My Favorite Fall Activities in East Tennessee 🍂
Fall in East Tennessee is pure magic—the crisp air, colorful leaves, and cozy traditions make it one of my favorite seasons of the year. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, a little adventure, or just an excuse to eat your weight in apple fritters, Knoxville and the surrounding area have it all. Here are some of my favorite fall activities and events to enjoy this season:
🍎 The Apple Barn Campus – A Sevierville Classic
No fall is complete without a trip to the Apple Barn Campus in Sevierville. From the moment you arrive, the smell of fresh apple cider and warm fritters will draw you in. If you sit down for a meal at the restaurant, you have to order the chicken and dumplins with apple fritters and apple butter—trust me, it’s comfort food at its finest. Don’t leave without grabbing a cup of cider (hot or cold, depending on your mood) and a slice of apple pie for the road.
🎃 Oakes Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Just outside Knoxville, Oakes Farm is one of the best spots for a true fall day. With a massive corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and tons of activities for kids, it’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon soaking up the season.
🌽 Deep Well Farm
Another local gem, Deep Well Farm in Lenoir City offers a sprawling pumpkin patch, hayrides, and a fun-filled corn maze. It’s a great spot for families, or even just a group of friends looking to take in the fall vibes (and snap some festive photos).
👻 Dead Man’s Farm Haunted House
If you love a good scare, Dead Man’s Farm is the go-to haunted house in the Knoxville area. This isn’t your average haunted house—expect movie-quality sets, terrifying characters, and an adrenaline rush you’ll be talking about until next fall.
🦁 Boo at the Zoo
For something more family-friendly, Zoo Knoxville’s Boo at the Zoo is a must. Kids can dress up, trick-or-treat, and enjoy Halloween fun surrounded by animals. It’s festive, safe, and an annual tradition for many local families.
🍏 Buffalo Trail Orchard
Located just under an hour and a half from Knoxville, Buffalo Trail Orchard is one of the closest pick-your-own farms in the region. In addition to apples, you can pick blackberries, blueberries, and pumpkins. It’s the perfect mix of farm fun and fall charm.
🏈 Vol Football Saturdays
Let’s be real—fall in Knoxville isn’t complete without Tennessee football. Neyland Stadium comes alive every Saturday, and whether you’re in the stands or tailgating with friends, there’s nothing like the energy of cheering on the Vols in the crisp autumn air.
👻 Wicked Cool in Downtown Knoxville
From October 7–31, Downtown Knoxville transforms into a spooky wonderland with Wicked Cool 👻. Expect Halloween-themed specials, spooky cocktails, creepy-crawly photo ops, scavenger hunts, and costume contests. It’s festive fun for all ages and the perfect excuse to spend time downtown this fall.
🇺🇸 Knoxville’s Veterans Day Parade
Fall is also a time for gratitude. On Monday, November 11th, Knoxville will host its 99th Veterans Day Parade. The event kicks off at 10:40 AM at the Civic Auditorium and Coliseum and continues down Gay Street. It’s a beautiful way to honor and thank those who have served our country.
Final Thoughts
From apple fritters and pumpkin patches to haunted houses and football Saturdays, fall in East Tennessee is packed with tradition, fun, and community. Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong local, these experiences make autumn in Knoxville unforgettable. So grab your favorite sweater, a cup of hot cider, and enjoy everything this season has to offer!
