East Tennessee is a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but it’s especially stunning in the fall when the leaves change color. The changing leaves are a sight to behold, and there are many great places to see them in East Tennessee.
Here are a few of the best places to see fall foliage in East Tennessee:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most popular places to see fall foliage in the United States. The park is home to a variety of trees, including maples, oaks, and birches, which all turn beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. There are many scenic drives and hiking trails in the park that offer stunning views of the changing leaves.
Tellico Lake: This lake is located in and around the Cherokee National Forest, and it’s a great place to go for a relaxing getaway. The fall colors are especially beautiful in the fall, and you can often see deer and other wildlife in the area.
Clingmans Dome: Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The views are especially spectacular in the fall when the leaves are changing color.
Fort Loudoun Lake: This lake is located near Knoxville, and it’s a great place to go for a day trip. You can rent a boat, go hiking, or simply enjoy the scenery. The fall colors are especially beautiful around the lake’s many coves.
Blue Ridge Parkway: The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that winds through the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The parkway offers stunning views of the fall foliage, and there are many pull-offs along the way where you can stop to take photos.
Melton Hill Lake: is a reservoir located in East Tennessee, about 10 miles west of Knoxville. It is formed by the damming of the Clinch River and has a surface area of 4,180 acres. The lake is popular for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
Cherohala Skyway: The Cherohala Skyway is a winding road that connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the Nantahala National Forest. The skyway offers spectacular views of the mountains and valleys, and it’s a great place to see fall foliage.
Tennessee River/ Holston: The Holston River originates near Kingsport with the confluence of the North Fork Holston and South Fork Holston Rivers. From here it flows 136 miles southwest and joins with the French Broad River near Knoxville to form the headwaters of the Tennessee River.
Roan Mountain State Park: Roan Mountain State Park is located in the northeastern corner of Tennessee. The park is home to Roan Mountain, which is the highest point in the state. The park offers stunning views of the fall foliage, and there are many hiking trails to explore.
These are just a few of the many great places to see fall foliage in East Tennessee. No matter where you go, you’re sure to be amazed by the beauty of the changing leaves.
Here are some tips for planning your fall foliage trip to East Tennessee:
- The best time to see fall foliage in East Tennessee is from late September to early November.
- The higher elevations tend to see the leaves change color first.
- Be sure to dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly.
- Get up early to beat the crowds.
- Take a scenic drive or hike to get the best views.
- Bring your camera to capture the beauty of the fall foliage.
- Be respectful of the environment and stay on the trails.
I hope this blog post has inspired you to plan a fall foliage trip to East Tennessee. It’s a beautiful time of year to visit the mountains, and you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
Posted by Polly Harrison – Lakefront Living Realty