There’s just something special about fall in East Tennessee. The air feels crisp, and the leaves turn beautiful hues of orange, yellow and red…and suddenly the outdoors is calling your name. These are four of our favorite fall hikes that show off the season at its best — from big overlooks to peaceful strolls.
House Mountain
Get ready to break a sweat but trust us, it’s worth every step. At 2,100 feet, House Mountain is Knox County’s highest point and offers incredible overlooks of the Cumberlands, Smoky Mountains, and Clinch Mountains. The 6-mile Crest Trail is rated difficult with some challenging climbs, but the ridge rewards you with multiple scenic stops across the summit.
Join Legacy Parks for a group hike at House Mountain on Friday, October 17th at 10am, as part of the Mountain Commerce Bank Challenge. It’s free and fun! Learn more and sign up here - https://legacyparks.org/mountain-commerce-bank-challenge-2025/
Sequoyah Greenway
Discover the best spot for casual strolls along the Tennessee River on the greenway that runs through a beautiful neighborhood in the center of the tree-lined the Boulevard. The big oak and maple trees along the river and boulevard show off classic fall color. The 2.7-mile soft surface greenway trail is mostly flat which makes for a great outing for families, strollers and pups. Or, if you prefer, you can hug the river on the 1.3-mile nature trail along the shoreline.
Sharp’s Ridge
Just minutes from downtown Knoxville, Sharp’s Ridge is proof that you don’t have to drive far to find fall color. The wooded trails stretch for eight miles, offering glimpses of Knoxville’s skyline and the mountains in the distance. Sharp’s Ridge is also a popular spot for birding and home to many songbirds so keep your eyes and ears open as you hike.
The 416-acre state park nestled along the French Broad River is a fall favorite for its diverse landscapes and more than eight miles of scenic trails. Our favorite route begins on the Upland Trail beside the iconic Bluebird Barn, climbing the ridge for sweeping views of the river and surrounding landscapes. From there, connect to the paved greenway to cross the pedestrian bridge and continue onto the Island Loop Trail. For the return, follow the paved path all the way back to the barn. Over 190 bird species call this park home, so take your binoculars and listen closely.
Just across the Tennessee River from downtown, you’ll find fantastic views of fall colors from Pappy’s Peak at Baker Creek Preserve. Less than a mile from the parking lot, this view can be a quick trip, or you can add some of the other trails at the Preserve for a nice wander through the woods. This beautiful natural area has giant sycamore trees, a little creek running through it, and fun features for kids. Baker Creek Preserve is connected to about 40 more miles of trail within Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, so you can hike through the autumn leaves all day if you choose!
Join Legacy Parks for a group hike at Seven Islands on Thursday, November 13th at 10am, as part of the Mountain Commerce Bank Challenge. It’s free and fun! Learn more and sign up here - https://legacyparks.org/mountain-commerce-bank-challenge-2025/
Fall doesn’t last long, but it sure makes a big impression. Whether you’re chasing panoramic views on House Mountain, strolling riverside at Sequoyah, or spotting birds at Seven Islands, these trails show off East Tennessee at its very best. We’ll see you out on the trail!
These parks and events are a great place to start, but there’s plenty more to do and see on the Outdoor Knoxville Guide’s calendar and park guide.
Legacy Parks Foundation is an East Tennessee nonprofit that works to conserve our natural resources, create public places, and connect communities. Since 2005, Legacy Parks has raised over $21 million for parks and open space, helped conserve 1,000 acres of forest and farmland, and added over 700 acres of parkland in the region.
