Best Fall Color Day Hikes in the Chattanooga Area

Posted by Nathan Torgerson on Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 at 10:53am.

Chattanoogans, you’re in luck! Our area is one of the most beautiful places in the country to see the fall colors thanks to the diversity of trees and broad elevation changes.

Now that cool weather is finally here, it’s the perfect time to explore all of the prime hiking the Chattanooga area has to offer. It’s hard to predict exactly when fall foliage will be at its peak, but a good rule of thumb is to start at higher elevations earlier in the season in order to see the best color.

Check out our recommendations for the best fall hikes from now until early November:

Mid-October

Andrews Bald (Clingmans Dome Area, Smoky Mountains)

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip

If you want the incredible views of Clingmans Dome without the crowds, get an early start on this trail which is just long enough to cut out some of the riff raft while still being enjoyable for the whole family. The hike begins with a descent down the southern flank of Clingmans Dome, also known as Forney Ridge. Just after World War II this general area was the site of a major military plane crash. At about 1.7 miles hikers will reach the outskirts of Andrews Bald. Keep going about 100 yards or so to find open grassy areas with panoramic views perfect for a picnic lunch.

Directions: From the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, drive 13.2 miles south on Newfound Gap Road to Clingmans Dome Road. Turn right onto Clingmans Dome Road and drive another 7 miles to the end of the road. Due to its popularity, the parking area for the highest point in the Smokies is quite large. Andrews Bald is accessed via the Forney Ridge Trail, which is located at the far end of the parking lot.

Stone Door Loop (Stone Door to Big Creek Gulf to Big Creek Rim Trails in Savage Gulf State Natural Area)

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 7.2 mile loop

The 4.0-mile Big Creek Gulf Trail and the 3.2-mile Big Creek Rim Trail form a loop that penetrates the remote country of this third gorge in the state natural area. If you’re looking for a challenge, the BCG is a steep and rocky trail with very little smooth area, so be sure to wear sturdy boots and bring more water than normal. The trail starts out paved and turns into a dirt trail at the beautiful Laurel Gulf Overlook, which offers impressive views. From there you’ll descend through the stone stairs of the Stone Door formation and make your way down to the Big Creek Gulf. Once you reach the 3.2-mile Big Creek Rim Trail, the hard work is over. This section of the loop is flat, easy and has three overlooks so you can enjoy the incredible views without too much effort!

Directions: From Interstate 24 take exit 127, TN Hwy 50 and go east toward Pelham. The exit is between Monteagle and Manchester. Leaving the Interstate, follow Hwy 50, 18 miles to Altamont. Turn left in Altamont on Hwy 56 and head north through Beersheba Springs. Turn right after 5.5 miles on Stone Door Road, just passed a road side park on the right. It is 1.5 miles to the parking area.The trailhead has heated restrooms, a water fountain, a Ranger Station and trail kiosk.

Mid to Late October

Snooper’s Rock Trail (Cumberland Trail, Prentice Cooper State Forest)

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6 miles round trip

Prentice Cooper State Forest and Wildlife Management Area is a 25,000-acre gem located just a few minutes drive from Downtown Chattanooga. This trail has amazing overlooks of the Tennessee River Gorge, perfect for viewing the changing leaves.

Directions: Take U.S. Highway 127 North to the Signal Mountain Road Exit. Stay on Signal Mountain Road for 3.1 miles, and turn left on Suck Creek Road. Stay on Suck Creek Road for approximately nine miles, and turn left at Choctaw Road. Follow Choctaw for a quarter of a mile. Turn left on Game Reserve Road. Cumberland Trail parking is approximately four miles on the right. Snooper’s Rock Trail, which leads to Indian Rock House, begins across the road from the parking area.

Early November

Lula Lake trails (Lookout Mountain, Georgia)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on the trail
Distance: Individual hikes from .25 to 1.7 miles

One of the most beautiful outdoor destinations in the Chattanooga area, the 8,000-acre Lula Lake Land Trust is a must-see for visitors and a local favorite. The catch? It’s only open to the public the first and last Saturday of each month, so you’ll have to plan ahead. While you’re there, make sure to see the old railroad beds, the cascades of Lula Falls and the bluff views of the Chattanooga Valley. For more information or to find out open days, visit lulalake.org.

Directions: Take Hwy. 58 South from St. Elmo up Lookout Mountain to a T-intersection with Lula Lake Road. Turn left (south) and go 4.5 miles to the gravel drive entrance (normally) marked on the left. Follow the gravel drive to an area marked for parking.