Why Fall is the Perfect Time for an Epic Tennessee Road Trip
Tennessee's iconic destinations—Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Great Smoky Mountains—each offer exceptional getaways. Link them into a single road trip, surround it with vibrant fall foliage, and layer in can't-miss events, and you create an unforgettable adventure.
Even better: Tennessee is compact, so driving distances are short and manageable. Reaching the state is straightforward, with expanded direct flights to major airports like Memphis International, Nashville International, Chattanooga Metropolitan, and McGhee Tyson in Knoxville.
In short, this isn't a trip requiring weeks of vacation time. It's ideal for a long weekend or week—plan now, then customize to your pace and preferences.
Memphis
Start with Memphis's vibrant energy and historic milestones. The city and Shelby County mark their bicentennial with fall events, highlighted by the November 24 Shelby County 200th birthday celebration featuring fireworks and free cupcakes.
Reflect on local history via the new Memphis Women’s Legacy Trail, a self-guided path with 25 stops from Beale Street (honoring jazz icon Alberta Hunter) to Elmwood Cemetery, resting place of suffragette Lide Smith Meriwether and other trailblazers. This stunning 167-year-old site—a cemetery, bird sanctuary, and arboretum—is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Explore more at the renovated Pink Palace Museum, featuring a replica of the original Piggly Wiggly store, the Clyde Parke Miniature Circus, and a recreation of Memphis's first museum.
Discover modern highlights like the 36-mile Wolf River Greenway (prime for fall biking) and the new Grove at Germantown Performing Arts Centre outdoor venue. Graceland adds fresh appeal with the Graceland Exhibition Center, hosting National Geographic’s Earth Explorers (through Sept. 9), a Muhammad Ali exhibit (through Sept. 15), and a motorcycles retrospective (through Nov. 23).
Nashville
Nashville's recent renaissance has elevated its classics—Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry, Bluebird Cafe, Prince’s Hot Chicken, and Lower Broadway’s Honky Tonk Highway—with world-class dining, boutique hotels, and cultural gems.
Standouts include chef John Stephenson’s New American spot Hathorne and the 23-room Russell hotel in repurposed church buildings—the latter supports local homelessness initiatives.
Fuel up for fall festivals: September’s Americanafest (roots, folk, soul music); October’s Artober (art, dance, music extravaganza); and the 30th Southern Festival of Books (featuring Ann Patchett, Pico Iyer, Dani Shapiro, Paul Theroux).
Chattanooga
Chattanooga shines outdoors in fall, with the Riverwalk's trees painting the Tennessee River in reds, yellows, and oranges.
Hike 10 miles west in Prentice Cooper State Forest for foliage and fall bird migrations (warblers, loons, kingbirds). Soar above via hang gliding off Lookout Mountain, then join a lantern-lit Ruby Falls tour recreating its 1928 discovery.
Don't miss the iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel, enhanced by refreshed Glen Miller Gardens and the Songbirds Guitar Museum with rare guitars and live music.
Knoxville
Knoxville buzzes with festivities, led by the Tennessee Valley Fair's 100th anniversary (Sept. 6-15), boasting concerts (Keith Sweat, KC and the Sunshine Band), competitions, circus acts, fireworks, and classic fair eats.
The Bijou Theatre celebrates 110 years with stars like Dweezil Zappa and Lewis Black, echoing its legacy (Marx Brothers, Joan Baez, Ramones).
Catch fall colors on the Three Rivers Rambler steam train or the Knoxville Urban Wilderness's 50 miles of trails across 1,000 forested acres.
The Smokies (Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg)
Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg thrive against the Great Smoky Mountains.
Dollywood's new Wildwood Grove offers foliage-inspired rides like Treetop Tower, Smoky Mountain Mexican at Till & Harvest, and heritage music by Wild Roots Band. Views soar from the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island in Pigeon Forge, plus 7D Dark Ride, Flying Horse Carousel, and bumper cars.
At Gatlinburg’s Anakeesta, pilot the U.S.-first Rail Runner coaster, ride Ridge Rambler vehicles, and sip at the Overlook beer garden amid epic fall vistas. Play all day at the new Gatlinburg Pinball Museum.
Country fans: Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Gatlinburg serves twisted Southern fare like Tater Tot Poutine and daily emerging talent shows.
Cap it at Great Smoky Mountains National Park—America's most-visited. Drive Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail into the Blue Ridge Parkway for peak foliage.
Ready to Go? Plan Your Tennessee Road Trip
This year, Travelzoo is falling for the South. Check out our picks for the best eye-popping autumn colors, entertaining festivals, charming small towns and mouth-watering foodie finds.
