PLAN YOUR FALL VACATION IN ANDERSON COUNTY
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy Anderson County’s rolling landscapes of mountains and valleys, stunning fall colors, crisp autumn air, and our abundance of outdoor activities. Here are some activities you can enjoy:
For the ultimate fall adventure, check out Windrock Park, the largest privately owned off-road park in the country. There are over 350 miles of trails waiting to be explored. Visiting Windrock in the fall is unparalleled. Imagine scenic overlooks covered in vibrant fall colors, cruising down trails with a canopy of colored leaves all around, and enjoying the perfect campfire and s’mores at your cabin or campsite. If you prefer mountain biking to off-roading, be sure to check out their world-class mountain bike park too!
If you’d rather hit the trails on foot, you’re in luck. Anderson County has over 400 miles of trails to enjoy hiking and biking. Haw Ridge Park, located in Oak Ridge offers hikers more than 30 miles of trails for all skill levels. Geocachers will also discover plenty of bounties scattered throughout Haw Ridge Park’s lush trails. Another favorite spot among hikers is Norris Dam StatePark which has over 15 different trails ranging in length from .5 mile to 5 miles, many of which offer stunning views of Norris Lake. Adjacent to the park is the Norris Watershed offering an additional 30 miles of trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Regardless of what trail system you choose to explore, beautiful East Tennessee fall foliage and fresh-mountain air will be here waiting for you!
The adventures don’t stop with our trails. Norris Lake offers 800 miles of shoreline perfect to explore in the fall either by boat or if you’re a little more adventurous, even by kayak or paddleboard. Water temps stay fairly warm through early October, so you may even enjoy a quick dip! Don’t be surprised if you see an occasional river otter or eagle while cruising around.
Explore Appalachian heritage and history at the Museum of Appalachia. Fall is the perfect time to roam around their 65 acres, including 35 log cabins, barns, farm animals, and more! You can also browse through over 250,000 artifacts and learn about the lives of people from Southern Appalachia. Be sure to stop in the gift shop that features locally made products and enjoy a delicious home-cooked southern meal at the museum restaurant. Lunch is served daily from 10 am – 2 pm.
Dive into the history of the Manhattan Project by visiting a variety of museums in the Secret City itself, Oak Ridge! The American Museum of Science and Energy, the K-25 History Center, the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge and the Oak Ridge History Museum. Each museum offers a unique perspective into the science and history of making the atomic bomb and the lives of the people during the Manhattan Project.
One of the best ways to enjoy the fall colors of East Tennessee is by hitting the back roads for a scenic drive. You’ll discover hidden gems and experience the beautiful array of colors from the comfort of your car. We recommend checking out the Devil’s Triangle and the Southern Settlement Trail. You can find more info about the trails here.
And of course, while you’re here be sure immerse yourself in the local scene. You can visit our event calendar to check out what’s happening while you’re here.
Whether you plan to spend a quick weekend or an entire week with us, we have accommodations to fit your needs. From lakefront homes to a quaint cabin in the woods, we have it all. Be sure to check out the “STAY” section on our website and find your home away from home.