As the weather cools off and everyone starts looking forward to the end of the year holidays, you shouldn’t forget to enjoy the fall season while it lasts. Besides carving pumpkins, drinking fresh hot apple cider, and raking leaves into big piles, one of the best ways to enjoy autumn is appreciating the fall color changes. Seeing the light and dark green trees change their leaves to red, orange, and golden yellow is an awesome, fresh air, family-friendly activity that everyone can enjoy. If you don’t have any color-changing trees in your yard or neighborhood or need to schedule 
an afternoon or weekend getaway, try using this interactive fall foliage map and the suggestions below for beautiful, vibrant fall colors in Tennessee and Mississippi!
When is the Best Time to See Fall Colors in Tennessee and Mississippi?
Although the autumn foliage change depends on the location within the state, the best time to see fall colors in Tennessee is usually about the third to fourth week of October, especially in the eastern part of the state. Western Tennessee lags a bit behind, but usually reaches its peak the first week of November. In Mississippi, fall foliage in the north of the state will be at its best at the start of November, with the rest of the state following in the first and second weeks of the month.
Where To Go For The Best Autumn Views
- Grenada Lake Loop, Grenada, Mississippi: Grenada Lake Loop has a 50-mile drive packed with fall colors and beautiful views of Grenada Lake. Be sure to check out the historic Yalobusha River truss bridge, Hugh White State Park, and Carver Point State Park for more great vistas and trails nearby.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville, and Asheville, Tennessee: For the best fall views, visit Clingman’s Dome for a 360-degree vista of the surrounding Smoky Mountains covered with gorgeous autumn foliage. The park offers several hikes for a more up-close view of the color change, and you can check out the Newfound Gap Road drive to see more fall colors from the comfort of your own car.
- Oxford, Mississippi: For fall scenery and lots of other fun activities, visit the town that’s been listed as one of the best towns to see fall colors.
- Franklin, Tennessee: This state park offers kayaking on Pin Oak Lake, allowing you to see all the fall foliage from the water. Or, take in the views from the 200-foot tall Parkway Bridge for a great photo op.
- Leroy Percy State Park, Hollandale, Mississippi: In addition to the beautiful autumn foliage, Leroy Percy State Park has amazing cypress and oak trees, artesian springs, and is the state’s oldest state park.
- Chattanooga, Tennessee: For a great combination of fall foliage and city life, visit Chattanooga. By foot, bike, boat, or car, there are a ton of opportunities to take in the best of the fall season.
- Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Brooksville, Mississippi: Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is a 42,500-acre refuge containing a variety of landscapes and wildlife. If you make the trip, make sure to take a stroll on the Doyle Arm Boardwalk to see tons of fall colors and enjoy some bird-watching.
Keep Your Fall Colors Looking Great
Do you have trees and shrubs in your yard that turn colors with the changing seasons? Make sure that you are able to enjoy them for many years to come by calling Greenkeeper. Our Six-Step Tree and Shrub Care Program is tailored to Tennessee and Mississippi weather conditions and will make sure your plants are healthy and ready for all seasons. Our program includes applications of dormant oil insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers throughout the year to keep your trees and shrubs looking great. If you’re looking for something more in-depth, we also offer a pre and post-emergent treatment in the spring and summer for your plant beds that help to control weeds around your plants.
Whatever your tree and shrub maintenance needs are, Greenkeeper can help. You can visit our website to view all of our lawn and garden services, reach out using our contact form for more information, or give us a call at 901-861-2338 for Tennessee residents and 662-895-2088 for those living in Mississippi. For more educational articles on lawn and garden care for the southeast, check out our monthly blog. And be sure to like our Facebook page to connect with us!