Fall in Tennessee rarely arrives all at once. While September may bring the first hints of cooler weather to Lakeland, much of the landscape can remain decidedly green for weeks. Travel east, however, and higher elevations may already be beginning their annual transformation.
That gradual change is part of what makes fall in Tennessee interesting. Because the state stretches from the Mississippi River to the Appalachian Mountains, elevation, temperature, and geography vary considerably from one end to the other. As a result, Tennessee’s fall colors tend to progress across the state rather than peak everywhere on the same weekend.
For Lakeland residents hoping to plan an autumn drive, hike, or day trip, that means there can be several opportunities to catch colorful scenery from October into early November…