Tennessee’s lush, rolling hills, and mountains make for incredible scenery any time of the year, but during the autumn months, you’d be hard-pressed to find any place more beautiful in the entire country. From the foggy slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains to the hidden valleys of the Cumberland Plateau, there are so many stunning vistas from which you can take in the natural beauty of the changing colors. We’ve put together a list of just a few that you’ll want to make sure you visit before the leaves fall for the year. Check them out!
- Big South Fork National Recreation Area
Michael Hicks - Flickr Big South Fork National Recreation Area has tons of trails and scenic views to choose from, but you’ll find some of the best autumn overlooks on the famous Twin Arches trail, which also takes hikers through natural stone arches in the park.
- Cherohala Skyway
Jim Liestman - Flickr If you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, head on over to East Tennessee for the stunning Cherohala Skyway, a highway from Tellico Plains to Robbinsville, North Carolina. The 43-mile byway has plenty of overlook pull-offs along the route, and they’re all worth pulling into for stunning views like this.
- South Cumberland State Park
Michael Hicks - Flickr Situated right on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau, South Cumberland State Park just outside of Monteagle is accessible from nearly everywhere in the state, and it provides both stunning vistas and cool, creekside hikes. The park has over 90 miles of trails, so you definitely won’t get bored here.
- Lookout Mountain
Cameron Flanders - Flickr Another easily car-accessible view can be found in Point Park at the tip of Chattanooga’s Lookout Mountain. The broad, sweeping views of downtown Chattanooga combined with the bend of the Tennessee River make for a view that you won’t easily forget.
- Ober Gatlinburg
Eat Cheeseonastick - Flickr Take the road or the famous gondola from downtown Gatlinburg to the town’s ski resort, Ober Gatlinburg. From there, you’ll find plenty for the whole family to do, but make sure you take the time to enjoy the views from the elevated resort. You won’t be disappointed.
- Pot Point Loop
Michael Hicks - Flickr Pot Point Loop is a bit of a commitment as it’s over 8 miles round trip, but the views of the unblemished Tennessee River Gorge are unmatched. When the leaves are changing, this is one of the most breath-taking and magical spots in the country. Don’t miss it!
- Piney Creek Falls
Tim Lumley - Flickr Fall Creek Falls State Park is full of beautiful views and hikes, but the overlook at Piney Creek Falls is absolutely sublime during the autumn months. The falls framed by changing leaves all around make for one of the most picturesque overlooks in the state.
If you want to experience your Tennessee views for longer, try staying at one of these rustic state park cabins from around the state.
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Big South Fork National Recreation Area has tons of trails and scenic views to choose from, but you’ll find some of the best autumn overlooks on the famous Twin Arches trail, which also takes hikers through natural stone arches in the park.
Jim Liestman - Flickr
If you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, head on over to East Tennessee for the stunning Cherohala Skyway, a highway from Tellico Plains to Robbinsville, North Carolina. The 43-mile byway has plenty of overlook pull-offs along the route, and they’re all worth pulling into for stunning views like this.
Situated right on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau, South Cumberland State Park just outside of Monteagle is accessible from nearly everywhere in the state, and it provides both stunning vistas and cool, creekside hikes. The park has over 90 miles of trails, so you definitely won’t get bored here.
Cameron Flanders - Flickr
Another easily car-accessible view can be found in Point Park at the tip of Chattanooga’s Lookout Mountain. The broad, sweeping views of downtown Chattanooga combined with the bend of the Tennessee River make for a view that you won’t easily forget.
Eat Cheeseonastick - Flickr
Take the road or the famous gondola from downtown Gatlinburg to the town’s ski resort, Ober Gatlinburg. From there, you’ll find plenty for the whole family to do, but make sure you take the time to enjoy the views from the elevated resort. You won’t be disappointed.
Pot Point Loop is a bit of a commitment as it’s over 8 miles round trip, but the views of the unblemished Tennessee River Gorge are unmatched. When the leaves are changing, this is one of the most breath-taking and magical spots in the country. Don’t miss it!
Tim Lumley - Flickr
Fall Creek Falls State Park is full of beautiful views and hikes, but the overlook at Piney Creek Falls is absolutely sublime during the autumn months. The falls framed by changing leaves all around make for one of the most picturesque overlooks in the state.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, 4564 Leatherwood Rd, Oneida, TN 37841, USAAddress: Piney Falls Overlook, Tennessee 37367, USAAddress: 110 Point Park Rd, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350, USAAddress: Pot Point Loop, Chattanooga, TN, USAAddress: Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains, TN, USAAddress: South Cumberland State Park, 7608, 11745 US-41, Monteagle, TN 37356, USAAddress: Ober Gatlinburg, 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
