Beautiful places to see fall foliage in the South

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The South puts on a beautiful fall display

The Southern United States probably isn't the region that comes to mind when you think "brilliant fall foliage," but it could give New England a run for its money.  Here are some of the most beautiful places to enjoy the season.

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Alabama - DeSoto State Park

DeSoto State Park in northeastern Alabama shows off shades of golden, crimson and orange, which are particularly beautiful when reflected by the water.

Peak foliage times: Late October to early November

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Alabama - Lake Guntersville

The mammoth Lake Guntersville, the largest lake in the state, offers plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of changing leaves.  With 75 miles of lake to explore, you're sure to see some autumn splendor.

Peak foliage times: Late October to early November

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Arkansas - Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point

Hawksbill Crag, also known as Whitaker Point, might just be one of the most photographed places in Arkansas. Who could resist a view like that? Accessible via a moderate hike, the view is surreal at any time of year, but even more so in autumn.

Peak foliage times: Late October to early November

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Arkansas - Mount Magazine

Located in the state park of the same name, Mount Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas.  That means sweeping, foliage-speckled views that will take your breath away.

Peak foliage times: Late October to early November

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Florida - Suwannee River

Florida probably isn't the first place you'd think of when searching for spectacular fall foliage, but there's plenty to be seen.  Autumnal colors contrast beautifully with the spring-laden Suwannee River.

Peak foliage times: Late October to mid-November

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Florida - Wekiwa Springs

Canoe or kayak the emerald Wekiwa Springs for a different perspective on the changing leaves.  You'll probably see some wildlife along the way, too.

Peak foliage times: Late October to mid-November

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Georgia - Tallulah Gorge

Tallulah Gorge is legendary.  It's served as the filming locations for movies such as "Deliverance" and "Grizzly," and it was the setting for Karl Wallenda's heart-stopping high-wire walk.  Not to mention, it has jaw-droppingly gorgeous scenery in autumn.

Peak foliage times: Late October to early November

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Georgia - Lookout Mountain

Right on the Georgia-Tennessee border, Lookout Mountain boasts some amazing sights.  For instance, a 100-foot waterfall and the Rock City Gardens where you get amazing views of the local flora.   Did we mention you can see seven U.S. states from here?  That's a whole lot of leaf-peeping.

Peak foliage times: Late October to early November

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Kentucky - Pine Mountain

Located in the Appalachians, Pine Mountain was Kentucky's first state park.  If you're up for it, you can savor the spectacle longer with a stay in the onsite lodge.

Peak foliage times: Mid-September to late October

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Kentucky - Cumberland Falls

Cumberland Falls is the crown jewel of the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.  Often referred to as the "Niagara of the South," the falls become even more spectacular when surrounded by hues of gold, orange and scarlet.

Peak foliage times: Mid-September to late October

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Mississippi - Tombigbee State Park

Tombigbee State Park in Tupelo enjoys close proximity to the Natchez Trace Parkway, famous for its fall colors. The generously-sized Lake Lee serves as a brilliant mirror for the multi-colored leaves.

Peak foliage times: Mid-October to early November

Photo courtesy of iStock / Sean Pavone

North Carolina - Grandfather Mountain

One of the Blue Ridge's highest peaks, Grandfather Mountain is awash in the most brilliant autumn hues that seem to go on forever.  

Peak foliage times: Mid-October to early November

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North Carolina - Cullasaja River Gorge

Cullasaja River Gorge near the town of Highlands is home to three amazing waterfalls, which visitors can access by driving the scenic Waterfall Byway.  You can actually walk behind Dry Falls, pictured here, for a really atmospheric autumnal experience.

Peak foliage times: Mid-October to early November

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Oklahoma - Talimena National Scenic Byway

The scenic drive along Talimena National Scenic Byway leads you over 50 miles, allowing you to explore historic towns and take in amazing views.  The view pictured here is in the Ouachita Mountains.

Peak foliage times: Late October to early November

Photo courtesy of iStock / Alice-L

Oklahoma - Turner Falls Park

Turner Falls is Oklahoma's largest waterfall, tumbling 77 feet into a pool below.  It's an ideal place to enjoy a fall picnic and revel in the surrounding colorful foliage.

Peak foliage times: Late October to early November

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South Carolina - Greenville

Greenville and its surrounding areas serve as a fantastic place to enjoy all of the shades of autumn.  For an especially scenic perspective, visit the idyllic Campbell's Covered Bridge.

Peak foliage times: Late October to early November

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South Carolina - Table Rock State Park

Easily recognizable in the Upstate South Carolina landscape, Table Rock's exposed rock surface serves as the backdrop for Pinnacle Lake.  The small body of water makes for a stunning contrast when the leaves turn.

Peak foliage times: Late October to early November

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Tennessee - Cades Cove

Drive through Cades Cove – a broad valley in the Great Smoky Mountains – during autumn, and this is what you'll see.  Its picturesque and pastoral beauty is only enhanced by the transforming trees.

Peak foliage times: Early October to early November

Photo courtesy of iStock / Sean Pavone

Tennessee - Newfound Gap

A truly unique view awaits at Newfound Gap, a mountain pass straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border. The nearly-mile-high pass is home to an evergreen spruce-fir forest, which magnificently accents the bold colors of the deciduous population.

Peak foliage times: Early October to early November

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Texas - Lost Maples State Natural Area

Brimming with year-round interest, Lost Maples becomes especially lovely in autumn. It's home to Uvalde bigtooth maples, a difficult-to-find species with fall foliage of stunning reds and golds.

Peak foliage times: Late October to early November

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Virginia - Shenandoah National Park

This massive national park in the Blue Ridge Mountains spans hundreds of thousands of acres.  Exploring via Skyline Drive offers unforgettable views of the technicolor trees.

Peak foliage times: Mid-late October

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Virginia - James River

The James River is an excellent stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway, presenting a striking image of mirrored autumn color.  Even better if you can enjoy it by boat.

Peak foliage times: Mid-late October

Photo courtesy of E+ / Ron and Patty Thomas

West Virginia - Babcock State Park

Bucolic in character, Babcock State Park's Glade Creek Grist Mill surrounded by dappled trees might be as autumnal as it gets.

Peak foliage times: Late October