Chattanooga Fall Colors 2024

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©Joseph Randall

The Scenic City has its nickname for a good reason. Mountains covered with maples, tupelo, and other deciduous trees burst with saturated colors. Whether by boat along the Tennessee River or on foot, everything aligns to make fall in Chattanooga truly spectacular.

When do leaves change in Chattanooga

To catch the most beautiful fall scenery, plan your trip to Chattanooga from mid to late October. The last week of October and the first week of November is the peak time to see fall foliage in the city. Sometimes the season lasts even until mid-November.

Best places to see fall colors in Chattanooga

What could be better than hiking and enjoying a picnic with the backdrop of fall colors? Fortunately, the stunning scenery in Chattanooga satisfies even the most discerning leaf peepers. To the southwest of the town, there are several hiking destinations such as Point Park and Sunset Rock, offering panoramic views from Lookout Mountain. Alternatively, explore Signal Mountain and discover Signal Point, often shrouded in clouds.

However, when in Chattanooga, one can not miss boating on the Tennessee River. The river's coast stretches for 13 mi (20 km) and is lined with hardwoods that turn burning red, yellow, and orange. You can view fall foliage from cruise ships like the Southern Belle Riverboat.

Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

Over 300 acres (121 ha) of wildlife sanctuary located at the base of Lookout Mountain offer numerous hiking trails to enjoy the fall colors. For those seeking more active recreation, canoeing is also available in the reserve. The Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center is open from 9 am to 4 pm and closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Enterprise South Nature Park

Enterprise South Nature Park is a must-see during the fall foliage season, covering 2,800 wooded acres (1,133 ha). It offers multi-use mountain bike trails, paved pedestrian and bicycle paths, dedicated walking paths, three historical bunker displays, a horse trail (tentative), and a 5.9-mile (9.5 km) scenic overlook drive for the ultimate fall color experience. The park is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm.

Coolidge Park

Coolidge Park offers a variety of activities and scenic views, particularly stunning during the fall foliage. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Tennessee River, play in an interactive water fountain, and walk across one of the world’s largest pedestrian bridges, the Walnut Street Bridge. After these activities, you can have a picnic in the green areas, surrounded by fall colors, and even ride a tiger on the restored 100-year-old antique carousel. Coolidge Park operates daily from 6 am until 9 pm.

Rock City

From September 14 to November 8, 2024, Rock City is open for the Fall Color Season. The gardens and Chattanooga Valley are immersed in full fall splendor. While strolling through the park, guests can listen to Old Time Music. Don't forget to visit the 4,100-foot (1,249 m) Enchanted Trail featuring caves and rock formations, enjoy a view of seven states at Lover’s Leap, and cross the 180-foot Swing-A-Long Bridge. Admission is required to visit Rock City.

River Cruises

You can also admire the colorful autumn landscapes leisurely from the deck of a boat cruising along the Tennessee River. The Southern Belle Riverboat, Chattanooga Duck Tour, and River Gorge Excursions offer great river cruises during the fall colors.

Chattanooga fall foliage train routes

Tennessee Valley Railroad offers scenic routes, including one to Lookout Mountain. Notably, the Incline Railway ascends this historic mountain and holds the record as the world's steepest passenger railway. The Missionary Ridge Local offers a short line ride on a vintage train from Grand Junction Station to East Chattanooga. For those seeking a longer journey, consider the 4.5-hour Hiwassee Loop, a 50-mile (80 km) trip through the stunning Hiwassee River gorge, especially beautiful during the fall foliage season.

North Chickamauga Creek

North Chickamauga Creek Natural Area is situated in Hamilton and Sequatchie counties, 12 miles (19 km) from Chattanooga. Popular among locals and tourists alike, the deep gorge stretches approximately 10 miles (16 km), characterized by steep slopes, sandstone cliffs, and numerous coves. Covering 7,093 acres (2,870 ha), the area features a mixed mesophytic forest along with oak-hickory and oak-pine forests that span much of the gorge.