Chattanooga Is Home

Living at the base of Lookout Mountain gives me so much visual pleasure during the changing of the seasons. Now that fall has arrived, I have been eagerly waiting for the explosion of reds, oranges, and yellows to take over the landscape I see out my back door.

According to weather.com’s fall foliage map, the Tennessee Valley is nearing or at the peak of fall color. Personally, I don’t think the peak has arrived since I still see more green than anything right now. I see a lot of leaves on the ground though, so I am lead to believe due to the dry summer we may not get the great burst of fall colors we have had in the past.

Tennessee was listed on Peter Greenberg’s list of 8 Great and Unusual Fall Foliage Destinations. He called Tennessee a “true foliage state” and mentioned different ways to view the fall colors:

“By road, you can drive along the Cherohala Skyway and the Ocoee Scenic Byway. This is an especially popular time for motorcycles to drive along the skyway or byway. By rail, you can ride the Tennessee Valley Railroad on restored vintage trains in Chattanooga. In Knoxville, you can take the Three Rivers Rambler Train and explore east Tennessee. By boat, you can ride the Southern Belle Riverboat and enjoy lunch or dinner while viewing the fall foliage.”

I would suggest taking a drive up Lookout Mountain and heading south on 157, the Lookout Mountain Scenic Highway. The highway is on the ridge of the mountain, allowing you to experience the fall foliage on the side of the road and as seen down the side of the mountain and in the valleys below.

Another scenic fall drive I enjoy is heading north on Highway 58 toward Harrison Bay. The fall colors along the water and the road really inspire good thoughts toward the rest of the season and the few months left in the year.

If you are in Chattanooga and just want to walk outdoors and enjoy the foliage, then I would suggest a walk along the riverwalk. There are ten miles to explore the walking path and see the water, trees, and various sculptures.

I hope the peak of fall foliage hasn’t passed us by. But there are still a few patches of color to be enjoyed from my back door. And I will enjoy them as much as I can.

[tags]Chattanooga, Chattanooga fall foliage, fall foliage[/tags]