When Autumn Starts in Tennessee: 2026 Fall Foliage

Historical peak windows start in late September in the high elevations in East Tennessee. Fall foliage makes its way across Tennessee, with Middle Tennessee and West Tennessee peaking in mid-October to early November. 

• High Elevations (East TN): Late September to early October (e.g. Roan Mountain State Park).
   
• East Tennessee Valleys: Mid-to-late October (e.g., Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park).
   
• Middle Tennessee: Late October to early November (e.g., Nashville, Natchez Trace Parkway).
   
• West Tennessee: Early-to-mid November (e.g., Memphis, Reelfoot Lake State Park).
   
• Top Activity: Scenic drives and fall foliage train and boat tours.

• Every fall, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees an influx of visitors who have come to hike, camp and take in the area’s autumnal beauty. 
   
• With more than 100 native tree species in the Great Smoky Mountains, you are sure to see an array of colors. 
   
• In the higher altitudes, fall leaves begin to change at the end of September and reach their peak from early to mid-October.
   
• Fall foliage reaches its prime mid-October in the lower altitudes.
   
• Roaring Fork Nature Trail is a beautiful drive full of stop-offs that lead to old-growth forest, well-preserved log cabins and gristmills and waterfalls. Dive into the history and spend some time in quiet nature this fall.
   
• Hiking trails near Townsend, Tennessee include the hiking trail the leads to Laurel Falls
   
• Meigs Creek trail includes a few switchbacks, 18 creek crossings and ridge views
   
• Middle Prong Trail, an old railroad bed, runs 4.1 miles and has cascades and fall forest views 
   
• Cades Cove is an old pioneer settlement from the 1800s. Guided horseback tours take you through the trees of the 6,000 acres of untouched frontier so you can experience the fall colors just as the pioneers did more than 200 years ago.
   
• Seasonal highlights: Peak fall window is Early to Mid-October (depending on altitude). 
   
• Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours daily, weather permitting. Secondary roads are closed seasonally. Check the park’s alerts for up-to-date information on conditions.
   
• Parking: Parking tags are required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes. Three tag durations are available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types:
  Daily - $5
  Weekly - $15
  Annual - $40
   
• Accessibility Options/Features: GRIT Freedom Chairs are complimentary and offered on a first-come, first-served basis at Sugarlands Visitor Center from November to April or by reservation May-October, made 3-30 business days in advance. The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is ADA accessible as a paved, half-mile loop. Check out Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s accessibility trails, programming and more.
   
• Address: 107 Park Headquarters Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
   
• Nearby Stays: Hotels like Compass by Margaritaville Pigeon Forge and Appalachian Lodge in Gatlinburg give an elevated outdoor experience with all the modern conveniences. If you prefer glamping, check out Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains.

• Fall in the Smoky Mountains can't be beat; and what better way to experience the vibrant colors than in Gatlinburg TN? 
   
• Take a lift via chondola up to Anakeesta, a mountaintop adventure park
   
• Walk the Treetop Skywalk for up-close views of autumn leaves
   
• Ride the mountain coaster for a thrilling experience
   
• Snag a seat on the patio of Smokehouse where you can enjoy craft beers from the Bar on Top of the World and drink in autumn views.
   
• Seasonal highlights: Peak foliage window is mid-to-late October.
   
• Operational hours: Anakeesta is generally open year-round, with hours varying by season.
   
• Parking: A paid parking lot is near the entrance (Traffic Light #5), costing $20-$25.
   
• Accessibility: The Chondola and most pathways are wheelchair accessible. Guests are advised to check Anakeesta's website for detailed accessibility information for all attractions.
   
• Tickets: Some experiences require separate tickets. Review admission details. 
  General admission
  $39.99 - Ages 12-64
  $27.99 - Ages 4-11
  $32.99 - Ages 65+
  Free - Ages 3 and under
   
• Nearby Accommodations: Gatlinburg offers a vast array of lodging, from cozy cabins and chalets perfect for families to hotels and motels, all within a short distance of Anakeesta.

• Take the chairlift up to Gatlinburg SkyPark, the No. 1 lookout in Tennessee
   
• Walk across North America's longest pedestrian cable bridge
   
• Explore the hiking trails that snake all along the mountain
   
• Scurry up the Tulip Tower for even better views
   
• Relax at Clayton's Landing where you can cozy up next to a firepit
   
• Dine on gourmet smash burgers at Smoky Mountain Smash
   
• Sip craft beers, non-alcoholic drinks and cocktails at Smoky Mountain SIPS.
   
• Seasonal highlights: Peak fall foliage in Gatlinburg is mid-to-late October.
   
• Hours of operation: Hours of operation are weather permitting. Closing reflects the time the last ticket is sold. The last chair down is 1 hour following the posted closing time. 
  Spring, Summer, Fall
  9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
  
  Dec. 26-30
  9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  
  New Year's Eve
  9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
  
  Feb. 1-4
  Closed for routine maintenance
   
• Parking: Paid parking is nearby at 510 River Road (not included in Gatlinburg SkyPark ticket)
   
• Accessibility: SkyLift, SkyDeck, SkyCenter, SkyTrail and Clayton's Landing are wheelchair accessible. Find all accessibility details at Gatlinburg SkyPark website.
   
• Tickets: Prices range by day. You can receive discounts by purchasing tickets online. Consult the ticket page for more details.
   
• Address: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
   
• Nearby accommodations: Book a fall getaway to nearby Gatlinburg hotels like The Park Vista which gives you stunning mountain views, Bearskin Lodge on the River featuring mountain cabin vibes, and Gatlinburg's most historic hotel - Gatlinburg Inn, which has been in operation for nearly 100 years.

• Take a ride on the Aerial Tram yp to Ober Mountain for a breathtaking view of the Smoky Mountains. This two-mile ride to the attraction provides aerial photo opportunities for fall.
   
• The Cloud Catcher is the highest zipline in the Great Smoky Mountains at over 3,400 feet high.
   
• Once at the top, take a ride on the The Tennessee Flyer Coaster and experience the Smoky Mountains in a whole new way. Zoom down a more than half mile track through dense forest at speeds of more than 25 mph
   
• Enhance your visit by planning around fall festivals in the area.
   
• Seasonal highlights: Enjoy the beauty of the Smokies on Ober Mountain with various outdoor activities through October like downhill mountain biking, archery and high-flying chair swings 
   
• Hours of operation: Ober Mountain is generally open year-round, though hours and available activities vary by season. The Aerial Tram typically runs from 9:40 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check the website for current operating schedules.
   
• Parking: The easiest option is to park at The Tramway Mall at 314 Cottage Dr, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 and ride the Tram to the Adventure Park. Parking rate is $10 per standard vehicle (pay at the lot kiosk). You can also drive Ski Mountain Road and park in one of the four lots available for $10.
   
• Accessibility: The Aerial Tram is wheelchair accessible. While many areas of the park are accessible, some attractions may have limitations. It's best to check with Ober Mountain directly for specific ride accessibility.
   
• Tickets: Prices vary depending on activities. 
  ~$29 - Round-trip Aerial Tram 
  $50-90+ -  Fun Pass, Adventure Pass (combo tickets)
   
• Address: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
   
• Nearby accommodations: Gatlinburg offers a wide variety of hotels, chalets, and cabins, many with easy access to the Aerial Tramway for a convenient trip up to Ober Mountain.

• Spend some time at The Island in Pigeon Forge 
   
• Ride The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel for a birds-eye view of fall leaf colors.
   
• Shop at over 80 retail shops from unique souvenir stores to local boutiques.
   
• Get an unlimited ride pass to enjoy rides like the Tree Fall Drop Tower, Dance Party 360 and more.
   
• Play the immersive Great Big Game Show.
   
• Take in the sites at SkyFly: Soar America, a flying theater you have to experience.
   
• Seasonal highlights: Snap photos in front of the fall decor from late September to October including fall foliage displays and pumpkin setups. Some restaurants roll out seasonal menus. Enjoy seasonal moonshine flavors at Ole Smoky Moonshine.
   
• Hours of operation: Hours may vary by season or holiday. Check the events calendar for current schedules.
  
  Rides and retail
  10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday
  10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
   
• Parking: Ample free parking is available. Guests can park at the LeConte Center Parking Lot.
   
• Accessibility: The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, SkyFly: Soar America, Great Big Game Show, The Island Show Fountain, Alcatraz East Crime Museum and Old Time Photo are wheelchair accessible. There are ADA parking spots located at The Island in Pigeon Forge. The Island is generally ADA accessible. Wide pathways and entryways are located throughout the property. Please consult each individual ride's accessibility on The Island's website.
   
• Tickets: 
  The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
  $18.99 - Ages 12 and up
  $13.99 - Ages 3-11
  Day/Night Combo - $24.99
  Free - Children under 3
  
  Island Ropes Course
  $18.99
  
  Sky Tykes Ropes - For children under 48" only
  $5.99 
  
  Island Ride - Ride ticket is valid for one ride
  $5.99
  
  ThunderDome
  $11.99 - All ages. Minimum weight: 20lbs; maximum weight: 200lbs
  
  Unlimited
  $39.99
  
  Unlimited + Ropes
  $49.99
   
• Address: 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
   
• Nearby accommodations: When you're finished exploring, simply walk to your hotel. The Margaritaville Island Hotel is located on The Island in Pigeon Forge property. Additional nearby hotels include Margaritaville Island Inn and Black Bear Lodge.

• High elevation can play a role in fall foliage peaking earlier. 
   
• Some of the best places to travle in October is to take a drive along the Cherohala Skyway near Tellico Plains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, named “America’s Favorite Drive.”
   
• Mid- and lower elevations peak with fall leaf colors in late October and through November.
   
• Cherohala Skyway seasonal highlights: The Cherokee National Forest offers a glimpse into the unspoiled forest environment where Cherokee tribes and early pioneers traveled and settled in the Appalachian Mountains.
   
• Blue Ridge Parkway seasonal highlights: Drive your way through towering peaks, dense forests and dramatic landscapes. 
   
• Blue Ridge Parkway nearby stays: Nearby stays from cabins to hotels and lodges are located in Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge.

• Step into living railroad history with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.
   
• Trains depart from Chattanooga, TN and Delano, TN
   
• Take the scenic route on a restored locomotive in vintage railcars. 
   
• Lunch and dinner trains are offered
   
• Ride vintage passenger cars and pss through the pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel, watch the locomotive turn on the working turntable and tour the active restoration shop on a 65-minute tour.
   
• Seasonal highlights: Fall themed rides depart Chattanooga like the 6-hour Chickamauga Turn or the full day Summerville Steam Special. Ride the 4.5-hour Hiwassee Loop or full-day Copperhill Special that departs Delano. Each ride shows you brilliant scenes of fall color. Peak colors historically occur in October and early November.
   
• Hours of operation: Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
   
• Parking: Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes early for parking, check-in and boarding. Free on-site parking is available.
   
• Accessibility: Because the rail cars are historic, the ADA exempts trains and stations of an historic nature from accessibility requirements. All persons who can board the train themselves and occupy a standard passenger seat are welcome and encouraged to ride. Only service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted on board
   
• Tickets: Tickets are required to ride the train and vary by excursion. Choose your ride on the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum website.
   
• Address: 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
  Parking location for the Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad is 9406 Hwy 411, Delano, TN 37325
   
• Nearby stays: Chattanooga hotels near the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum include The Westin Chattanooga, The Read House, and The Edwin Hotel.

• In Knoxville, you can hike up to Sharp's Ridge Memorial Park for a stunning view of the city and distant mountains 
   
• Overlook platform located about halfway up the ridge
   
• 1.2-mile, all-access, adaptive nature trail
   
• 4.7 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and biking
   
• The park has sheltered picnic areas 
   
• Ideal for wildlife viewing and birding
   
• Seasonal highlights: Fall colors peak around the third or fourth week of October.
   
• Hours of operation: Open dawn to dusk unless otherwise posted.
   
• Parking: Parking is available at the trailheads on Tiberius Road and Dill Street.
   
• Accessibility: Accessible parking is available onsite. Sharp's Ridge Playspace and Adaptive Trails include all-access trails to accommodate users with disabilities. A bike skills area adn two multi-use trails connect to the existing city park at the top of the ridge. The 2-mile Independence Trail takes you from the top of the ridge to the base where it intersects with North Ridge Loop which is relatively flat for an easy stroll through the woods. The trail can accommodate standard wheelchairs, bikes and strollers. It's all-season, accessible and soft surface. Catalyst Sports rents out adaptive mountain bikes and adaptive wheelchairs to use on the trails.
   
• Address: 329 Sharp's Ridge Memorial Dr, Knoxville, TN 37917
   
• Nearby stays: Since Sharp's Ridge is just outside of the city, you can have an outdoor adventure and stay in a luxury hotel such as The Oliver Hotel, The TENNESSEAN Hotel and Hotel Cleo.

• Be swept away in cozy fall feelings in Historic Rugby
   
• Dive into the history of the idyllic town with an historic tour of the buildings
   
• Hear stories of some of the town's colorful characters
   
• Shop at local boutiques
   
• Dine at local restaurants
   
• Seasonal highlights: Hiking and mountain biking can be enjoyed at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Fall colors peak mid-October to early November, offering incredible views from Twin Arches and the East Rim Overlook.
   
• Operational hours: Interpretive tours are offered 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday March-December
   
• Parking: Parking is located throughout the town. 
   
• Accessibility: For accessibility details, please contact the Visitor Center at 423-628-2441.
   
• Tickets: Tickets can be purchased onsite.
  Interpretive Tours
  $10 - Adults
  $8 - Ages 65+
  $5 - K-12 students
  Free - Pre-schoolers
  
  After Dark Tours - Advanced booking required. Please contact the Visitor Center at 423-628-2441.
   
• Address: The Visitor Center is located at 1331 Rugby Parkway, Rugby, TN 37733
   
• Nearby stays: The Ivy Annex, Ive Cottage, Pioneer Cottage and Percy Cottage as well as the Historic Newbury House offer accommodations in Historic Rugby.

• Big Ridge State Park is more than 3,500 acres of forests in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley range
   
• Fall foliage colors shine near streams, in valleys and along narrow ridges.
   
• Over 15 miles of hiking 
   
• The Loyston Overlook Trail, rated difficult, takes you to views of the widest portion of Norris Lake
   
• Birding, fishing, kayaking and boating are favorite activities at this park
   
• Seasonal highlights: Take the Lake Trail for 1.5 miles for beautiful views around Big Ridge Lake.
   
• Operational hours:
  Visitor Center: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
  Campground: Open year-round unless otherwise noted
  Cabins: Currently under renovation. Cabins are slated to open late fall 2026. Only cabins 1, 4, 15-19 will be available for reservations during the winter season.
   
• Parking: Parking is available at the Visitor Center which leads you 
   
• Address: 1015 Big Ridge Park Rd, Maynardville, TN 37807
   
• Nearby stays: Accommodations near Big Ridge State Park include Smith's Happily Ever After Bed & Breakfast, Hickory Star Resort & Marina and rentable tiny homes in the surrounding areas.

• See a brilliant display of fall colors on a boat tour with the Southern Belle Riverboat
   
• The three-hour fall color ride travels down the Tennessee River to the River Gorge 
   
• Included on the ride is live music, natural history information and lunch
   
• Seasonal highlights: Open-air top deck views and pilot house tours enhance your sailing adventure. You can also book Halloween-themed cruises.
   
• Hours of operation: Check specific cruise information for sailing hours.
  Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise
  Departs at noon (3-hour cruise) Tuesday, Thursday-Friday Oct. 2-Nov. 13, 2026
  
  Fall Foliage Sightseeing Cruise (without meal) 
  Departs at noon (3-hour cruise) Tuesday, Thursday-Friday Oct. 2-Nov.13, 2026
  Departs 1 p.m. Saturday Oct. 3-Nov. 14; Sunday Oct. 18-Nov. 1, 2026
   
• Parking: Parking is available near the boarding location on the Chattanooga Riverfront. It's highly recommended to arrive early, especially during peak seasons.
   
• Accessibility: The main deck of this Tennessee River boat ride is wheelchair accessible; guests are encouraged to contact dock staff prior to boarding for specific seating requests.
   
• Tickets: Reserve tickets in advance online or at the Pier 2 box office.
  Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise
  $64.99 - Ages 13 and older
  $54.99 - Ages 3-12
  $5.99 - Ages 0-2
  
  Fall Foliage Sightseeing Cruise (without meal)
  $44.99 - Ages 13 and older
  $34.99 - Ages 3-12
  $5.99 - Ages 0-2
   
• Address: 151 Riverfront Parkway, Chattanooga, TN 37402|
   
• Nearby accommodations: The Southern Belle offers hotel packages at certain Chattanooga hotels so you can enhance your stay. The Romantic Getaway Package is available for Mayor's Mansion Bed & Breakfast, Bluff View Inn Bed & Breakfast, Chattanooga Hotel and Chattanooga Choo Choo among others. The Family Fun Vacation Packages are available at the Chattanoogan Hotel, Th Chattanooga Choo Choo, Bluff View Inn Bed & Breakfast and others.

• Part of Prentice Cooper State Forest, Snooper's Rock is a brilliant example of Tennessee fall color, perfect for a fall vacation.
   
• amazing views of the Tennessee River Gorge
   
• The 3-mile, round-trip hike is considered a moderate hike
   
• Seasonal highlights: See vibrant reds, dazzling oranges and shining yellows of fall color. Historical peak fall color in the Southeast Tennessee region is late October - early November.
   
• Hours of operation: Open daily sunrise to sunset 
   
• Parking: A parking area is located near Snoopers Rock. The hike can be popular, so plan to visit during the week or during lower visitation hours such as early morning.
   
• Address: 3998 Game Reserve Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405
   
• Tickets: Free to access
   
• Nearby accommodations: Rent a cabin in the woods, stay at the villa at Tennessee RiverPlace, or return to downtown Chattanooga for nearby hotels such as The Westin. 

• Make your way up to Point Park, part of the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
   
• Learn about Chattanooga's deep Civil War history, The Battle Above the Clouds
   
• See Chattanooga laid out under your feet
   
• Point Park is part of the 3,000 acres of Lookout Mountain Battlefield
   
• Amazing overlooks, monuments and cannon positions interpreting Civil War battles for Chattanooga
   
• Seasonal highlights: Mid-October to early November is typically peak fall color. Early morning or golden hour 6-7 p.m. offer some of the best light on fall foliage.
   
• Operational hours: The Visitor Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
   
• Parking: Parking is available onsite.
   
• Accessibility: Accessible restrooms, Braille signage, captioned media and wheelchair accessible pathways are located onsite. Some pathways are not wheelchair accessible. Call the Visitor Center at 423-821-7786 for more information.
   
• Tickets: Point Park entry fee is $10. All other sites of the park are free.
   
• Address: 110 Point Park Rd, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
   
• Nearby stays: Vacation rentals and cottages are available near Point Park. Or, drive back to downtown Chattanooga to enjoy city hotels such as The Read House, Riverside Bed & Breakfast and The Edwin Hotel.

• A quick drive from Nashville and you'll find Port Royal State Historic Park
   
• Located in Adams, Tennessee, about 14 miles near Clarksville and 44 miles near Nashville
   
• A portal to the past, you can walk the same paths of early settlers and experience the weight of the Trail of Tears
   
• Visit the 1859 General Store, learn about the park's history and take a scheduled interpretive tour of the old townsite or the Trail of Tears roadbed
   
• Seasonal highlights: One of the best places to see fall foliage in Port Royal State Historic Park is along the Old Main Street-VC Sidewalk to Bridge trail. You start at the General store, travel alongside archaeological remains of the town and end at Sulphur Fork Creek where the 1890 Iron Bridge still stands. It's a beautiful photo-worthy spot this fall. Peak foliage is historically mid-October to end of October.
   
• Hours of operation: The Visitor Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. 
  
  From Commerce to Collapse guided tours
  10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday-Sunday
  
  Follow Their Footsteps: The Trail of Tears at Port Royal guided tours
  9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
   
• Parking: Parking is available at the Visitor Center and at the Trail of Tears National Hiking Trail trailhead.
   
• Accessibility: The Masonic Lodge and General Store is not wheelchair accessible. However, accommodations can be made by contacting the Park Office at 888-867-2757 10 days before your visit.
   
• Nearby stays: AirBnBs and other vacation rentals are located near Adams, Tennessee and in surrounding small town areas.

• One of the best places to travel in October in Tennessee is Fall Creek Falls State Park 
   
• Known for its lush forests and stunning array of gorges, streams and the highest waterfall in the area of the same name. 
   
• There are 6 other waterfalls within the state park including Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls and Hemlock Falls. 
   
• Seasonal highlights: Due to the area’s botanical diversity, you'll experience a bright display of changing leaves. Expect to see peak fall color in mid-to-late October. For photo-worthy pictures, explore the fall color from the two suspension bridges in the park: located behind the nature center and by Piney Falls.
   
• Hours of operation:The scenic loop closes at dark. Day-use facilities like pavillions and playgrounds close at 10 p.m. Everyone is requested to be off the trails by sundown. 
   
• Parking: Parking and accessible parking is available at the Fall Creek Falls overlook, the nature center, lodge and restaurant, Visitor Center, and golf course and snack bar. Check out the state park map for more details.
   
• Accessibility: All-terrain wheelchairs are available to rent. It's highly recommended to reserve an all-terrain wheelchair ahead of your visit. An adult-sized changing table is located at the Betty Dunn Nature Center. The table lowers to approximately 12 inches off the ground and reaches a height of 39.5 inches when raised. There are three wheelchair-friendly overlooks in the state park: Fall Creek Falls Overlook to view the 256-foot Fall Creek Falls waterfall; Millikan's Overlook which includes a Colorblind Viewfinder; and Cane Creek Overlook behind the Betty Dunn Nature Center. Accessible paddling launches are located at the boat dock and by the dam and off the paved Lake Bike Trail. The latter launch is recommended for those who do not need to rent a kayak. Stay overnight or a few days at accessible lodging options like The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls which has wheelchair-accessible rooms, Cabin 10 which is a Landside Cabin and Cabin 27 which is Fisherman Cabin, as well as wheelchair-accessible campsites at Campground areas A, B, C, and D.
   
• Nearby stays: Fall Creek Falls State Park offers a variety of accommodations so you don't have to travel far after your outdoor adventures. Book a room at The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls, enjoy staying in a cabin or pitch a tent to sleep under the stars at one of the campsites.

• The Natchez Trace Parkway traverses Middle Tennessee, which has stunning photo opportunities all along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
   
• 444 miles stretching from Tennessee to Mississippi through Alabama
   
• Water Valley Overlook, Milepost 411.8 - A gorgeous overlook that offers stunning fall color views of the Tennessee valley below.
   
• Milepost 404.7 - Jackson Falls - See one of only two waterfalls on the Natchez Trace Parkway. See Jackson Falls flow steadily along the carved, beautiful landscape.
   
• Seasonal highlights: Enjoy fall color in Tennessee along The Old Trace Drive (milepost 375.8) for beautiful overlooks; Metal Ford (milepost 382.8), along a leisurely walk at Fall Hollow (milepost 391.9) and hike along the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail at the Garrison Creek Trail head (milepost 427.6) or the Old Trace Trailhead (426.3) to be surrounded by stunning fall colors.
   
• Hours of operation: The Parkway is open 24/7. Check individual milepost locations for their individual hours of operation.
   
• Parking: Parking is available at almost every milepost along the Parkway. Consult the stops you'd like to visit for specific parking information. 
   
• Accessibility: Information detailing stops' accessibility features including parking and access points is made available on the Natchez Trace Parkway website. 
   
• Nearby stays: Campgrounds, local bed & breakfasts and hotels are located in Nashville, Franklin, Hohenwald and Collinwood, Tennessee along the Natchez Trace Parkway. 

• Natchez Trace State Park has some of the best scenic locations in the fall
   
• Endless trails to explore and snap some photos
   
• Rent a kayak to take out on Pin Oak Lake 
   
• Watch the sunset from Brown's Creek Levee, considered the best sunset viewing spot in the park
   
• Stargaze from the clearing on Highway 114
   
• Seasonal highlights: Take the Fairview Gullies Trail, a 1-mile trail considered easy. The loop trail takes you through forests full of fall colors. It's also a great place to go birding.
   
• Hours of operation: The Visitor Center Gift Shop is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and open seasonally Saturday-Sunday. The state park is open from sunrise to sunset.
   
• Parking: Ample parking is available throughout the park including at the Visitor Center Gift Shop, boat launches, around Pin Oak Lake, and around Cub Creek Lake. 
   
• Accessibility: ADA parking spaces located throughout the park, all-terrain wheelchairs available to rent, adult-sized changing tables at the Visitor Center, accessible restrooms and accessible campsites and cabins are available onsite. The Oak Ridge Trail is considered accessible as it's 0.8 miles on natural surface and considered easy.
   
• Address: 24845 Natchez Trace Rd, Wildersville TN, 38388
   
• Nearby stays: Enjoy a stay out in nature at Natchez Trace State Park in one of the standard or camping cabins and at one of the campsites or RV sites.

• Located in the Northwest corner of Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake State Park is a beautiful place for fall outdoor activities.
   
• Fall color pontoon cruises offered on the weekends during October and November. It's a wo-hour tour with an experienced naturalist.
   
• Tour guides will share their knowledge of the area’s history and ecology while helping you find the best photo ops for fall foliage.
   
• Seasonal highlights: Large groups of eagles and ducks migrate to Reelfoot Lake for the winter, arriving just as autumnal colors reach their peak in mid- to late-October.
   
• Hours of operation: The state park is open daily year-round. The park office and visitor center are open 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.
   
• Parking: Reelfoot Lake State Park is your access point to the lake. Parking can be found at Keystone Pocket, the visitor center/museum, Eagle Basin, Blue bank, the Broad Slough Nature Trail trailhead and Kirby Pocket boat launch.
  
  Accessibility: ADA accessibility features include all-terrain wheelchairs specialized in navigating a wide range of terrains. These are free to the public for both children and adults. Reserve an all-terrain wheelchair. An adult-sized changing table is available at the state park. An accessible paddling launch is located at Kirby Pocket for kayaks and canoes. The boat dock and the boat ramp at Kirby Pocket is wheelchair-friendly. There is also wheelchair-accessible parking. Accessible venues include the visitor center, Cypress boardwalk, aviary and the nature center and museum. RV campsites 11, 12, 13, 30 and 32 are wheelchair-friendly with ADA fire rings, electric, water and sewer. Cabins 2 and 6 are wheelchair friendly.
   
• Address: 2595 Highway 21 East, Tiptonville, TN 38079
   
• Nearby stays: Book a stay at a premium cabin at Reelfoot Lake State Park featuring modern amenities in the middle of nature. Enjoy a full kitchen, patio, fireplace, WiFi, cable television and central air and heat. You can also opt to camp at one of the campsites or RV sites that include electric and water hookups. Some campsites are located along the lakeshore.

• Home to gigantic beech, oak and elm trees, the Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park comes alive with a myriad of colors toward the end of October.
   
• See the foliage by water in a canoe on Poplar Tree Lake
   
• Hike one of the many trails within the park.
   
• The 3-mile loop Woodland trail has some stunning vantage points for changing leaves. 
   
• Known for abundant wildlife including beavers, otters, bobcats, bald eagles and wild turkeys.
   
• Seasonal highlights: For a unique fall experience, sign up for a guided canoe or kayak deep swamp float excursion. You'll keep an eye out for bald eagles fishing on Poplar Tree Lake. Hike the Pioneer Springs Trail, a quiet trail where you'll see unique plants and wildlife.
   
• Hours of operation: The park trails are generally open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (hours may extend or adjust seasonally).
   
• Parking: Various free parking lots are available throughout the park at trailheads and recreational areas.
  
  Accessibility: All-terrain wheelchairs are available to rent. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. An adult-sized changing table is located inside the Nature Center. You'll find a wheelchair-friendly Colorblind Viewfinder at the Nature Center. There is an accessible paddling launch at Poplar Tree Lake and kayaks are available to rent annually for a fee to receive a personal flotation device. Cabin 6 is wheelchair friendly and Campsites 17,20, and 37 are wheelchair-friendly for overnight stays in nature.
   
• Address: 910 Riddick Rd, Millington, TN 38053
   
• Nearby stays: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers 6 rustic cabins along the shoreline of Poplar Tree Lake as well as a campground for tents and RVs. All sites have water and electric and some offer sewer hookups.  

• The Memphis Botanic Garden is 96 acres of gardens and trails 
   
• The Memphis Botanic Garden offers classes year-round, including educational tours and oil painting.
   
• Sculptures are located throughout the gardens
   
• Art pieces are part of the Garden's permanent collection 
   
• The family-friendly My Big Backyard encourages children to dig, create, daydream and discover the outdoors around them through interactive elements
   
• Seasonal highlights: Stroll through The Woodland, Shade Gardens and Lowlands to see a wide array of fall color which peaks near the end of October to early November.
   
• Hours of operation:
  9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - March-October
  9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - November-March
   
• Parking: Ample parking is available adjacent to the Visitors Center with additional parking in the North Lot for some special events.
   
• Accessibility: The visitor center and primary pathways through the garden are wheelchair accessible. There are a few push-chair wheelchairs available to rent on a first-come, first-serve basis. They are free of charge and can be reserved upon arrival
   
• Tickets:
  $12 - Ages 13 and up
  $7 - Ages 2-12
  $10 - Ages 62+
   
• Address: 750 Cherry Rd, Memphis, Tennessee, 38117
   
• Nearby stays: Boutique hotels are just a short drive away like The Memphian, The Central Station Hotel, and the Peabody Hotel Memphis.