A Scenic Fall Adventure: Enjoying Vibrant Autumn Leaves by Boat in Chattanooga and the Tri-Cities, TN
There is no denying the Greater Chattanooga and Tri-cities area is home to some of the most beautiful waterways and stunning natural landscapes in the South. As seasons change from summer to fall, nature shifts dramatically from lush greens to vibrant shades of red, yellow and orange. Exploring fall foliage from the water provides a unique opportunity for a different perspective of autumn’s annual spectacle. If you are looking for a memorable boating experience this fall, a journey through the Tennessee River Gorge or Tri-Cities’ Wataugua or South Holston Lake are great places to start.
The Tennessee River
The Tennessee River Blueway stretches from the Chickamauga Dam Recreation Area to Lake Nickajack, and offers 32 miles of fall boat cruising or a leisurely paddle trip. Often referred to as Tennessee’s Little Grand Canyon, the River Gorge features picturesque vistas of tall bluff views, stunning rockscapes and colorful trees lining the riverbanks. The sheer magnitude and rugged beauty of the Gorge create a dramatic fall leaf viewing experience from the water. This meandering river runs through the center of downtown Chattanooga, providing an awe inspiring opportunity to see the city amongst a colorful backdrop.
South Holston Lake
Known for its sapphire-colored waters, hidden waterfalls and large spans of surrounding foliage, South Holston Lake is easily considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Tennessee making it a top choice for a boating excursion in the Fall. The area is surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest and offers captivating sights of massive rock formations and mountain scenery swathed in brightly hued autumn colors.
Watauga Lake
Watauga Lake beckons boat enthusiasts with its tranquil waters and breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. This area is a haven for nature lovers and in addition to a stunning display of fall leaves, there is plenty of bird watching and other active wildlife to view while gliding through the water.
Peak leaf dates vary from place to place, but typically, late September to mid-November offer the best opportunities to see a display of the brilliant colors of the changing season. With weather often very mild during this time of year, boating along the great Tennessee waterways is usually very comfortable. As a Carefree Boat Club member, planning for time on the water with family and friends is made easy with online scheduling options both in advance or last minute. If travels take you away from Vols Country, we have over 140 locations across the nation as a member you have access to at any time. Simply choose your destination, your desired boat type and our customer friendly staff will have you gassed up and ready to go!
So climb aboard, wherever you find yourself this Fall. Grab your camera, pack some cool weather clothes, some hot chocolate and enjoy the crisp autumn air as you experience nature’s greatest show, you will not be disappointed.