It just doesn’t make sense to leave the southeast during this time of year, especially with two great national parks in our own backyard that show off the best of what fall has to offer. Tennessee and North Carolina share the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Virginia has Shenandoah National Park-two nearby opportunities that are perfect to explore this time of year. Got a day? Head west to Cades Cove entrance to the Smokies. Got a weekend? Take a drive to Shenandoah to experience Skyline Drive. No flight required.
The Great Smokies
Chattanooga is blessed with its proximity to the Great Smokies. This swath of the Southern Appalachians offers an array of options for any outdoors enthusiast, but when the weather starts to cool and the leaves start to change, it’s unlike any other place on earth. At elevations higher than 4,000 feet, leaves will start to change in mid-October. So head to Clingmans Dome, or take Blue Ridge Parkway or Foothills Parkway to take in the colors. The rest of the leaves on the trees will start changing toward the end of October, so book early or make day plans, as the park is sure to be packed with people oohing and aahing over nature’s beauty.
For best fall leaf viewing, hike the stretch of the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap Road to Indian Gap. The Alum Cave Trail will take you to Inspiration Point, a 1.8-mile one-way trip which offers a great view of surrounding mountains. While you’re there, take a few hikes to see some of the Smokies’ great waterfalls. Laurel Falls is a favorite, albeit easier hike, while Ramsey Cascades and Rainbow Falls are both long and strenuous hikes that yield beautiful sights.
Shenandoah National Park
Sure, it’s a little bit of a drive, but Shenandoah National Park in Virginia should be on your list this fall. Long, narrow and encompassing 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, Shenandoah is known for its expanse of mountainous views and wildlife. Drive along Skyline Drive to access most of the trailheads in the park while taking in the plentiful scenery. Like the Smokies, the changing leaves will slow you down as you drive through the park.