Fall is magical in the mountains. Crisp air, crackling leaves underfoot, and evenings by a fire. Beautiful landscapes painted with vivid orange and deep red. We wanted somewhere within driving distance where fall colors were still vibrant. These five southern mountain escapes, lying along the southern reaches of the Appalachians or on the Cumberland Plateau, still bloom in late fall when lower places start to fade.
Jump to:
In planning this trip, I looked at guides to the best mountain getaways and even skimmed lists like this one featuring 13 mountain destinations to see where we could stretch our boundaries (and imaginations) a little farther.
Along the way, I realized how many of these places also rank among the best places to rent a cabin in the mountainsfor families seeking comfort and quiet. But first, lets get into the tick of our mountain adventures!
Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee
We rolled our car into the gravel parking lot just past dusk, the mountain air already humming cold. Frozen Head State Park was the first stop on our list: a spot that’s off the beaten path but brimming with character. Check out their website for fantastic hiking trails and other fun activities. As we hiked trails with our kids, we watched maple and oak branches flaming gold and copper overhead.
Why it stood out to us:
- The variety of trails: easy waterfall strolls and tougher climbs to lookout towers (which, for my husband and me, felt like earned rewards).
- The spooky draw: the park neighbors the old Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, an institution with a dark past. We opted for the day tour through the prison ruins (no midnight ghost hunts for us), led by a former inmate who walked us through the history.
- The local legends: Brushy also runs paranormal overnight tours, which we passed by this time. It reminded me of the haunted places we visited in Europe.
We tucked the kids into the tent early and sat by the fire late into the night, reminiscing about falls past and listening to the wind whispering through the pines.
Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia
The drive south to Cloudland Canyon was scenic. Gentle foothills before we crested into deeper ridges. This park, tucked into Georgia’s northwest corner, is only ~45 minutes south of Chattanooga and with over 60 miles of trails, making it a convenient destination for a weekend family escape.
When we arrived, we weren’t lacking in choices for what to do (or where to stay). We rented a cozy cabin one night and stayed in a yurt another night. The kids loved exploring the canyon edge via the rim trail, stopping to peer over rocky ledges and listen for water echoes far below.
Between hikes, we played disc golf, wandered the nature center, and even pedaled some of the mountain biking trails.
Stumbling on the Best Pizza
Nearby, we grabbed pizza at a local joint (Lookout Mountain Pizza). Quite possibly the best slice we found in all of Georgia on our trip
Charit Creek Lodge, Big South Fork (Tennessee / Kentucky border)
If your family wants to truly unplug, Charit Creek Lodge in Big South Fork is about as remote and beautiful as it gets. We hiked a mile into the lodge (no cars allowed), carrying our packs and excitement, and settled into a world without cell service or electricity.
Want to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later when you're planning your trip!
That’s not to say it’s roughing it totally! The lodge offers flowing water, hot showers, and cozy meals cooked by staff over lamp and stove light. One evening, our kids helped us stoke a grand campfire, while we watched the stars emerge in the darkest southern sky we’d ever seen. The Cumberland Plateau’s low light pollution made for jaw-dropping stargazing.
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, our group hiked parts of the famous Twin Arches Trail. Trust me, it's so worth it once you reach the top!
If your crew isn’t up for a hike-in lodge, there’s a backup option: Pickett State Park, adjacent to Big South Fork. You can rent historic CCC cabins there, explore its lake, and drive to the regional trails. Also check out Pickett State Park Tours!
Townsend, Tennessee
Townsend calls itself “The Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains,” and after our time there I understand why. We arrived after peak color season in mid-October, but that was part of the charm. By then, many leaves were down, making views from higher trails more open and revealing.
Because it was November by the time we visited, the crowds had thinned. So it is perfect for a family who likes space to wander.
Explore the Mountain in a Tent
We stayed at a riverside campground and splurged one night in a tiny glamping tent at Little Arrow Resort, nestled outside town. Another evening we found a cabin on a ridge just outside Townsend, where we could watch mist drift across the hills at dawn.
Spend a night at the Dancing Bear resort
Townsend also surprised us with stellar meals. From a fancy dinner at Dancing Bear resort to casual treats at Apple Valley Café (a cornerstone of the Smoky Mountains). The locals were friendly, and we loved hearing stories about the town’s connection to the Smokies and how folks live here year-round.
Greenville, South Carolina
We wrapped our trip with a more urban twist in Greenville, SC, but that didn’t mean we left nature behind. This city sits at the edge of the Appalachians, offering both walkable downtown charm and easy access to trails.
One morning, we biked the scenic Swamp Rabbit Trail. A rails-to-trails route that winds through forest and riverside stretches. We pedaled 10 miles to Travelers Rest, stopping for lunch at a café before heading back. Along the way, the dappled autumn light filtering through leaves made the ride feel magical.
Downtown Greenville was a foodie’s dream. Every dinner decision became a delightful dilemma. My kids couldn’t wait to try local favorites. And while we ate, I thought of places I’d read about for fall trips (like those listed among the 10 best U.S. towns to visit this fall) and realized Greenville deserves a spot on that kind of shortlist.
Accommodations for Mountains Vacations
From tents to boutique hotels, there’s no wrong way to experience a mountain getaway in the South. On our trip, we tried a bit of everything: tent camping under the stars at Frozen Head, a cozy yurt at Cloudland Canyon, and a cabin with a view near Townsend.
If you like simplicity, tent sites and glamping tents in state parks keep you close to nature. For more comfort, you’ll find plenty of cabins and lodges across Tennessee and Georgia, truly some of the best places to rent a cabin in the mountains. And for a soft landing after a day on the trails, small boutique hotels in towns like Greenville offer that perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Tips from Our Family for Planning Your Mountain Getaway
- Book lodging early. Cabins and lodges, especially in the mountains, fill up quicker than you’d expect in fall.
- Pack layers and expect changeable weather. We saw fog at dawn, warm sun by midday, and chill by night.
- Aim for later in fall. Many of these places peak after the leaves fade elsewhere, making them ideal for late-October or early November.
