New England steals most of the attention when it comes to fall foliage in the U.S., but leaf peepers can discover a whole new world of autumn colors in the southeastern part of the country. Scenic drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway amaze drivers with their spectacular views. National parks like the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah are home to more than a hundred species of trees--each with its own fall hue. Groves of cypress trees in the Gulf Coast states are spectacularly beautiful in autumn. The best part: leaves in the south turn later meaning that visitors can find stunning fall colors there well into November.
Upper South/Greater Appalachia
Fall is the busiest time of year in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park and it's because the trees put on a spectacular show. The colors draw crowds from Washington D.C. which is just 70-some miles away. Hiking the easy 1.1 miles to the Bearfence Viewpoint gives visitors a 180-degree view of autumn foliage. The park service recommends visiting during the week and buying entrance passes online to avoid long waiting times.
- Scenic Hike: Bearfence Viewpoint, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia - easy, 1.1 miles
Like Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee experiences a busy autumn, so travelers need to make hotel reservations well in advance. While the popular Cabes Cove scenic drive offers spectacular views, it also causes traffic delays. Visitors should try other alternatives like the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Another alternative is taking a ride on The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad which offers a 32-mile, roundtrip leaf-peeping excursion from Bryson City.
- Scenic Drives: Cabes Cove (11 miles) and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (6 miles), Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Scenic Train: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
The Blue Ridge Parkway along the Blue Ridge Mountains and connects Shannondoah with the Great Smoky Mountains. That means drivers on this All American Road get the best of both worlds. It stretches about 470 miles from Afton, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina. Since it traverses a variety of elevations and climates, fall travelers can find places with prime colors at almost any time in October. Beware! People reserve accommodations in the area months ahead of the season, so leaf peepers should plan in advance.
- Scenic Drive: Blue Ridge Parkway from Afton, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina - about 470 miles, 45 mph speed limit
South Atlantic States
Greenville, South Carolina, about halfway between Charlotte and Atlanta, is the perfect destination for finding colorful autumn leaves in late October. The town is near three state parks: Caesars Head, Paris Mountain, and Jones Gap. Each offers gorgeous overviews of the forests, but visitors don't even have to go that far. They can explore Falls Park which runs along the Reedy River right in the center of town for amber, gold, and crimson leaves. Cyclists should follow the paved Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail through the park.
- Scenic Bike Path: Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, Greenville, South Carolina - 22 miles
Farther down south, the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway in northern Georgia won't disappoint people looking for fall colors in late October. This mountain road takes drivers through the Chattahoochee National Forest and along the Blue Ridge Mountains. For spectacular views, visitors should stop along the way and hike up to the Brasstown Bald, the highest point in northern Georgia.
- Scenic Drive: Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway, Helen, Georgia - about 40 miles
Gulf States
Four hours to the west in neighboring Alabama, the Little River Canyon Nature Preserve draws visitors year-round to see its unique rock formations, waterfalls, and population of raptors and vultures. Those who visit in late October and early November also get to see incredible reds, oranges, and yellows. The preserve's Little River Canyon Rim Parkway is an 11-mile drive with eight fantastic overlooks.
- Scenic Drive: Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, Highway 176, Alabama - 11 miles
The Natchez Trace Parkway cuts diagonally across Mississippi into the northwestern corner of Alabama and on into Tennessee. As it stretches through the dense forests, it reveals some stunning hues of leaves. North of Jackson, at mile marker 122, this All American Road passes by Cypress Swamp. Autumn travelers should stop here and stroll through the swamp on the wooden walkways for some truly unique fall leaves.
- Scenic Drive: Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee - 440 miles
- Scenic Hike: Cypress Swamp, Canton - .4 miles
Leaf peepers in northwestern Florida will find some fantastic fall foliage along the shores of Lake Seminole in Three Rivers State Park. Here, the leaves turn in November. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals so visitors can take in the views from the water. Those who are worried about 'gators can hike one of the park's paths instead.
Missouri and Arkansas
No southern leaf-peeping tour could be complete without the Ozarks. This mountain range in Missouri and Arkansas offers some astounding views of autumnal forest canopies in October. Visitors should drive along Scenic Byway 7 which runs north-south through Arkansas. Dense pine forests mix with deciduous species for a spectacular mix of colors.
- Scenic Drive: Scenic Byway 7, Arkansas, 290 miles