6 Stunning Places to Fall for Foliage in Rural Tennessee
Colorblind viewfinder at Laurel Gulf Overlook in South Cumberland State Park. ©Journal Communications/David Duplessis
Veering off the beaten path in autumn is not only fun; it’s a great way to discover some of the state’s most stunning – and lesser-known – spots to savor fall foliage. Even those with color vision deficiencies can enjoy the scenery through special colorblind viewfinders at 12 of Tennessee’s lookouts (four are included here). Scroll through the slideshow for a few locales to visit this fall.
South Cumberland State Park, Fiery Gizzard and Savage Gulf
Grundy Franklin, Marion & Sequatchie Counties (viewfinder at Laurel Gulf Overlook)
South Cumberland State Park, Fiery Gizzard and Savage Gulf. ©Journal Communications/David Duplessis
Spanning four Tennessee counties – Grundy, Franklin, Marion and Sequatchie – the sprawling South Cumberland State Park boasts spectacular hiking and backcountry camping, with sweeping overlooks of the gorge and several waterfalls. A popular climbing destination, Fiery Gizzard is also known for an awesome trail that winds along a shaded creek flanked by ferns and rock walls. Sandstone cliffs and canyons make Savage Gulf State Natural Area one of the state’s most rugged sites; hike about a mile down to Stone Door, a 10-foot-by-100-foot crevice stretching from the top of the escarpment like a giant door left ajar.
While You’re There: Arrive at the family-owned Jim Oliver’s Smoke House with an empty stomach and leave happy after feasting on the all-you-can-eat food bar or a from-the-menu meal of Tennessee country ham or smoked beef brisket. Every Friday and Saturday night, the live, family-friendly “Music on the Mountain” show hosts some of the best artists and songwriters from Nashville, free of charge.
Standing Stone State park is NOT in Overton County,It is in Clay county