Cherokee National Forest, Tennesseefall foliage
No reports yet this season for Cherokee National Forest. It usually peaks Oct 11–Nov 10.
Right now in Cherokee National Forest · September
- Chilhowee Campground open · Apr–Oct
- Backbone Rock Campground open · Apr–Oct
13days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 11–Nov 10
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 62% chanceSunday, Sunday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 7:06 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Cherokee National Forest
First frost usually in ~4 weeks
Oct 24Average first fall frost
Apr 13Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Tellico Plains station (8.1 mi away, 855 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Cherokee National Forest through the year
- Spring wildflowersMar–May
- Chilhowee Campground openNowApr–Oct
- Backbone Rock Campground openNowApr–Oct
- North-zone forest roads gatedDec–Mar
Best spots around Cherokee National Forest
- Cherohala Skyway43-mile National Scenic Byway into North Carolina
- Ocoee Scenic BywayThe first national forest scenic byway; 26 miles
- Bald River FallsPull-off on Tellico River Road
- Backbone RockThe "shortest tunnel in the world" on TN 133
Around Tennessee this week
- Great Smoky Mountains38 mi · usually Oct 1–Nov 10Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSunrain likely
- Big South Fork80 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 21Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSunrain likely
- Natchez Trace Parkway192 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 calmSatdry and calmSunrain 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
Forest Service news release, Popular scenic fall drives on Cherokee National Forest (Oct. 12, 2022) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · 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) · US Forest Service, Cherohala Skyway (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Ocoee Scenic Byway (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest scenic drives (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Backbone Rock Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Chilhowee Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Winter road schedule, north zone of the Cherokee National Forest (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: North River Road (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Lost Creek Campground Wildflower Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Cherokee National Forest in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 11–Nov 10. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Cherokee National Forest right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 13 days (usually Oct 11–Nov 10).
Where are the best spots in Cherokee National Forest?
Cherohala Skyway: 43-mile National Scenic Byway into North Carolina; Ocoee Scenic Byway: the first national forest scenic byway; 26 miles; Bald River Falls: pull-off on Tellico River Road; Backbone Rock: the "shortest tunnel in the world" on TN 133.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Cherokee National Forest?
North-zone forest roads gated (Dec–Mar).
What is Cherokee National Forest like through the year?
Chilhowee Campground open (Apr–Oct), North-zone forest roads gated (Dec–Mar), Backbone Rock Campground open (Apr–Oct) and Spring wildflowers (Mar–May).