Most people think of New England as the premier destination for viewing fall foliage, but there are other states that offer premium views of colorful fall leaves. Tennessee is just such a state, with Great Smoky Mountains National Park and numerous fall foliage tour opportunities. The park, which according to MSNBC is the "most visited in the entire country," offers a stunning view of changing colors on trees 3,500 feet above sea level. Starting first in October, East Tennessee offers the first glimpse of foliage, with the western portion of the state following suit in late October/early November. There are more than 400 species of trees there that boast brightly colored leaves throughout the fall season.
For a more romantic fall foliage tour, climb aboard the Evening Eco-Cruise. This tour travels down the Tennessee River in an area known as Tennessee's Grand Canyon. Visitors see an array of fall colors found on trees around the canyon. The captain of the tour boat also provides narration about the Native American history of the area. There are binoculars on board for closer viewing of foliage and wildlife, and the boat moves at a snail's pace, so visitors don't miss a thing. The tour also includes a full barbecue dinner for guests.
Tennessee River Fall Evening Eco-Cruise
Everybody Loves Travel
800-617-3244
fallfoliagetours.net
The Tennessee Central Railway Museum offers patrons an opportunity to view the colorful leaves around the state from an authentic rail setting. With large windows made for sightseeing, this excursion train also has air conditioning, plush seating and extra on-board activities. Leaving from Cookeville, the fall foliage jaunt is a 180-mile round-trip venture, traveling through the Tennessee countryside for glimpses of fall color, as well as through some of the smaller towns in the state, such as Watertown and Monterey.
Super Fall Foliage Trip I
Tennessee Central Railway Museum
220 Willow St.
Nashville, TN 37210-2159
615-244-9001
tcry.org
Departing from Madison, Wisconsin, the Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage Tour offers visitors an opportunity to view the stunning fall colors present on this massive mountain range that runs through Tennessee. This tour boasts a local guide that spends three hours with the group, providing some informative narrative on the area, the foliage and the history associated with the mountain range. The tour stops at Newfound Gap, which serves as the marker for the North Carolina and Tennessee state line, offering visitors an opportunity to view the scenic fall foliage high above the treeline. The tour also stops at Pigeon Forge, Graceland and a slew of other attractions around the state.
Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage
Badger Coaches
5501 Femrite Drive
Madison, WI 53718
608-255-6771
badgerbus.com
