Tennessee’s mountains, rolling hills, and scenic backroads turn into a stunning display of red, orange, and gold each fall, making it one of the best states for leaf peeping drives. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a dedicated leaf lover, the state offers routes with breathtaking overlooks, charming towns, and chances for short hikes. From the Great Smoky Mountains to quieter scenic byways, these 12 Tennessee road trips showcase fall colors and mountain vistas for unforgettable adventures.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches through eastern Tennessee, offering iconic mountain views and colorful fall scenery. Forests transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, creating unforgettable views from scenic overlooks. Travelers can stop for short hikes, picnics, and photos along the way. The mix of winding roads, vibrant foliage, and sweeping mountains makes this route a must for anyone seeking a classic Tennessee fall road trip experience.
2. Cherohala Skyway
The 43 mile Cherohala Skyway connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina, delivering high elevation views and sweeping mountain scenery. Fall foliage here is spectacular, with dense forests glowing in reds, oranges, and golds. Pull offs along the route provide opportunities for photography, short hikes, and picnics. The Skyway’s twists and dramatic overlooks immerse drivers in fall’s beauty, making it one of Tennessee’s most memorable scenic routes for leaf peepers and mountain enthusiasts.
3. Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway runs over 400 miles through Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama, showcasing gentle curves and fall colors along its scenic path. Leaves highlight historic markers, picnic spots, and walking trails, creating a peaceful driving experience. The Parkway combines natural beauty with cultural history, offering travelers a chance to enjoy colorful foliage while exploring America’s past. Its mix of scenic overlooks and quiet stretches makes it perfect for a leisurely fall road trip.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Drives
The Great Smoky Mountains offer multiple drives with fall foliage at its peak. Roads like Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome wind through vibrant forests, revealing stunning vistas. Short hikes and waterfall stops are accessible from scenic pull offs. Crisp fall air and colorful leaves make these drives unforgettable, providing both breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor exploration. These routes offer the perfect combination of mountain scenery and easy access for day trips or longer adventures.
5. Roan Mountain Scenic Loop
The Roan Mountain Scenic Loop offers sweeping views of high elevation forests and rolling meadows. Fall transforms the rhododendron gardens and hardwood forests into a vivid tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds. Scenic pull offs allow visitors to enjoy photography, short hikes, and picnics amid breathtaking scenery. Seasonal festivals celebrating local flora add charm to the experience. This drive is perfect for travelers seeking both fall beauty and outdoor recreation in a serene, mountainous setting.
6. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Drive
The Cumberland Gap scenic drive combines rich history with spectacular mountain views, winding through vibrant fall forests. Overlooks offer panoramic vistas of Appalachian foothills and valleys, while trails provide short hikes to enjoy the foliage up close. Historic markers tell stories of early American pioneers, adding cultural interest. This route balances natural beauty, outdoor activity, and historical significance, making it an excellent choice for fall road trips in eastern Tennessee.
7. Foothills Parkway
Foothills Parkway offers sweeping views of the Great Smoky Mountains from lower elevation ridges, ideal for families and casual travelers. Fall colors bring forests and valleys to life, with scenic pull offs perfect for photography or short walks. The route’s gentle curves and accessible overlooks create a relaxing, picturesque drive. Hikers and leaf peepers alike will enjoy the peaceful scenery and vibrant fall foliage along this calm and scenic Tennessee road trip.
8. Ocoee Scenic Byway
The Ocoee Scenic Byway follows the Ocoee River, combining rugged mountains with rushing water and vibrant fall foliage. Twisting roads and river views provide dynamic scenery for fall drives. Stops along the route allow for hiking, fishing, or observing whitewater rafting adventures. The mix of colorful leaves, dramatic landscapes, and outdoor recreation makes the Ocoee Scenic Byway a standout route for travelers seeking adventure and stunning fall scenery.
9. Tellico Plains to Bald River Falls
This drive takes travelers through forested roads to the stunning Bald River Falls. Fall foliage creates a vivid backdrop for the rushing waterfall and surrounding mountains. Scenic pull offs and short hiking trails allow visitors to get close to nature. The route’s combination of rivers, waterfalls, and colorful forests makes it perfect for day trips or photography excursions. It captures the essence of eastern Tennessee’s fall beauty with minimal effort and maximum reward.
10. Watauga Lake Scenic Byway
The Watauga Lake Scenic Byway winds through the Cherokee National Forest, circling one of Tennessee’s most beautiful lakes. In the fall, the surrounding hillsides glow with red, orange, and gold, reflecting off the calm waters. Scenic pull offs and picnic areas offer peaceful stops for photography or relaxation. This route combines mountain views, water scenery, and vibrant foliage, making it an excellent choice for a quiet and picturesque fall drive.
11. Chilhowee Mountain Loop
The Chilhowee Mountain Loop circles the Smoky Mountain foothills, offering waterfalls, hiking trails, and fall color. Fall transforms dense hardwood forests into fiery reds and oranges, creating unforgettable vistas. Scenic pull offs allow for photos, short walks, or picnics in serene settings. The loop provides both natural beauty and accessible outdoor recreation, making it ideal for travelers who want a compact yet immersive fall experience in Tennessee’s mountains.
12. Scenic Drive to Clingmans Dome
The drive to Clingmans Dome, Tennessee’s highest point, provides breathtaking 360 degree mountain views. In the fall, forests along the route explode with color, offering dramatic scenery. Short, accessible hikes near the summit give travelers panoramic vistas of the Smokies. This route perfectly combines easy access, stunning fall foliage, and memorable hiking experiences, making it a must visit destination for leaf peepers exploring Tennessee during peak fall season.
