Big South Forkfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Right now in Big South Fork · September
- Bandy Creek pool (weekends) · May–Sep
20days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 64% chanceSaturday Night, Sunday, Sunday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 2:26 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
First frost usually in ~3 weeks
Oct 18Average first fall frost
Apr 23Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Oneida station (8 mi away, 1,440 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area through the year: Bandy Creek pool (weekends) May–Sep.
Best spots around Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
- East Rim OverlookOver the river gorge, off Hwy 297; especially popular in fall
- Twin ArchesThe largest sandstone arches in the eastern US, under a mile from the trailhead
- Yahoo FallsKentucky's highest waterfall, 113 ft
Around Tennessee this week
- Cherokee National Forest80 mi · usually Oct 11–Nov 10Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSunrain likely
- Great Smoky Mountains85 mi · usually Oct 1–Nov 10Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatrain likelySunrain likely
- Natchez Trace Parkway174 mi · Parkway's timing for Old Trace Drive in Tennessee: fall colors in mid to late OctoberTodaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatrain likelySunrain likely
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Southern Appalachians, every species with enough observations is close to a typical year. Which trees turn when →
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Big South Fork fall card (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Big South Fork places to go (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, East Rim Overlook viewfinder (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Big South Fork FAQ (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area yet. Statewide for Tennessee: color is usually well under way by late October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 20 days (usually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
Should I book camping in the fall?
Yes: fall is one of the most popular times to camp at Big South Fork, so book early.Source: National Park Service, Big South Fork fall card ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area?
East Rim Overlook: over the river gorge, off Hwy 297; especially popular in fall; Twin Arches: the largest sandstone arches in the eastern US, under a mile from the trailhead; Yahoo Falls: kentucky's highest waterfall, 113 ft.
What is Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area like through the year?
Bandy Creek pool (weekends) (May–Sep).