With the temperatures cooling and leaving changing color, there’s no better time than fall for a road trip in Tennessee. It’s the best way to experience all the sights, sounds, and smells of the season up close, plus you have the perfect excuse of discovering places you may never have known existed. Celebrate the season with this amazing fall road trip in Tennessee!
Just west of Morristown lies one of the state’s most beautiful parks. Overlooking the lake, visitors can enjoy a series of trails that offer gorgeous views from every angle. It’s also a great place to enjoy rich fall foliage and all the best sights and sounds of the season.
Head south for about half an hour to one of the state’s best hidden gems, Grill 73. This Russian-influenced eatery is serving up tasty made-from-scratch lunch offerings in all your favorite dishes, including salads, sandwiches, subs, and burgers alongside traditional Russian fare. Don’t let the modest exterior fool you—there’s big flavor here!
A fresh, healthy snack is just minutes away from the hiking trail. Here you can fill up on tasty apples straight from the orchard, or grab a quick bite in the adjacent Applehouse Restaurant. Also on site is an old-fashioned candy store and an abundance of specialty products perfect for a take-home souvenir.
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This moderate hike takes you 2.2 miles up Snake Den Mountain to Hen Wallow Falls, a favorite locals spot. You’ll have a total of 900 feet of elevation gain, which makes for a bit of a workout as you enjoy the scenery. Luckily, the way back is downhill and doesn’t take as much work. While you’re here, the vibrant canopy provides plenty of welcome shade.
It wouldn’t be a fall road trip without a few scares and screams, and a haunted house is the perfect solution. A staple of Gatlinburg for decades, Mysterious Mansion is a year-round haunted house that’s been touted as truly terrifying. Test your luck to see if you can escape the horrors within.
There’s no better place to unwind with an icy cold brew than Smoky Mountain Brewery. Here you can take your pick of several of their namesake beers, in addition to a full bar and food menu. From pizzas to wings and more, it’s a great way to end a long day of traveling.
This charming inn is nestled right along the Pigeon Forge River, offering direct access to the Parkway and close to many of the town’s shops and attractions. You can enjoy the community fire pit in the cool fall weather, or bask in your own in-room Jacuzzi.
Waking up is easier when you have a farmhouse-style breakfast to look forward to. There’s no shortage of delicious eats here, including their famous light and fluffy crepes and cinnamon spiced apples.
Once you’ve eaten your fill, spend the rest of your day at scenic Cades Cove, one of the most well-loved sites in the Smokies. The area is chock full of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and black bears. There are also several hiking trails throughout the area, some leading to gorgeous waterfalls and more wildlife viewing areas. This one-way loop takes visitors on a scenic drive through the park, allowing you to get out to explore historical structures or photograph the mountain backdrops and other beautiful sights. With fall foliage in full bloom, there’s no better end to a perfect fall road trip.
