If leaf looking is your thing, then this map is for you. Deep in the Appalachian Mountains, Northeast Tennessee attracts guests from all over the country in anticipation of peak fall foliage.
The peak time for fall foliage in Northeast Tennessee this year is the end of October to the beginning of November. 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.
As crisp air and cool days return to Northeast Tennessee, it is now time to start planning your trip to the picture-perfect mountains. Here are some of the best places to get 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. For extra family fun, check out the nature center. You may be lucky enough to see a wolf roll around in the autumn leaves,
2. Pinnacle Tower Trail, Unicoi
Located at 3,500 ft. on Buffalo Mountain in Unicoi County, Tennessee, this 40 ft tower offers bird’s eye views of both Unicoi and Washington Counties. At the top, you can the beautiful fall 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, Roan Mountain State Park encompasses more than 2,000 acres dominated by rich hardwood forest along rugged ridges. With 11 trails with varying levels of difficulty, there is a hike for everyone to see the view and the colors.
4. Cherokee National Forest
Ready for an old-fashioned Sunday drive? 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? No worries! You can take the scenic route and drive through the Forest to see the fall trees from the comfort of your car.
You can book guided hiking trips through White Blaze Outdoors,
“Similar to any meteorological forecast, leaf predictions will never be 100% accurate. However, after publishing our predictive fall foliage map for nearly a decade, we are quite confident in our data sources, process, and algorithm. Our experience combined with a scheduled mid-season update has us especially confident about this year’s predictions. Our goal is that this data-based, interactive tool will increase the number of people that are able to enjoy peak fall in 2021,” founder and statistical expert David Angotti said.
Leave No Trace
Remember to leave our trails with no trace, so adventures can last a lifetime.
Whether you plan on spending your nights beside the campfire, or relaxing in a luxurious city suite, here are our favorite places to stay.
Family fun or a romantic weekend, there will be plenty of things to do while viewing the leaves.
For more trip ideas in Northeast Tennessee, click here.
