Cover Image: Jared Kreiss
Because of its location in the foothills of the gorgeous Appalachian Mountains, the scenery in Bristol is always worthy of a visit, but when fall rolls around, it reaches its peak. Whether you’re more of a casual leaf-looker or a hardcore hiker during the autumn months, Bristol offers an abundance of sites you can visit to enjoy the area’s vibrant colors.
The Home of Many Hikes
South Holston Lake is one of the premier spots in Bristol to enjoy an autumn hike – and for a breathtaking view of the fall foliage, head up to South Holston Dam. From that viewpoint, you’ll be surrounded by pristine water and hundreds of miles of untouched shoreline filled with a kaleidoscope of trees dressed in brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. Fall at the Lake also means plenty of boating and kayaking activity, as well as fishing, camping, and biking.
Steele Creek Park, which encompasses more than 2,200 acres and is Tennessee’s third-largest municipal park, takes autumn awesomeness to an all-new level. The popular park features a 52-acre lake surrounded by knobs and hills that turn into an artist’s palate in late October and November. Opt for an easy hike around Steele Creek Lake, or take on the Ridge Runner Trail, which takes you through hilly terrain and offers panoramic views of the fall foliage.The autumn scenery is also the perfect backdrop for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, golf, disc golf, and biking.
The picturesque 400-acre Sugar Hollow Park also offers more incredible fall foliage views. Whether playing soccer, enjoying some fall baseball, disc golf or camping, biking or hiking, the park is picture perfect and a beautiful spot to spend some time with Mother Nature as she shows off her fall colors.
The Mendota Trail, a 12.5-mile hiking and biking recreational corridor, is another stunning location to enjoy autumn’s vibrant hues. One of the prettiest spots along the trail features a beautiful trestle known as “Abrams Creek Crossing.” When the colors of autumn are at their peak in Bristol, the trail is an ideal photo location.
Beyond the Beaten Path
While you’re in Bristol breathing in the beauty of autumn, there are plenty of awesome attractions you should visit on your fall adventure. Be sure to stop by the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a Smithsonian Institute affiliate, which tells the history of Bristol’s place in music history. If you’re into NASCAR or NHRA racing, a trip to Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway is a must so you can check out two of the most revered racing facilities in the world. One of Bristol’s newest and most exciting ventures is the Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock Hotel. By next summer, the casino will have more than 1,500 slot machines, 75 gaming tables, a poker room, and a 300-room hotel.
While taking in the beauty of Bristol during the autumn months, also be sure to visit The Pinnacle, the region’s largest outdoor shopping center, historic Downtown Bristol, which features more than two dozen locally owned restaurants, breweries, shopping, etc., and The Falls, home of several recently opened restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Hike Highlights
For those looking for a longer hike, the South Holston Lake area is close to the famous Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail!
