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Fall Family Vacation Ideas
Where to Enjoy the Colors of Fall from Coast to Coast
By Donna Smith and Shelly Hemig
Most years, the leaves turn the last two weeks of October through the first two weeks of November. For additional park information call 512-389-8900, or visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/lostmap or www.cowboycapital.com.
Tennessee is home to many national and state parks that annually attract hundreds of thousands of visitors who travel to see the season's magic. According to Dwight Barnett, spokesman for the Tennessee Division of Forestry, the varying elevations and large number of foliage species make Tennessee one of the most diverse and vibrant stages to view the changing colors.
The colors in east Tennessee generally peak before the other locations within the state. The best times to view colors in this area are the second and third week of October. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for ranger-led walks, hikes and presentations.
The colors in middle Tennessee generally begin to appear about a week after the east Tennessee region. Black gums, dogwoods and sourwoods are usually among the first to change. Edgar Evans State Park, Standing Stone State Park and Big South Fork National Park are great destinations in this region.