This US State Has Become A Booming Tourist Destination & Fall Is A Gorgeous Time To Visit

Something about spending days outside in fall just hits differently. There's an unexplainable coziness to it. Strolling outdoors through a park with a piping hot beverage in your hands, playing your favorite song in your headphones, as your shoes crunch through the freshly fallen leaves, is a day well spent. There are plenty of places to spend fall as the weather cools down in the U.S., however Tennessee is making a name for itself among tourists as an absolute gem of a state to visit as the leaves change color and the heat simmers down.

Tennessee is typically known for being the "Birthplace of the Blues" and "Home of Country Music," but this southeastern state is chock-full of jaw-dropping scenery, rolling hills, and views that come to life with bright colors once fall rolls around. Not to mention a killer food scene as well. Nashville hot chicken, anyone? Recently, Tennessee has seen a booming growth in tourism, with an estimated $31.7 billion dollars put into the economy thanks to the state's stunning natural beauty, eclectic music scene, lively festivals and of course, that good 'ol famous southern charm. 

With over half the state being covered in forestland, some of the most beautiful landscapes in America can be seen in Tennessee. Rolling hills, misty mountain views, and plenty of natural beauty offer visitors countless photo opportunities that will have leaf-loving shutterbugs singing anything but the blues.

While there are many American road trips you should take before you die, driving the winding roads through the hills and mountains of Tennessee will certainly provide unforgettable fall foliage views. With mild fall temperatures dropping into the mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit, Tennessee is the ultimate mix of mild, yet cozy crisp weather without the arctic blast of its northern state neighbors.

Head to Great Smoky National Park, which is just 36 miles away from Knoxville, for the ultimate outdoor driving experience. Covering over 800 square miles, Great Smoky National Park has over 384 miles of roads to explore that are blanketed in bright oranges, reds, yellows, and greens throughout fall. The Foothills Parkway offers drivers a scenic, yet more relaxed drive with less crowds, less traffic, and endless picturesque views.

Take a two-to-three-hour long scenic drive along the Cherohala Skyway that spans 43 miles and passes through Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. With its winding curves, beautiful views, and less traffic, this highway route is a favorite lesser known highway among motorcycle enthusiasts who want to experience less crowds than the popular Tail of the Dragon route without compromising on stunning scenery. While riding through Tellico Plains, make a short 11-mile detour and visit the spectacular 90-foot-high Bald River Falls. 

Music legends such as Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin, and Kenny Chesney all hail from Tennessee, so it's no wonder music festivals, live shows, and late nights out while tapping your boots on the dance floor with a shot of Jack Daniel's Whiskey are the norm. Whether it be blues, rock and roll, or country, music is an important part of Tennessee's culture. 

Fall in Tennessee means festival season. While music festivals are guaranteed, there's something for everything once the temperatures cool down. The Cheekwood Harvest running September 13 to October 30, 2025 makes for the perfect photo backdrop for parents looking to snap festive fall pictures of their little ones. With over 75,000 locally-grown pumpkins and over 5,000 colorful mums decorating the grounds, you'll feel fall ready as you take in the live music, food trucks, and much more.

Nothing beats eating fresh seasonal ingredients that are put together to create savory and delicious dishes, and to get the most out of your food tourism experience, look no further than Tennessee. During fall, Tennessee turns pumpkins, squash, and heirloom tomatoes into delectable meals that you're sure to remember. Grab a plate and feast on dishes like sweet potato pie, fried green tomatoes, or pumpkin cornbread, then wash it down with spiced apple cider to really taste the flavors of the south.