Fall in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee creates a beautiful backdrop as the mountainsides change into magnificent oranges, reds, and yellows. Along with the stunning fall foliage, fall in the region offers numerous festivals and events for the entire family to enjoy. Abingdon, VA, Marion, VA, and Bristol, TN/VA are central locations for taking part in the fall time activities on this list.
Enjoy a Bike Ride on the Virginia Creeper Trail
The 34-mile trail in Southwest Virginia winds down the mountains, allowing riders plenty of time to take in the gorgeous fall colors. Bike rental companies in Damascus and Abingdon provide bike rentals and shuttle rides to the trailhead, so you can leisurely coast down the trail.
Visit Hungry Mother State Park
While Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Virginia is a beautiful destination any time of year, the fiery red and burnt orange colored leaves reflecting on the 108-acre lake is a breathtaking sight. With overnight accommodations nestled in the park, you can make it a fall weekend getaway by camping at the year-round Camp Burson or renting one of the yurts or cabins to rest after a full day of hiking and leaf peeping.
Enjoy the Beauty of Hidden Valley Lake
The 60-acre lake in Abingdon is a hidden gem for anglers and those looking for a spot to get away from it all for a few hours. Hidden Valley Lake is located at the crown of Brumley Mountain just outside Historic Abingdon, Virginia.
Hike the Channels State Forest
Spanning across Washington and Russell Counties, the Channels is a magical place quickly gaining popularity with nature-goers. The over 4,800-acre forest offers a mixture of hardwoods for captivating fall foliage. The hike to the sandstone geological formations, that give the Channels its name, is a treat and a one-of-a-kind backdrop for photographers.
Visit a Local Corn Maze or Pumpkin Patch
Many believe it’s not officially fall until you get lost in a corn maze or pick your own pumpkin at a local pumpkin patch. There are numerous opportunities throughout Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee to check these fall must-dos off your list.
Head to the Unicoi County Apple Festival
Each year, more than 100,000 attendees fill the streets of downtown Erwin, Tennessee on the first Saturday and Sunday of October for the annual Apple Festival. The fall event is a community favorite as it includes hundreds of craft and food vendors, live entertainment, contests, and plenty of kid-friendly activities.
Listen to Creepy Tales at Haunting on the Mount
If you are up for a scare, you’ll want to visit the Rocky Mount State Historic Site in Piney Flats, Tennessee. During the last three weekends in October, you can join a guided tour of the historic site to learn the haunted history and accounts of paranormal encounters.
Enjoy a Scenic Fall Drive
If you prefer to bask in the fall weather from the comfort of your vehicle, take alternate routes off the main highway to enjoy the beauty throughout Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee at your own pace. You’ll likely pass some of the region’s many farms, find amazing overlooks for viewing the mountains painted in vibrant colors, and experience the small-town charm of the numerous communities that make up Southwest VA and Northeast TN.
If you fall in love with the area during your autumn trip to Abingdon, Bristol, or Marion and are ready to move to the region, contact us to help with your home or land search. We have a team of knowledgeable agents that can serve you in Virginia and Tennessee.
