25 Ways to See Fall Colors in Chattanooga

When to Visit for Peak Colors

Peak Season: Mid-October through early November is typically the best time to leaf peep in Chattanooga. Higher elevations start turning first, with valleys peaking a week or two later.  

Track Foliage in Real Time: Check the ExploreFall Tennessee Map or SmokyMountains.com Foliage Prediction Map for daily updates while planning your trip.  

Best Conditions: Aim for early morning or golden hour (around 6 – 7 PM) for the best light on fall foliage. Pro tip – head out for the day right after a rain for crisp, clear skies and vibrant colors among the trees!   

Scenic Drives & Overlooks

1. Cruise the winding roads of Lookout Mountain for panoramic views and storybook streets. 

2. Head up to Sunset Rock for a classic Chattanooga sunset with a whimsical foreground of fall foliage. 

3. Drive out to Prentice Cooper State Forest for a quiet scenic drive and catch a spectacular view of the Tennessee River Gorge from Snooper's Rock overlook.  

Hiking Trails

4. Take the most scenic and rugged route with the Cumberland Trail up to beautiful Edward's Point for a view of the city and the Tennessee River slinking through the gorge. 

5.Climb up, up, and up toward the bluffline on the lesser-known Hogskin Loop at North Chickamauga Gorge. 

6. Head off the beaten path on the Laurel Point Loop on Raccoon Mountain for a glimpse of a remote section of the Tennessee River Gorge. 

Water Adventures

7. Paddleboard or kayak along the Tennessee River and enjoy mirror-like reflections of fall colors. 

8. Take a Sunset Riverboat Cruise with the Southern Belle for a relaxing way to view foliage from the water. 

High-Flying Views

9. Ride the historic Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain. 

10. Try hang gliding or skydiving for a once-in-a-lifetime aerial view of the fall canopy. 

Cozy Stays & Campfires

11. Rent a tiny cabin or a treehouse for an unmatched glamping experience. 

12. Connect with nature and take a look at a few of our favorite fall campsites that offer great hiking to see fall colors. 

Urban Parks

13. Pack a picnic or stroll through Coolidge Park and Renaissance Park to enjoy riverfront foliage. 

14. Head up to Point Park for Lookout Mountain views and history all around. 

15. Visit Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center for 130-acres of nature sanctuary. 

Unique Experiences

16. Stay in a yurt at Cloudland Canyon State Park for a fall weekend retreat. 

17. Spend the day looking at fall foliage and exploring small towns with the Copperhill Special train ride through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. 

18. Wander through Sculpture Fields at Montague Park for a unique walk through huge art installations framed in fall colors. 

Fall Festivals & Experiences

19. Visit a local pumpkin patch or farm festival. 

20. Attend harvest events like Ketner's Mill Fair or Oktoberfest. 

21. Chattanooga comes alive with the sounds of bluegrass in the fall! Check out IBMA World of Bluegrass Live! & 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival.

Leaf Peep with a Drink in Hand

22. Grab a drink and a seat at one of the 15 of the Best Restaurants in Chattanooga with Outdoor Seating to people watch and enjoy the fall air. 

23. Who doesn't love a bar with a view? Head up to The Whiskey Thief or Paloma for the best rooftop views in the city, leaves and all!

Get Sporty with it

24. With more than 100 miles of singletrack trail within 20 minutes of downtown, take your bike to any of these Fall Mountain Bike Rides for a workout with a view. 

25. Forget hiking, blaze your own path up on some of Chattanooga's Best Fall Climbing Spots to get up to some beautiful views of fall foliage. 

Why Chattanooga is Perfect for Fall

From mountain ridgelines and misty valleys to river reflections and vibrant city parks, Chattanooga offers one of the most diverse fall foliage experiences in the Southeast. Whether you're hiking, driving, or just sitting on a porch swing with a cup of cider, there's no wrong way to take it all in.