October may be gone but with the colors of fall hanging around a bit longer this year why not head out for a day trip to one of Tennessee’s well-loved local areas or a beautiful state or national park. While the Great Smoky Mountains are a forever favorite, locals can bypass many of the crowds for other beauty within a day’s drive.
To the east, you can take a relaxed trip up I-40 to Seven Islands State Birding Park.https://tnstateparks.com/parks/info/seven-islands. It is Tennessee’s 56th State Park and more importantly the state's first birding park.

The park, bordered by the French Broad River, features eight miles of easy, mowed trails weaving through a diverse ecosystem. Along the route, the trails criss-cross a paved greenway that bisects the park as it winds from the parking area to the water's edge. The landscape ranges from upland hardwoods to river-bottom fields sown in native warm-season grasses. A mowed path welcomes hikers, trail runners, photographers and bird-watchers. In addition to inspirational vistas and colorful wildflowers, there is always the chance to encounter a grouse or witness deer as they graze lazily on a hillside. More than 190 species of birds reside here and will most certainly twill you a song as you trek through the trees and along the river.

To the north and only a one-hour drive from downtown Knoxville is Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. https://www.nps.gov/cuga/index.htm. Tennessee shares the claim to this historic park with Kentucky and Virginia. The park is filled with short hikes and quaint drives ending in breathtaking views. In the fall of the year, the colors are unsurpassed. Take time to talk to one of the many rangers on duty and explore the exhibits inside the National Park headquarters. If you hit it just right, you may get to watch settlers in full pioneer dress as they stir apple butter in a spun brass kettle over an open fire. If for no other reason, go here for the true scent of autumn, cloves, cinnamon and wood smoke. Take a different route home to enjoy the sunset as you drive through Powell Valley.

If you don’t have a full day but are seeking a bit of leaf peeping fun close to Knoxville, head to Big Ridge State Park. https://tnstateparks.com. The park is located in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley range and is adjacent to Big Ridge Lake; a lake known for great fishing, skiing, and rowing. If you’re a bird watcher, you have a good chance of spotting Bald Eagles, Herons, and Kingfishers. The myriad of hiking trails are a great place to see migratory birds in the fall and the hardwoods bring out the best of the fall colors.

One place you don’t want to miss in the fall is the Fort Loudoun State Historic Area. http://fortloudoun.com/. Step back in time to an awe-inspiring location in the valley of the Little Tennessee River, near the Appalachian Mountains. Fort Loudoun State Historic Area provides a glimpse of life during the time of the French and Indian War (1754-1763). The future of the North American continent was in the balance as armies from France, Spain and England fought for control of this land and its vast resources. Native Americans were caught up in this struggle as they strove to protect their homes and way of life. Fort Loudoun (1756-1760), in the heart of the Overhill Cherokee country, played a part in that conflict which eventually laid the foundation for our nation we live in today.

Looking for something a bit more on the beaten path? If you haven’t visited Chattanooga lately then it may be time to go back. https://www.chattanoogafun.com/. Only a two-hour drive south from Knoxville, this city is hopping with outdoor adventure and indoor amenities. The attractions are world class and the views are breathtaking from all around the city. The waterfront improvements rival that of larger cities and shopping for modern, vintage and antique items abound. You can take a river cruise, a ghost or walking tour or enjoy a wine or whiskey tasting. And the eating, take your fat pants. Be sure to check out the Tennessee Aquarium while you’re there. Since Chattanooga is south of Knoxville, the colors change a bit later. You may have so much fun you’ll choose to spend the night in a historic railroad sleeper car or atop a bluff overlooking the Tennessee River.

Most of these day trips will afford an opportunity to stop at farmers markets or buy from local growers set up near the side of the road. Honey, molasses, apples, pumpkins and homemade jams are plentiful this time of year. If you’re traveling on a day during the weekend you might luck into a local festival. Take cash.

Whatever direction you go, you’ll find there is no reason to leave Tennessee for beautiful fall color.