Fall in Polk County is a feast for the senses.
Fall in Polk County, Tennessee, is a wonderland of beauty as the landscape comes alive with fiery hues of changing leaves. This hidden gem, tucked into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, offers stunning fall scenery, along with numerous activities for visitors seeking an unforgettable getaway.
Take a step back in time with a ride on the Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad, providing a leisurely journey through the heart of fall splendor. Departing from Howard Blassingame Depot in Delano, passengers can choose the Hiwassee Loop, corkscrewing up the mountain along the world-famous Bald Mountain Loop, one of only six railroad loops in North America and the only one east of the Mississippi! The longer Copperhill Special continues through Turtletown and Ducktown into the heart of the historic Copper Basin. Enjoy a layover to shop, dine, and wander through the quaint downtown area before boarding for the return. Both trips highlight the breathtaking expanse of the Cherokee National Forest viewed from the vintage train chugging along the river’s edge with views of towering hardwoods dressed in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
Prefer moving at your own pace? The Ocoee Scenic Byway beckons for a drive along the nation’s top whitewater river destination, the Ocoee River. The 19-mile byway is the nation’s first National Forest Scenic Byway and follows the route of an 1830s wagon trail through the narrow gorge. Numerous overlooks abound, including the Chilhowee gazebo and Recreation Area, home of the 65-foot Benton Falls! TVA’s series of three unique hydroelectric dams and flume line are also found traveling the Byway. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places the ingenuity of the dam system allows the power generated by the 30-foot high Ocoee Dam #2 to equal that of a 250-foot-high dam!
Not only can the splendor of a Polk County fall be enjoyed by train or by car, but also by air. Soar above the vibrant tapestry in a glider flight. Chilhowee Gliderport offers unparalleled views of the fall colors with the Hiwassee River snaking through the grandeur. How about taking in the kaleidoscope of colors from the water? Chartered fishing trips yield not only a spectacular view of the colors of fall, but also the chance to bring home the evening’s dinner. Not to be missed is a late-season rafting adventure on the Ocoee. The thrill of experiencing fall while navigating the exhilarating rapids as the forest blazes with the hues of autumn reflecting off the water’s surface is truly unequaled and must be experienced! Twenty-two commercial outfitters are ready to provide an unforgettable autumn adventure.
Whether you’re a leaf-peeper, nature enthusiast, or a thrill seeker, fall in Polk County is a feast for the senses and a testament to the timeless beauty of Tennessee’s landscape.
