Sorry, Nashville. Broadway lights are dimming this fall in favor of another Tennessee city.

As leaves begin to shed and temps begin to drop, the astounding Smokies scenery, neon honky-tonks, and ‘smooooth Tennessee whiskey’ are far from the only draw to the “Volunteer State”.

Expected to be the state’s trendiest fall destination, largely backed by lively festivals and stunning natural attractions, this city is also deeply rooted in intriguing Civil War history, locomotive heritage resulting in scenic train rides, and ample ways to explore the outdoors in the midst of autumn’s luminous colors.

Chattanooga may not have been on your Bingo card this year, but it’s not too late to swap it out for wherever else you had planned.

Don’t pass up the opportunity to explore perhaps Tennessee’s most underrated getaway that will no doubt be overflowing with fall splendor, quintessential Southern charm, and surprisingly luxe stays for a city that’s still clinging on to “hidden gem” status.

Whiskey River, Take Your Mind

Alright, there’s no actual “whiskey river” per se, but one can dream, right?

But in a state steeped in grandpappy’s medicine, it goes without saying Chattanooga can go toe-to-toe with the best bars for a night out.

Bar-hopping, as fun as it may be, is nowhere near the only fun thing to do here, despite a buzzing downtown with a mix of college crowds and people like me hanging on to their last sliver of youth.

One instantly noticeable enticement to the city is the winding Tennessee River, that is still a blast to visit during the fall.

Hop aboard the Southern Belle, a popular riverboat cruise for sunset and general sightseeing tours.

If it were me, this would be a priority night one, as it’s easily accessible from the city center and a great way to get your bearings.

Otherwise, wake up and start your day with a coffee in hand and a stroll along the Chattanooga Riverwalk, lined with 16 miles of paved trails.

Other fun activities include fishing, kayakin,g and paddle-boarding, all of which equipment can be rented.

But the river comes alive more than ever this fall as a base for 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival for a two-day affair October 3 – 4, and the one-of-a-kind Head of the Hooch Regatta, one of the largest rowing events in the world at the turn of November.

Travel Tip: If Bluegrass music is your jam, the World of Bluegrass is taking over Chattanooga through 2027, beginning September 16, 2025 — Read all about what it entails here!

Witness Stunning Nature: Staggering Waterfalls & Sweeping Outlooks

Ruby Falls isn’t just one of Tennessee’s most eye-popping natural wonders — that can be said for the entirety of the country.

Located deep within Lookout Mountain lies this truly unmatched underground waterfall reaching heights of nearly 150 feet.

Take advantage of the Falls’ nighttime tours to beat the crowds of the city’s most sought-after photo-op.

Beyond Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain is a destination unto itself as well. It’s a truly a mecca for the best views in the city.

Some of the most popular spots are as follows:

• Rock City Gardens – an enchanting garden with an expansive trail winding through unique geological features
• The “See Seven States” outlook – as suggested, you can quite literally see 7 different states within the Lover’s Leap viewpoint at Rock City
• Point Park – home to a 10-acre memorial park commemorating what’s known as the “Battle of the Clouds”

All Aboard! Chattanooga Is A Hub For Autumn Adventures

Not every city has a Railroad Museum, but that speaks to the significance of Chattanooga’s railway heritage.

As such, there’s a variety of locomotive journeys calling your name this fall, so let’s start with the most unique.

The Incline Railway is known as one of the world’s steepest passenger railways. It’s the type of ride where it’s a good thing to hear “lookout below!” as the entire cityscape is laid out below, brimming with fall vibrancy.

With rave reviews across the board, there’s no doubt it’s worth every penny of the $22 admission.

The aforementioned museum provides the Missionary Ridge Local excursion too, crossing a handful of pastime bridges and the pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge.

But even history buffs will be going back home remembering the bright foliage along the short but sweet hourlong route.

Running until October 26, Chickamauga Turn taps into your adventurous side with a two-hour journey departing Chattanooga’s Grand Junction Station and ventures across the Georgia line into the Civil War-era town of Chickamauga.

You can enjoy the scenic ride through lush forestry and hop off in town on a 90-minute layover to see the historic sites and visit charming shops for a souvenir.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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