When fall sweeps across the South, the region transforms into a canvas of fiery reds, oranges, and golds. Whether you’re a native Southerner or just visiting, experiencing the changing leaves against the backdrop of the South’s rolling hills, mountains, and rivers is nothing short of magical.
Here’s a guide to some of the most breathtaking fall views across the Southern states, where nature puts on a show you won’t want to miss.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway is often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” and it’s easy to see why, especially in the fall. Stretching for 469 miles, this scenic highway winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering countless overlooks where you can stop and take in panoramic views of the vibrant fall foliage. Early to mid-October is the perfect time to visit, with the higher elevations showcasing the most brilliant colors.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains are a fall wonderland, with over 100 species of trees contributing to a rich tapestry of colors. The park’s diversity in elevation means you can catch peak foliage at different times throughout the season. Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies, offers an unmatched vantage point to see the rolling waves of color stretching as far as the eye can see.
3. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi
Winding through the heart of the South, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers a slower-paced, scenic drive perfect for fall leaf-peeping. The parkway is dotted with historic sites, rivers, and forested areas that burst into color during the autumn months. The mix of hardwood trees, including oaks and maples, ensures a spectacular display of deep reds and oranges.
4. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
The Ozark National Forest in Arkansas is a hidden gem for fall foliage enthusiasts. With its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls, the forest is a perfect backdrop for the autumn colors. The scenic routes, like the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, are particularly stunning, with trees lining the roads creating a tunnel of brilliant fall hues.
5. Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia
Tallulah Gorge is one of the most dramatic canyons in the eastern U.S., and it’s even more breathtaking when the leaves turn. The gorge, which plunges nearly 1,000 feet, is surrounded by forests that burst into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall. The park’s overlooks provide awe-inspiring views, and the suspension bridge offers a unique perspective of the gorge and the fall colors.
6. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park, with its 200,000 acres of protected lands, is a prime spot for autumn leaf viewing. The Skyline Drive, which runs the length of the park, offers 105 miles of stunning fall scenery. As you drive, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley below, with the Blue Ridge Mountains covered in a vibrant blanket of fall foliage.
7. Cades Cove, Tennessee
Cades Cove, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the most popular spots in the park for leaf viewing. The 11-mile loop road through the cove offers easy access to stunning fall colors, set against a backdrop of historic cabins, churches, and rolling meadows. The combination of the vibrant trees and the misty mountain mornings creates a picture-perfect fall scene.
8. Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, South Carolina
The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, also known as Highway 11, offers a stunning fall drive through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The route is dotted with state parks, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks, each offering a unique view of the fall colors. The mix of hardwoods and evergreens ensures a rich palette of colors throughout the season.
