Rogersville is warm. However, if you're budget-conscious, it is suggested to visit between June and August when hotel prices are considerably low. Staying at one of the resorts in downtown Rogersville will afford you a better exploration of the city.
Lynchburg
Occupying a small space in the mountains of South-central Tennessee, Lynchburg is a quaint town recognized for being the birthplace of world-renowned whiskey, Jack Daniels. The Lynchburg Historic District is also recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and is loved for its promising locations with amazing views.
The Lynchburg Metro Park and Wiseman Park give you a taste of outdoor fun featuring lush vegetation to view and playgrounds. The Lynchburg Moore County Old Jail Museum offers artifacts, historical clothing, and exhibits telling the town's heritage. Tours are available around Jack Daniel's Distillery where travelers can discover the origin of the infamous whiskey and the Lynchburg Winery to experience local Southern-styled wine.
For folks trying to escape Nashville to Lynchburg, you can get there by car in about 1 hour 30 minutes or a little longer by bus. Just remember late July to early October offers good weather conditions when the fall colors start to pop.
Bell Buckle
Bell Buckle has an interesting history tied to its name, as many theories have emerged to explain its origin. The prominent and most accepted theory is that the first settlers had discovered a cowbell/buckle carving on a tree along a creek and had thus called the area Bell Buckle. This town is a fascinating place to be in the perfect weather of this season.
Bell Buckle Park enables visitors to experience serene beauty accompanied by a dozen glowing trees lined up on walking trails and the Ward Anderson Playground for kids. The Tennessee Valley Model Railroad Club highlights the town's railroad heritage with 2,000 sq ft space and a backstory for visitors. Attendance at Bell Buckle's events includes the Bell Buckle Songwriter Festival and Bell Buckle Farmers Market.
This town is most enjoyable for fall events in late August to October, and almost every destination in Bell Buckle is walkable, so a car is not a necessity while there. It also adds to the charm of the town.
New Hope
This quaint town in Marion County has barely 1,000 population but manages to pull visitors during fall due to its uniqueness and beautiful attractions, including monuments, parks, and theaters.
Displaying natural wonders on the Tennessee River near New Hope are the hydroelectric Nickajack Dam and the Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge, which was flooded after the construction of the dam but still holds its importance harboring wildlife, especially gray bats. Tourists also visit the Shrine of Our Lady Virgin of the Poor, a pilgrimage site for over 40 years; visitors go there for a quiet prayer time. The Little Cedar Mountain Trail along Nickajack Lake is an excellent place to take a walk and have a solitude time with the pretty views of the lake. Mid-August to early October is a perfect time to visit New Hope. While there, explore the nearby attractions in New Hope including the Lodge Museum of Cast Iron and the Sequatchie Valley.
Tennessee is one of the states in America with excellent attractions, down to its small towns fulfilling every traveler's interest according to the season. Explore the nature-ridden town of Tellico Plains with various natural areas to witness the natural phenomena of leaves' color changes, from the amazing area of the Bald River Falls to the Tellico Plain Hatchery. Experience the best recreational activities at Rogersville City Park, featuring facilities with swimming pools, basketball courts, picnic shelters, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, and more. Bell Buckle offers festivals for different times of the year, and the fall is no different, with great opportunities for shopping at the Bell Buckle Farmers Market and an entertaining time at the Bell Buckle Songwriter Festival. Ss long as you're willing, the outdoors in Tennessee's less-crowded towns are ready to receive you this fall!
