Relaxing Fall Weekend Getaways from Knoxville, Tennessee

Fall in East Tennessee is a beautiful time of the year. The trees glow with shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the cool mornings and mild afternoons make it the perfect time to get out and explore. While Knoxville has plenty of ways to celebrate the season, there are also several easy day trips and weekend getaways nearby that make for the perfect fall escape. Here are a few of our favorite fall getaways from Knoxville!

1. Tellico Plains & Cherohala Skyway
Tellico Plains is a little over an hour’s drive south of Knoxville. We recommend starting your day with breakfast at Tellico Grains Bakery or coffee at Trout Mountain Coffeehouse. Then head to Bald River Falls, which reopened in 2025. This beautiful waterfall can be seen from your car, or you can park and take a brief walk to the viewing area.

After enjoying the waterfall, make your way to the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center. Grab a map and set off on your scenic drive, where you can enjoy the beautiful fall colors and mountain overlooks. If you make no stops, you will come to Robbinson, North Carolina, in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, but we recommend stopping and enjoying the views along the way! If this is a day trip, consider grabbing lunch at a local restaurant before taking the skyway back to Knoxville. If you want to turn this into a relaxing overnight stay, check out the Snowbird Mountain Lodge and Rivers Edge Treehouse Resort.

2. Townsend & The Great Smoky Mountains
No East Tennessee fall guide is complete without mentioning the Great Smoky Mountains. However, the area can become quite busy in the fall. If you are interested in a more leisurely getaway, we recommend exploring Townsend, which is nicknamed “the peaceful side of the Smokies”. Townsend is about a 45-minute drive southwest of Knoxville. Start your day with breakfast at the Riverstone family restaurant or coffee at Towns End coffee shop.

Next, make your way into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and head to Cades Cove for a leisurely drive around the loop. We recommend starting early to beat traffic, and make sure to stop at the Cades Cove Visitor Center to explore historic cabins and possibly catch a live blacksmith demonstration. As you make your way around the loop, stop and enjoy the sights or even take a hike. If this is a day trip from Knoxville, head back to Townsend after driving the loop and grab lunch at the Peaceful Side Brewery before making your way to Knoxville. If you are staying overnight, spend more time enjoying the park and check out Dancing Bear Lodge or Little Arrow Resort for accommodations.

3. Chattanooga & Lookout Mountain
Chattanooga is a beautiful city and an easy drive from Knoxville. Located just an hour’s drive south, Chattanooga is a great choice for a day trip or overnight stay. We recommend grabbing breakfast at the Daily Ration or Kenny’s and then enjoying a drive up scenic Lookout Mountain. You can enjoy a hike or visit iconic tourist attractions such as Ruby Falls and Rock City. After a day on the mountain, head back into town and enjoy a walk through the riverfront district. If you plan for an overnight stay, book a show at the Tivoli Theatre, and check out the Edwin or the Kinley for accommodations.

No matter which destination you choose, you’re sure to fall in love with the beauty, charm, and cozy adventures waiting for you this season. We hope you try out one of these fall getaways from Knoxville!

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