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! In Tennessee’s South Cumberland, the number of fall visitors pales in comparison with the dozens of jaw-dropping overlooks with millions of stunning trees show off their fall foliage.

Best of all, it's just a 1½ drive from Nashville or Huntsville and 2½ hours from Atlanta.

With 3 state parks, a world-class underground music venue and the nation's most beautiful college campus surrounded by 9 authentic communities, there's plenty to explore.

Here are a few options for your itinerary -- choose one for a weekend or take a week and cover all 3...

Savage Gulf area

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

Fiery Gizzard area

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.

See more of the Fiery Gizzard area

Head of the Crow / University area

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.

Sewanee Natural Bridge - Head of the Crow State Park

Check out Sewanee Natural Bridge

This remarkable natural sandstone arch is easily accessible via a 400-foot stair-stepped path from the parking lot.

Explore the Head of the Crow area

When should you visit?

Fall colors here can begin as early as mid-October in some of the higher elevations, such as Altamont, Gruetli-Laager and Beersheba Springs. Colors area-wide tend to peak during the first week of November, but can be beautiful all the way to Thanksgiving if weather cooperates.

Start planning your TRUE fall break now!

Plan Your Adventure