Plan the Perfect Fall Road Trip in Tennessee

Panther Creek State Park, Morristown, TN

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.

Grill 73, Newport, TN

Head south for about half an hour to one of the state’s top 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!

Breeden's Orchard, Mt. Juliet, TN

Discover the Autumn Road Trip at this 12-acre operational orchard! Enjoy the delectable treats of weekend cookouts and shopping for fresh fruit and baked delicacies. Every Friday morning at Storytime, create enduring memories with the young ones. With their rotating merchandise, you may shop for something new every week!

Gabes Mountain Trail, Cosby, TN

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.

Mysterious Mansion, Gatlinburg, TN

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.

Smoky Mountain Brewery, Gatlinburg, TN

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.

The Inn on the Pigeon Forge River, Pigeon Forge, TN

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.

Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast, Pigeon Forge, TN

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. 

Cades Cove, Townsend, TN

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.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Fall is the perfect time for a road trip in Tennessee
• Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the season up close
• Discover hidden gems like Panther Creek State Park and Grill 73
• Visit Breeden's Orchard for fresh fruit and baked delicacies
• Hike Gabes Mountain Trail to Hen Wallow Falls for a scenic workout
• Experience scares and screams at Mysterious Mansion in Gatlinburg
• Unwind with a cold brew at Smoky Mountain Brewery
• Stay at The Inn on the Pigeon Forge River for a charming retreat
• Enjoy a farmhouse-style breakfast at Sawyer's Farmhouse Breakfast
• Explore wildlife and hiking trails at Cades Cove to end your road trip