These Small Towns in Tennessee Come Alive in Fall
Although Tennesee is considered a southern state, the state still experiences the stunning color show that autumn puts on each year. In Tennessee, the leaves typically change from green to autumnal hues of crimson, orange and gold in late October and early November, so pack your bags and discover the scenic highways and byways. During your road trip, be sure to stop in these small towns that come alive in the fall with their festivals, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, sweeping mountain vistas, and outdoor activities.
Gatlinburg
Autumn in Gatlinburg is truly magical. The Great Smoky Mountains surrounding the town come alive with vibrant fall foliage, and cozy cabins invite visitors to relax for a weekend or longer. Miles of hiking trails provide the opportunity to explore native wildlife, plants, and scenery. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just outside Gatlinburg and offers nearly 3,000 miles of streams perfect for fall fishing. There are also many hiking and biking trails, featuring historic sites, waterfalls, and other natural attractions. The Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain and the Bear-Varian Fall Festival are held in town every day from September through October 31st.
Jonesborough
Walking through the historic streets of Jonesborough, a charming southern town, you'll step where Andrew Jackson, Daniel Boone, and David Crockett once did. Known as the "Storytelling Capital of the World" for its rich history, Jonesborough hosts the National Storytelling Festival every October. As Tennessee's oldest town, it features Persimmon Ridge Park, which transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors in fall. Visitors can explore the 130-acre park on hiking and biking trails, the Lost State Scenic Walkway, or enjoy the 18-hole golf course. Additionally, Mill Spring Park offers scenic autumn experiences.
Erwin
Erwin, a small town often called the "Playground of the Appalachian Highlands," truly earns this nickname. Martins Creek Falls offers a scenic spot for enjoying an autumn morning or afternoon, renowned for its vibrant foliage and a 20-foot waterfall. The hiking trails, approximately 2 miles round trip, are suitable for all ages and skill levels. Right in town, Erwin Kiwanis Park provides another peaceful outdoor area perfect for enjoying nature or having a picnic during fall. Every October, Erwin hosts the Unicoi County Apple Festival, attracting visitors from across the region. This festival features over 400 craft and food vendors, two entertainment stages, and numerous family activities and contests.
Leiper's Fork
Leap into the fall season with a trip to Leiper's Fork, a quaint town just 45 minutes south of Nashville. The quintessential southern small town, Leiper's Fork is home to a unique collection of boutiques filled with cozy apparel, as well as antique shops. The Leiper's Fork Distillery is known for its small batch, handcrafted whiskeys made with local ingredients and pure limestone-filtered water. Fall foliage is ablaze in shades of gold, crimson and orange at town's local parks, which offers miles of hiking and biking trails.
Pigeon Forge
Best known as the home of Dollywood, an amusement park owned by singer Dolly Parton, Pigeon Forge is small, quaint mountain town in eastern Tennessee. Situated in the Smoky Mountains foothills, Pigeon Forge is the ideal vacation town year round, but really comes to life during the autumn. The Great Smoky Mountains is nearby, and offers scenic fall views from Clingmans Dome. The Little Pigeon Rivers beckons visitors to spend a day fishing or boating surrounded by fall colors, or if you're feeling a little more adventurous, whitewater rafting. The Dollywood Harvest Festival takes place each September and October, and celebrates all things autumn.
Gallatin
The charming small town of Gallatin holds onto its rich historic roots while offering visitors modern amenities and experiences that bring people back time and again. The town is located near Old Hickory Lake, which is the ideal place to explore during the beautiful autumn months. You can either bring your own personal watercraft or rent one, and go fishing on the lake while taking in the surrounding fall colors. Historic downtown Gallatin hosts the Main Street Festival every 1st Saturday in October. The event typically welcomes more than 30,000 visitors, and features arts, crafts, live entertainment, and celebrates all things fall.
No matter what type of fall experience you crave, from mountain hiking to boutique hopping for cozy home decor and apparel, you'll find it in a small Tennessee town. While the state is the perfect host year round, it especially shine in fall when its mountainous landscape pops with vibrant color, and the air is crisp enough to enjoy an afternoon hike. As if its natural attractions aren't enough to beckon you for an autumn visit, Tennessee also offers a variety of well-known fall festivals and other special events.
