Hot summer days fade into memory, beautiful, temperate weather rolls in, and bright colored leaves illuminate the Smoky Mountains and rolling hills—it’s fall in East TN! It’s high time to plan a vacation.
Located just a short drive from Knoxville and The Great Smoky Mountains, Jefferson County is the ideal place to experience all things Fall. Appropriately nicknamed the Lakeside of the Smokies, Jefferson County boasts two beautiful lakes and a prime location in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains (talk about a view!). If you’re searching for the best place to enjoy fall foliage, a romantic weekend getaway, a calendar of fall activities, or a laid-back family vacation, Jefferson County has it all.
Plan the perfect Fall vacation in Jefferson County with the help of this guide!
Take a Scenic Drive through the Smokies
Roll down the windows, pick a playlist, and enjoy the vibrant fall scenery! A scenic fall drive is one of the best ways to soak up the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains. You can cover a lot of ground and hit several of the best vantage points in one day. A good place to start is the East Tennessee Crossing Byway—a National Scenic Byway winding through breathtaking mountain views, historic towns, and rolling countryside.
October is the best month for colorful fall foliage. Don’t forget to bring your camera and lookout for wildlife! Check out our Fall Driving Tour through the Lakeside of the Smokies for more information!
Family Fun on the Farm
Welcome to farm country! Enjoy family-friendly farm experiences and classic fall activities at one of our local farms.
- Ballinger Farm: Pumpkin picking, hayrides, and scenic views.
- There’s enough fun to fill the whole day at Ballinger Farm—a jumping pillow, slides, outdoor games, firepits, a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and more!
- It’s spooky season and mystery is in the air. Can you crack the “Farm Scene Investigation” mystery corn maze?
- Echo Valley Corn Maze: Over 15 acres of themed corn mazes!
- The fun doesn’t stop there. A pumpkin cannon, giant outdoor playground, zipline, hayrides, and a long list of other opportunities for adventure make Echo Valley Corn Maze a family-favorite.
- Cedar Pond Farms: Fluffy cows, unique activities, photo-ops galore.
- Discover the rustic charm of Cedar Pond Farms, a Scottish Highland Cow farm in New Market, TN.
- EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: 10% OFF Fluffy Cow Experience for the first 30 signups with DISCOUNT CODE: VISITJEFFCO. Click here to book.
- Create lasting memories with unique experiences, including flower picking in our fields, painting classes, and jewelry workshops.
- It’s an adventure you’ll want to capture, so be sure to bring your camera or schedule a Farm Photography Shoot!
Discover Charming East TN Towns
Explore the historic towns of Jefferson County–Dandridge, Jefferson City, and White Pine—each offering unique charm and warm hospitality.
- Dandridge, Tennessee’s second-oldest town, is perfect for a scenic stroll along the lakefront or historic downtown. It’s also a must-stop for history buffs with several important landmarks, buildings, a Revolutionary War Graveyard, and the Douglas Dam.
- Jefferson City features revitalized shopping and dining spots like the Historic Mossy Creek District. It’s also home to Carson Newman University whose campus looks especially beautiful during the Fall.
- White Pine is a quaint little town where you can slow down, peruse local businesses, and enjoy a relaxing Fall afternoon.
These East TN towns make for perfect day-trip destinations or cozy overnight stays.
Savor Seasonal Flavors & Local Spirits
A vacation isn’t complete without sampling the local cuisine. From farm-to-table restaurants and a local distillery to good old-fashioned southern food and barbecue, we have something to excite and satisfy every palette in the Lakeside of the Smokies. Below are a few of our can’t-miss spots.
- Taste of Dandridge: Good barbecue is a must during your East TN vacation. Taste of Dandridge is a local favorite!
- Patriot Pizza: Enjoy mouth-watering wood fired pizza at Patriot Pizza.
- 60 Beans Coffee: Start your day off right with a cup of coffee and a yummy breakfast in Jefferson City.
- Burger Barn: We’d argue that the best burgers come from small town joints. Burger Barn is White Pine’s beloved burger destination.
- Mossback Distillery: This craft distillery produces a variety of local spirits including bourbon, rum, and moonshine. Visitors can sample spirits and enjoy delicious craft cocktails on-site at The Battery Tasting House and Cocktail Lounge.
- Bush’s Family Restaurant: Indulge in bean-centric dishes and southern classics at the Bush Beans Visitor Center and “see where that beautiful bean co. was born”. The museum is FREE!
- Molly’s Ice Cream Cakes: Looking for a sweet treat? Stop by Molly’s for ice cream, shakes, pastries, cakes, and seasonal treats.
Browse our full list of restaurants, bars and breweries, sweet treat spots, and coffee shops.
Antique Shopping
Jefferson County is an antiquing hot spot! Enjoy the lovely Fall weather as you bounce around to various antique shops and flea markets in Jefferson County. Check out this Jefferson County Antique Trail Guide for more info.
2025 Fall Events in Jefferson County, TN
Celebrate Fall Jefferson County style. Mark your calendar for these signature Fall festivals & events.
- Pine Fest – A family-friendly celebration with vendors, food, and music in White Pine.
- September 20th
- Scots-Irish Festival – Celebrate Scottish heritage and culture with live music, food, and crafts.
- September 26th-27th
- Location: Downtown Dandridge
- Mossy Creek Station Fall Festival – A Fall festival featuring local vendors and live music.
- October 4th 9AM-2PM
- Music on the Town – Enjoy local talent and cool autumn evenings during this Fall concert series.
- 7:00 PM Every Thursday from September 4th-October 16th
- Location: Historic Downtown Dandridge
- Music on the Town Lineup
- Carson-Newman University Homecoming – Cheer with Eagles fans and enjoy campus festivities.
- October 25th, 2025
Enjoy Fall Colors on the Water
Looking for a unique way to view fall foliage? Take to the water! Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake reflect autumn’s brilliant hues on their calm surfaces. Enjoy a lakeside picnic, hike along the shore, or rent a boat on Douglas Lake or Cherokee Lake!
Boat & Pontoon Rentals in Jefferson County:
- Smoky Mountain Lakeside Resort: Pontoons
- Lighthouse Pointe Marina: Pontoons
- Douglas Lake Marina (Mountain Harbor Inn): Pontoons, kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, paddle boats
- Smoky Mountain H2O Sports: pontoons, waverunners, paddleboards, kayaks
Fall Fishing in the Lakeside of the Smokies
Jefferson County boasts some of the best fishing in Appalachia. Fall is prime fishing season in East TN–the fish are biting and the scenery on the water is incredible. Check out our event schedule and other helpful fishing information for Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake.
Fall Fishing Events in Jefferson County:
- Big Bass Tour Classic – October 3rd-5th, 2025
- Phoenix Bass Fishing League – October 10th-11th, 2025
- Bill Dance Giant Bass Open – November 1st-2nd, 2025
- Morristown Marine Trail – October 25th-26th, 2025
Jefferson County Fishing Guides
Whether you’re a beginner, it’s your first time fishing in the Lakeside of the Smokies, or you’re an experienced angler looking to learn something new, a guided fishing tour in Jefferson County could be the highlight of your trip! These East TN fishing guides have extensive knowledge of the area, know how to angle different species, and provide all the fishing gear you need!
Click here to learn more about fishing in Jefferson County.
Stay in Style: Cabins, Camping, Lake Houses, and Lodging in the Lakeside of the Smokies
Whether you’re planning a family fall break or a romantic weekend retreat, Jefferson County has a place for every kind of traveler:
- Cozy cabins & cottages in the Lakeside of the Smokies
- Charming East TN bed & breakfasts
- Jefferson County Hotels for every group & budget
- Camping in the Lakeside of the Smokies–tiny homes, glamping spots, and RV parks for nature lovers
Wherever you stay, you’ll be surrounded by colorful foliage, fresh mountain air, and Southern hospitality.
Check out some of our favorite Fall accommodations in the Lakeside of the Smokies or explore our full list of lodging options!
Start Planning Your Fall Trip to the Lakeside of the Smokies!
Fall in the Lakeside of the Smokies is truly magical. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend escape to catch the peak colors or a full week of fall activities with the kids, Jefferson County is your ideal fall destination in East Tennessee. Vibrant Smoky Mountain Fall views, sparkling lakes, pleasant weather, charming towns, and so many fun Fall activities—what more could you need?
Click here to visit our website or download The Lakeside of the Smokies Official Travel Guide to learn more and start planning!
Fall in love with Fall, right here in Jefferson County, TN.