Where to Go For the Best Views in Northeast Tennessee

If you’re looking for the best views in Northeast Tennessee, here is your map! Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Northeast Tennessee attracts guests from all over the country in anticipation of peak fall foliage.

Fall Foliage Prediction Map

The peak time for fall foliage in Northeast Tennessee this year is the third week of October. An interactive map from Smokymountains.com allows you to pick the time of year to see when the trees will be at the peak color on your area. The map uses previous years data as well as this year’s weather and temperature to determine when the trees will be the most colorful.

“SmokyMountains.com utilizes a refined data model that depends on a combination of factors, including historical temperature and precipitation, forecast temperature and precipitation, the type of tree known to be prominent in that geographic region, the historical trends in that area, and user data,” founder David Angotti says.

The Appalachian Mountains

As crisp air and cool days return to Northeast Tennessee, it is now time to start planning your trip to the Appalachian Mountains. Here are some of the most scenic and colorful places to go for the best views.

1. Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport
Bays Mountain Park features over 39 miles of beautiful hiking trails that cover most of the 3500 acres of the park. Take a relaxing stroll around the lake or, for the more adventurous, make the trek up to the fire tower. No matter where you go, you’re sure to encounter natural wildlife and amazing scenery.

2. Pinnacle Tower Trail, Unicoi
Located at 3,500 ft. on Buffalo Mountain in Unicoi County, Tennessee, this 40 ft. tower offers beautiful views of Unicoi and Washington Counties. At the top, you can take in the beautiful autumn trees for miles, and even though the hike is considered difficult it is worth the challenge for the view.

3. Roan Mountain State Park
Located on TN Hwy 143 at the base of the majestic 6,285 Roan Mountain, this Tennessee state park encompasses more than 2,000 acres dominated by rich hardwood forest along pristine ridges. With 11 trails of varying levels of difficulty, there is a hike for everyone to take in colorful views and scenery. On your way up, stock up on all the gear for your trip at Hellbenders Outfitters in Elizabethton.

4. Buffalo Mountain Park
Buffalo Mountain Park is a 725-acre natural resource area obtained in 1994 through a land swap with the U.S. Forest Service. The park is located on the north slope of Buffalo Mountain and consists of steep topography and densely forested land. The park functions as a nature preserve primarily for hiking, picnicking, and nature programs offering impeccable views of Johnson City.

5. Cherokee National Forest
Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of east Tennessee, the Cherokee National Forest is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 650,000-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee and adjoins other national forests in Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. Spanning across Northeast Tennessee, there are varying levels of hiking trails. Don’t want to get out of the car? Take the scenic roadways along the countryside to witness fall colors from the comfort of your car.

Family fun or a romantic weekend, there will be plenty of things to do while viewing the leaves.

And, if local music and arts are your thing, check out daily events happening throughout the region.

For more trip ideas in Northeast Tennessee, click here.

 

Remember to leave our trails with no trace, so adventures can last a lifetime.