One of the most easily accessed, and yet hardly taken advantage of, getaway destinations is certainly the state of Tennessee. Nestled centrally in the heart of America’s South, there are a widespread variety of attractions in the state’s east, middle, and south - from stunning national parks to unforgettable museums you will definitely want to visit Tennessee this fall.  

 

East 

Take any path in East Tennessee - you’ll end up someplace memorable. Visit vast Cherokee National Forest. Hike the Appalachian Trail. Sing along in Bristol, Birthplace of Country Music. Take a whitewater challenge on the Ocoee River. We're giddy over glorious blooming dogwood trees, melt in your mouth cornbread and the amazing biscuit. 

 

Home to a remarkable number of attractions, landmarks, and natural wonders, Eastern Tennessee is a spectacular region just waiting to be explored. Along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park features ridge upon ridge of forests at America's most visited National Park. World-famous for its biodiversity, ancient mountains, and Southern Appalachian mountain culture. A drive down Cades Cove offers motorists the opportunity to leisurely see the sights on an 11-mile, one way loop. Enjoy a challenging hike to the crest of a mountain, or relax with a sunset picnic, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the perfect place for everyone. Whether you want to take an auto tour, head to one of the Park’s many waterfalls, or visit a historic area, there’s plenty to explore in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. In the Smokies high country, over an average of 85 inches of rain falls, plus the elevation gradient of the region makes prime conditions for some of America’s most stunning waterfalls.  

 

Over in Sullivan County, Bristol is a beautifully revitalized and walkable downtown. Straddling the Tennessee Virginia border, Bristol is guaranteed to make you feel right at home. With locally owned restaurants, breweries, shops, galleries, hotels, and businesses – even an award-winning craft distillery – Bristol is a great place to enjoy the local flavor. Explore the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a Smithsonian Institute Affiliate, and discover the story of the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions, a most historic event sparking the "big bang of country music." With rotating exhibits created in-house by guest curators, the Museum features interactive programs and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the studio at Radio Bristol. Host to the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum welcomes over 100 bands on 13 stages in Downtown Bristol for this three day annual music festival.  

 

For an outdoor adventure while visiting Chattanooga, a hike to Edwards Point is a must do in the Scenic City. With multiple viewpoints of the Tennessee River Gorge, the Middle Creek Gorge, and the Chattanooga Valley, the trail to Edwards Point takes guests through rock gardens, over bridge crossings, and lush trails. Looking for a little more thrill? Chattanooga is home to some of the country's best rock climbing offers. A difficult, but deeply rewarding sport requiring strength, balance, and a keen knowledge of safety systems, Chattanooga’s sandstone boulders and cliffs surround the city and provide climbers with a lifetime of challenging lines. With three climbing gyms in the city, beginners looking to climb for the first time are in great hands. From bouldering and lead climbing to our outdoor walls and Kid Zone, we have something great for everyone! Considered one of the country’s coolest gyms, get to know all the activities that High Point Climbing features. Showing travelers some southern hospitality, the supportive climbing community of Chattanooga is happy to share their knowledge of the area’s best climbing spots.  

 

Tucked in the hills of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is a popular place to celebrate any time of year. Dollywood offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the incredible spirit of its people, all at a place fun for all ages. Taste award winning recipes, experience heart pounding thrills and witness incredible performances sure to become memories you'll treasure always. Stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa or a Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins rental while you explore the Great Smoky Mountains. 
nps.gov/grsm  
birthplaceofcountrymusic.org  
visitchattanooga.com  
highpointclimbing.com  
dollywood.com  

 

Middle 

Rich in heritage, culture and scenic beauty, Middle Tennessee provides genuine Southern hospitality and delivers an unparalleled creative music experience. Rolling hills and fertile valleys dot the land around Nashville, Tennessee's capital, and the Upper Cumberland. Middle Tennessee includes the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau, the Nashville Basin and the dramatic Highland Rim landscape. 

 

In Middle Tennessee, explore where the Cumberland and Red Rivers meet at Fort Defiance in Clarksville. Located on a 200-foot bluff above the rivers, this center of activity and industry has been buzzing for over two centuries. From a Native American settlement to an 18th-century trading center to a Civil War fort, Fort Defiance is full of history. In the more than 1,500 square-foot Interpretive Center, visitors learn of the site's Civil War past – being captured by Union forces in 1862 and becoming an enlistment location for the United States Colored Troops. Donated to the city of Clarksville in 1982, Fort Defiance is a remarkably well-preserved property, including still discernible outer earthworks, powder magazine, and a gun platform.  

 

Rev your motor at Lane Motor Museum in Nashville. Featuring 150 unique cars and motorcycles, it is home to the largest European collection in the U.S. Ranging from the early 1900s up to the modern-day, the vehicles at Lane Motor Museum have shaped history across the globe. With a varied collection of microcars, amphibious vehicles, military vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, prototypes, one-of-a-kind vehicles, and motorcycles, Lane Motor Museum is a working museum with the goal being to maintain all vehicles in running order.  

 

The Carnton Plantation was built in 1826 by former Nashville mayor Randal McGavock in Franklin, Tennessee. The plantation, in its early years, was visited by many who shaped American history such as president Andrew Jackson. What really makes this house famous is its importance in the Civil War. In November of 1864, the plantation house served as a hospital for injured confederate soldiers in the Battle of Franklin. Hundreds of soldiers were treated at Carnton, and the site remains a burial ground for many. You can tour this gorgeous property and experience its place in American History.  

 

Located at the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins, and Rocky Rivers on Center Hill Lake, Rock Island State Park is an 883-acre park full of rugged beauty and majestic scenery. A state park since 1969, Rock Island contains scenic overlooks, waterfalls, deep pools, and limestone paths perfect for hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and exploring. Offering a natural sand beach and boating access onto the Lake, Rock Island State Park has some of the finest cabins in the Tennessee State Park system – open all year round. From cascading waterfalls to exhilarating white water rapids, the park has been attracting visitors from around the globe. Offering some of the most scenic and significant overlooks in the Eastern Highland Rim, nature, history, and one of a kind adventure come alive at Rock Island State Park.  

 

Be sure to see the bright lights of the big city in Downtown Nashville. With honky tonks, flashing neon signs, and a slew of tourists and locals alike, Downtown Nashville’s Broadway is buzzing with activity any time of the day or night. Enjoy world class music all year round, explore historic buildings and monumental sites, and revel in the luxurious amenities of the area, like chef driven restaurants and delightful boutique hotels.
cityofclarksville.com  
lanemotormuseum.org 
boft.org  
tnstateparks.com  
visitmusiccity.com  

 

West 

Southern and soulful, West Tennessee blends a raw, urban can do spirit with rural charm, delivering its own rhythm of extraordinary experiences, iconic artists and diverse culture. Gear up for major merrymaking in the city. Or, savor small town charm. West Tennessee shines in its music mojo, legendary landmarks, taste worthy traditions and an awesome array of recreation in our great outdoors. 

 

Over on the West side of Tennessee, history, science, and music collide. At Casey Jones Village, visitors experience the best whistle stop between Memphis and Nashville. Located in Jackson, Tennessee, be sure to grab a bite to eat at the world-famous Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store restaurant. Dedicated to preserving the Southern history and food heritage of the area, the Old Country Store restaurant serves up delicious and authentic Southern food every day. After a walkthrough of Casey Jones’s historic home, explore the many exhibits dedicated to Casey's life and famous last ride at the Railroad Museum. Enjoy a short film about the story of Casey Jones and pictures with a 35-ton locomotive, where kids of all ages climb aboard and ring the bell just like Casey. Discover a “hands on" authentic Southern food experience at the Farm at Casey Jones Village, with its Saturday morning farmers market, century old barn and cotton gin building, and large vegetable garden – the first American Heart Association Teaching Garden in West Tennessee. Be sure to cool off with a scoop of ice cream at the rare 1880s soda fountain, one of only 75 ever made. Bring back those memories of days gone by in Jackson, Tennessee.  

 

Visit Sun Studio in Memphis and see the “Birthplace of Rock ‘N Roll.” Where Elvis recorded his first album and musicians including Johnny Cash, Roy Orbinson, Jerry Lee Lewis and B.B. King recorded. Take a guided tour of the studio's headquarters and see the equipment used to record some of the best known hits in American music history, like Elvis Presley's 1954 recording session microphone. 

 

Memphis is home to some of the greatest struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. The National Civil Rights Museum has artifacts, interactive media and external listening posts that guide visitors through centuries of history. From the beginning of slavery and the initial resistance to the events of the late 20th century that inspired a demand for equality, you’ll be moved by the many exhibits highlighting the heroes and events of the movement.  See iconic figures such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr. and learn even more about their legacies.  

 

At Discovery Park of America’s state of the art, 100,000 square feet of eye opening action – kids and adults of all ages will love a visit to this Union City attraction. Sitting on a beautifully landscaped heritage park, Discovery Park of America features amazing treasures for the whole family. Create your own weather pattern, race solar powered airplanes, and press your nose against a 20,000 gallon aquarium.  Discover a suit of armor, feel how the New Madrid earthquakes changed the land, and watch Discovery Park of America work its magic on the whole family. A world class educational and entertainment experience Discovery Park features interactive and fun experiences that await visitors, including a large collection of dinosaurs and a glass floored observation tower. Outside on the 50-acre heritage park, find a working gristmill, a turn of the century Train Depot with a full-size engine, passenger cars and caboose, a new permanent agriculture exhibit on farming innovation, historical exhibits, and lush gardens.  
caseyjones.com  
sunstudio.com 
civilrightsmuseum.org  
discoveryparkofamerica.com  

 

More Places to Visit in Tennessee