Beautiful fall colors at the Laurel Gulf overlook in Tennessee's South Cumberland

Fill Your Fall with Color, Not Crowds

Tennessee's South Cumberland is only an hour and a half from Nashville, two and a half hours from Atlanta.

Fall "break" shouldn't be spent fighting crowds! Experience Tennessee's spectacular fall color without the traffic, crowds and packed overlooks.

Just 1½ hours from Nashville or Huntsville. 2½ hours from Atlanta.

Explore 3 state parks and the nation's most beautiful college campus surrounded by 9 authentic communities.

Here are 3 weekend adventures

...or take a full week and do all three!

Chase overlooks & waterfalls at Savage Gulf

Savage Gulf State Park features 60 miles of Tennessee's most scenic hiking trails, including several waterfalls and breathtaking vistas. And clustered around the park are the communities of Beersheba Springs, Altamont, Coalmont, Gruetli-Laager and Palmer -- each with its own unique vibe and history.

Laurel Gulf Overlook - Savage Gulf State Park

Stroll to Laurel Gulf Overlook

Home to the state's first color-blind viewer, this gorgeous overlook is on a paved trail just a half mile from the Savage Gulf North parking lot near Beersheba Springs.

Check out the Savage Gulf area

Follow forest streams & relax by a lake at Fiery Gizzard

Fiery Gizzard State Park centers around Tracy City, which is also the historical hub of the area. Grundy Forest Loop is a short section of the acclaimed Fiery Gizzard Trail, and Grundy Lakes offers a change of pace with lakeside picnic and playground amenities.

Hanes Hole Falls - Fiery Gizzard State Park

Hike the Grundy Forest Loop

This moderate 3-mile hike follows beautiful streams with several picturesque cascades like Hanes Hole Falls.

Check out the Fiery Gizzard area

Take in natural & man-made wonders at Head of the Crow / Sewanee

Sewanee is home to one of Tennessee's newest state parks and the nation's most beautiful campus. Head of the Crow State Park features scenic overlooks, two natural bridges and a cave with an underground river. The University of the South also has miles of hiking trails, beautiful gothic architecture and several overlooks that can be reached by car.