Fall is officially here! It’s my favorite season—the hot, heavy days of summer give way to cooler air, vibrant colors, and the chance to finally step outside without hiding in the comfort of air conditioning.
This time of year, you can usually find us on the trails of Tennessee’s state parks, soaking in the crisp air and fiery foliage. One of the best parts about fall here is that it lingers longer than in many other places—stretching from September through November—so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the season’s full display.
We’ve been slowly working our way through all of Tennessee’s state parks, but some spots hold a special place in our hearts, especially in autumn.
So, in honor of the autumn equinox, here are five of our favorite places to hike when Tennessee is at its most colorful.
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Great Stone Door Trail- Savage Gulf State Park
- Lost Creek Trail- Tims Ford State Park
- Fiery Gizzard- South Cumberland State Park
- Big South Fork National Recreation Area
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Our all time favorite state park in Tennessee is Fall Creek Falls. This was the first state park to be established and continues to be the most popular. It is beautiful any time of year, but fall really highlights the waterfall surrounded by the trees.
The overlook is an easy hike, right off the parking lot. Visitors of any age and mobility can marvel at the waterfall flowing down to the pool at the bottom. We love to hike to the bottom of the waterfall and also take some of the other smaller trails around the park. No matter which trail you take, you will be rewarded by the colors of fall.
{read the post: Waterfall & Colored Leaves at Fall Creek Falls State Park}
Great Stone Door Trail- Savage Gulf State Park
Savage Gulf State Park has hundreds of miles of trails to enjoy. Visitors have options for their hiking adventures. They can choose a hike along the rim of the gulf. Alternatively, they can hike down in the valleys of the gulf. But our favorite part of Savage Gulf is the Great Stone Door Trail.
This trail gives amazing views of the gulf before going down through the rocks. The stairs are a little steep and uneven, so be careful as you descend. When you reach the bottom you’ll see that it does look like a giant has left a door slightly ajar. It seems the perfect setting for a fantasy story.
{read the post: The Colors of Fall at the Great Stone Door- Savage Gulf State Park}
Lost Creek Trail- Tims Ford State Park
There is nothing better than a long suspension bridge surrounded by fall colors. One of our favorite fall hikes is the Lost Creek Trail at Tims Ford State Park. There are a series of bridges as the trail follows the fingers of the hand shaped lake.
The trail winds up and down through the hills, sometimes by the water and sometimes through the trees. The trail ends with a beautiful view of the lake from above. Just be cautious where you step as the leaves cover whatever rocks and roots may be sticking out.
{read the post: One Last Fall Hike- Tims Ford State Park}
Fiery Gizzard- South Cumberland State Park
Another favorite place to hike is the area of South Cumberland State Park known as the Fiery Gizzard. We love it partly for the funny name, and partly for the great views. The most popular trail in the Fiery Gizzard is down to Foster Falls. This time of year, there is very little water coming down the falls, but the colorful trees are beautiful.
Once you’ve hiked down to the falls, then be sure to take the trail that follows along the rim. Seeing the valley from the bottom to the top gives entirely different perspectives on the beauty of the area. The colors seem deeper or brighter depending on which perspective you are enjoying them from.
{read the post: Autumn at the Fiery Gizzard- South Cumberland State Park}
Big South Fork National Recreation Area
Sitting on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky is the Big South Fork National Recreation Area. This is a beautiful place to hike with rocky river beds surrounded by colorful trees. The trail down to the river is pretty mild. But the giant boulders to climb at the bottom are anything but mild.
Climbing the rocks and seeing the incredible mix of rock, river, and trees is really beautiful. It makes for a great place to be surrounded by natural wonder. This also proved a misadventure for us when our tent was flooded in the middle of the night.
{read the post: Camping in Big South Fork National Recreation Area}
Are you looking for more on experiencing fall in the state parks of Tennessee? They have put together a great collection of information with colorful hikes, cozy cabins, and fall getaways. Check out their website: Tennessee State Parks- Experience Fall.
Tennessee is full of beautiful places to hike in fall. With no end of rolling hills and rivers- any area is going to be perfect for fall hiking. If you need us in the next couple months, we’ll probably be hiking somewhere. We will be soaking up all the crisp air and bright leaves that we can. Happy Fall Equinox!
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