Right NOW, today, this minute, the fall leaves are at their peak. It’s supposed to rain and be chilly soon, so do yourself a favor and plan a fall color cruise in the next few days.

October skies are a deep, never-ending blue in the Tennessee Valley, and we are surrounded by mountains that put on a fabulous show for us every fall. This year is no exception, so get out there and take in the beauty. 

Just about anywhere you look in the Scenic City you can see gorgeous vistas, but here are our picks for fabulous drives, where the views will take your breath away:

1. Drive along River Canyon Road, from Chattanooga to Whitwell. If you turn left off of Highway 27 at the base of Signal Mountain, you can drive along the river for miles. You will be able to see the river, sparkling in the sunshine on your left, and the mountain, draped in fabulous colors, on your right.

2. Take Highway 64 from Cleveland to Ducktown. This is probably more of a whole-day adventure than an afternoon drive, but it is so worth a whole day. You will drive by some of the most beautiful terrain on the planet, complete with mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers.

3. Visit Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, Georgia. After a beautiful drive to Rising Fawn, you might enjoy a picnic in the park, or a hike on some of the trails. Cloudland Canyon is stunning in the fall.

4. Follow East Valley Road from Dunlap to Pikeville, Tennessee. Pikeville is at the opposite end of the lush and gorgeous Sequatchie Valley from Whitwell. Along East Valley Road there are farms, horses, cows, fields, the Little Sequatchie River, and of course, plenty of trees.

5. Stop in at Signal Point, then drive across town and take in the view from Point Park. This way, you get to see the Chattanooga Valley from two equally amazing perspectives, and enjoy all the sights in between!

There are lots of other wonderful drives in the area. What are some of your favorites?