In this Tennessee vacation guide, we’ll tell you why September is the perfect time of year to visit Tennessee. With all the amazing things to do in Tennessee in September, from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, there is something in the Volunteer State that will suit your taste.
The temperatures are mild, and the activities are plentiful. Take a deep dive into the outdoors and explore Tennessee’s lush mountain forests or hike through lush meadows and past cascading waterfalls on your way to explore stunning vistas like that at Lookout Mountain.


And if you love music, you can always find some amazing live entertainment here in Tennessee. Live performances are plentiful throughout Tennessee, and in September, they range from classic bluegrass to upbeat country and folk.
Plus, there are plenty of festivals to attend, such as the Nashville Tomato Art Fest or the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival.
No matter what you’re into, you can always find some things to do in Tennessee in September!

What Is The Number 1 Attraction In Tennessee?
Dollywood has more than 3 million visitors annually, making it the number 1 tourist destination in Tennessee. It features over 40 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water slides, shows, and its own Dollywood Express Train.
Guests can stay overnight at the park’s on-site DreamMore Resort DreamMore Resort & Spa or adjacent RV Park & Cabins. With a variety of shops, restaurants, and special events throughout the year, there’s something for all ages at Dollywood.
The park also offers a variety of educational experiences, such as the Little Engine Playhouse and Adventure Mountain, a place where children can learn while they play.

Need more insider tips? Check out these Dollywood hacks for the best trip ever!
Things To Do In Tennessee in September
Check out these things to do in Tennesse in September to kick-off your fall adventure!
Go To The Number 1 Attraction in Tennessee
Check out this Dollywood Vacation Guide that has all the resources you need to plan the best family vacation ever!
Go On A Sightseeing Tour in Nashville
Explore all that Nashville has to offer in this 90-minute Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour. The trolley covers over 100 attractions, from country music landmarks to historical sites and more. Plus, you can get on and off as much as you like at the 14 different stops along the route. Totally worth it!
Mountaintop Zipline 2-Hours Activity
If you're an adrenaline junkie, this is the ultimate outdoor adventure you're looking for! This Mountaintop Zipline Tour in Gatlinburg has 11 adventures that will definitely please your need for an adrenaline rush!
- ATV RIDE TO THE TOP- Start off the tour with an ATV ride to the top
- 6 SIDE-BY-SIDE ZIPLINE RUNS- six dual lines that allow you to enjoy the experience right next to friends or family
- 4 SKY BRIDGES- you'll travel across 4 aerial bridges in the 2-hr duration and end the tour by rappelling from the final platform.
Staycation in a 5-bed 5-bath cabin in Gatlinburg
Have a staycation at this 5-bedroom cabin in Gatlinburg. With amazing amenities such as a 6-Person hot tub, washer & dryer, 9-person theater seating & 70-inch flat screen, and 7 Flat Screen Smart TVs, among others, this cabin that can sleep 14 people is the perfect fall getaway!
Madame Tussauds Nashville
Touch and interact with your idols' life-like wax figures at Madame Tussauds!
Camping In The Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Check out these 8 campgrounds in Townsend, TN, if you're looking to camp on the peaceful side of the Smoky Mountains.
Hiking With Llamas
Go hiking with a furry friend beside you! Check out these best places to go hiking with them!
White Water Rafting Around Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Looking for some thrill in the Smokies? Try white water rafting around Gatlinburg, Tennessee!
Download This FREE Fall Packing List for The Smokies
Related Smoky Mountain Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Do you want to get the kids excited about your family vacation? You should definitely try these travel journals for kids from PhotoJeepers to help them look forward to the trip and document it uniquely.
If you’re looking for more kid-friendly destinations in Tennessee, you might want to check out these best kid-friendly vacations in Tennessee for the perfect family destination this fall.