The Best Small Towns In Tennessee To Catch Fall Foliage

For many tourists, fall is one of the best times of the year to tick their travel bucket list. With the summer crowds declining, the air getting crispier, and the leaves transforming into a kaleidoscope of dazzling colors, the stars seem to align for anyone seeking to discover the beauty of America's countryside. Tennessee's rolling hills, winding backroads, and charming small towns offer an especially magical setting for autumn adventures.

From the misty ridges of the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg to secluded scenic drives through the fiery red maples of the Cherokee National Forest in Tellico Plains, the Volunteer State comes alive in fall. Whether a leaf-peeper, a weekend road-tripper, or a serial festival goer, these top towns in Tennessee to catch fall foliage promise unforgettable, postcard-worthy vibes.

Erwin

This adorable village in Unicoi County welcomes leaf-peepers to witness a dazzling fall foliage display across its rich scenery of the surrounding Cherokee National Forest. The dense woodlands throughout the Rock Creek Recreation Area burst to life with reds, yellows, and browns, inviting adventurers to explore along scenic natural trails, mountain biking routes, and peaceful campsites. A hike or bike along the 4-mile Erwin Linear Trail provides an alternative way to admire the fall wonderland, with the hues reflecting off the glistening surface of the Nolichucky River.

Those feeling adventurous can try to conquer the rugged trails at Unaka Bike Park, where rusty leaves from shedding trees coat the ground, and the crisp mountain air invites outdoor immersion. Erwin also hosts its annual Unicoi County Apple Festival in October, which celebrates the harvest season with great food, craft exhibitions, and live music.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a picturesque mountain community surrounded by the rolling landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains, which turn into a fiery spectacle as the woodlands gradually change color. Sightseers and adventure lovers can hike down the Riverwalk Greenway to take in the bright shades of burgundy, gold, and mustard on trees lining the pathway, with adorable views of the Little Pigeon River. Meanwhile, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster raises the stakes with an aerial sightseeing experience as the thrill ride speeds over the vibrant Smokies wilderness.

However, those who prefer to take it easy can visit the Parrot Mountain & Gardens to breathe in the clean mountain air while interacting with cute talking and singing birds amidst beautifully landscaped gardens. Also, you can't miss out on the Dollywood Harvest Festival, where the community gathers to welcome the season with pumpkin lighting, live music, and other family-friendly activities.

Sevierville

To the south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and 30 miles from Knoxville, Sevierville is a picturesque little town with a vast system of forested trails and fantastic waterfalls. It cultivates multiple outdoor adventures designed for witnessing the fall magic, including pony trail excursions through the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo. Besides experiencing the fall foliage, guests interact with adorable wildlife species, like reindeer, zebras, emus, and camels. Elsewhere, the Sevierville Greenway beckons hikers and bikers with a laid-back adventure along a 10-mile paved pathway, promising stunning foliage views, as the chill mountain air runs through your hair.

Tourists can join locals at SkyLand Ranch for a range of autumn-themed events and activities, such as kids' games, apple picking, pie eating, and live entertainment. Furthermore, the Wears Valley Fall Fest ensures everybody gets into the seasonal spirit, as over 200 artists, crafters, and vendors descend upon the town for a remarkable celebration.

Sewanee

This picturesque college town is perched high atop the Cumberland Plateau and places leafpeepers in the perfect position to watch the fall colors unravel about 2 hours from Nashville. It invites guests to go on isolated hikes through the untamed wilderness of the Natural Bridge State Natural Area, where a 25-foot-high sandstone arch, juxtaposed against the vibrant colors of the surrounding forest, results in dramatic viewing experiences. One of the best places to observe the fall scenery in Sewanee is Green's View, whose high-altitude setting delivers 360-degree panoramas of the blanket of gold, wine, and amber covering the countryside.

Meanwhile, golfers can use the opportunity to enjoy the cool autumn air while playing at the 9-hole Course at Sewanee, whose greens are enveloped by mature trees. Also, a paddling adventure on Lake Trez allows visitors to watch the postcard-perfect reflection of the impressive fall landscape on the water.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is one of the best small towns in Tennessee to catch fall foliage, owing to its location as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Surrounded by a sea of transitioning forests, the town offers unique ways to witness the fall wonderland, such as climbing 400 feet into the air to the observation deck of the Gatlinburg Space Needle for unprecedented panoramas of the Smokies' colorful landscapes. Alternatively, sightseers can head to the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook for breathtaking vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Visiting families can opt for fun treetop adventures at Anakeesta, featuring gondola rides, skywalks, and high bridges against the sweeping backdrop of the surrounding mountainscapes. The site also hosts the Bear-Varian Fall Festival, blending refreshing Bavarian beer and the charm of the mountains to offer an unforgettable celebration.

Tellico Plains

Tellico Plains is famously home to the Cherohala Skyway, which presents one of the best scenic drives you can take in Tennessee in autumn. This 43-mile byway meanders through the storybook scene of the Cherokee National Forest, which explodes into a blanket of reds, browns, and oranges with the transitioning fall foliage. If you are not behind the wheel, you can hit the trail to chase breathtaking waterfalls in the town's rugged countryside. The Bald River Falls is a sight to behold, plunging 90 feet into the river and offering unmissable photo opportunities.

Meanwhile, you can take an easygoing rafting trip down the calm waters of the Tellico River, courtesy of Big Bear Tubing Company, to savor the mild autumn conditions. Every October, Tellico Plains stages the Cherohala Skyway Festival to mark the arrival of the season with wagon rides, Bluegrass tunes, crafts, train rides, and more.

Townsend

Townsend allows vacationers to experience fall in the Smoky Mountains without the commotion of crowds. This secluded town provides plenty of room for visitors to step outside and delight in the changing foliage during undisturbed walks along the Townsend River Walk and Arboretum. This lovely sanctuary is dotted with maple, oak, and hickory trees, which adopt stunning crimson, gold, and rust shades during fall. Booking a rafting trip with Little River Outfitters offers a unique way of enjoying the season's colors on the waterway as it winds through the Great Smoky Mountains wilderness.

Also, you can raise the stakes with an underground adventure into the mysterious Tuckaleechee Caverns to discover its unique crystalline formations formed millions of years ago. Finally, the period sees townsfolk celebrating the Townsend Fall Heritage Festival with an impressive array of family-centric entertainment.

Spencer

This quaint town in Van Buren County enchants enthusiasts with one of the most breathtaking fall scenes in the state. Thousands of leaf-peepers flock to Fall Creek Falls State Park to watch the vibrant autumn foliage reflect off the glassy surface of Fall Creek Falls. The spectacle presents the perfect photo op as it drops 256 feet into a pristine pool. The park also hosts its annual Mountaineer Folk Festival during this time, featuring a raft of fun activities, from live music and craft demos to delicious food.

A picturesque road loop between Fall Creek Falls and Piney Creek Falls, cultivating a scenic drive to watch the unraveling wonderland from the comfort of your vehicle. Along the way, you can stop at several overlooks to document the scenery on your camera for lifetime memories.

Final Thought

From chasing waterfalls in Spencer to riding coasters in Pigeon Forge, these beautiful towns in Tennessee, which offer a unique fall foliage viewing experience, promise a unique viewing experience filled with color, charm, and adventure. Whether you're hiking through vibrant forests, sipping cider at a local festival, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, each area delivers a distinct slice of autumn in the United States that you won't find elsewhere, while exposing the magic that lies in the spectacular countryside of the Volunteer State.