"Getting out in nature during an East Coast winter doesn’t have to mean shivering in a snowstorm for hours on end. Roughly half the season’s days boast a high temperature in the 50s—perfect for hiking more than 800 miles of trails. Start the day by taking in the views at Newfound Gap on the Tennessee–North Carolina border, then hike to craggy Alum Cave or explore the old-timey wooden structures at Cades Cove. At night, stargaze by the fire at Cades Cove Campground." - Emily Pennington
"As the study’s top fall destination, this Tennessee park earned a 96.9 out of 100 thanks to nearly 20 million visits between September and November over the past five years and more than 132 million hours spent exploring its iconic ridgelines and forests. With famously vivid foliage in hues of crimson, ochre, and goldenrod, a near‑perfect 4.9 Google rating supported by 2,000 autumn‑specific reviews, and no entrance fee, it’s easy to see why it’s so beloved." - Iona Brannon Iona Brannon Iona Brannon is a journalist with a love for food and travel. Her work has appeared in Afar, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider, among other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"I noted that Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spanning North Carolina and Tennessee, was reported as open to the public despite the shutdown." - Jessica Puckett
"I note that Great Smoky Mountains National Park (spanning North Carolina and Tennessee) is being kept open to the public during the shutdown, per statements from local government officials." - Jessica Puckett
"I found some of the best fall foliage in North Carolina at Great Smoky Mountains National Park." - Acacia Gabriel Acacia Gabriel Acacia Gabriel covers responsible ecotourism, cultural experiences, and the intersection of outdoor adventure and luxury. After solo traveling through 35+ countries on five different continents, she began writing to connect travelers with local communities and conservation opportunities. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
