Every fall, thousands of people head toward the Great Smoky Mountains in search of brilliant red, orange and golden leaves. Unfortunately, thousands of other people have exactly the same idea. Before long, that peaceful drive through autumn’s beauty can become a parade of brake lights.

But here’s a little secret. Some of East Tennessee’s most beautiful fall scenery is waiting in the opposite direction.

Instead of heading toward Gatlinburg or Cades Cove, point the car northwest toward Morgan and Scott counties. You’ll find winding country roads, wooded mountainsides, quiet communities and plenty of places where autumn still feels like autumn instead of a traffic jam.

And the best part? You can enjoy much of it without ever leaving your car.

Start with Morgan County

Take Interstate 40 west from Knoxville toward Harriman, then head north on U.S. Highway 27 toward Wartburg. The scenery begins changing as the landscape gives way to rolling hills, hardwood forests and mountain ridges.

Wartburg makes a convenient starting point for a fall adventure. From there, several roads lead into some of the prettiest countryside in the region.

Frozen Head State Park is one of Morgan County’s treasures. Even if you’re not interested in hiking, the drive toward the park offers beautiful wooded scenery. Those who want to stretch their legs can enjoy the park’s trails and picnic areas.

Historic Rugby is another worthwhile detour. This preserved Victorian village, founded in 1880, offers historic buildings, quiet lanes and a setting that becomes especially charming when surrounded by autumn color.

Continue into Scott County

Follow U.S. Highway 27 north through Morgan County and into Scott County, where the landscape opens into a combination of mountain views, farms, small communities and forests.

The drive itself is part of the attraction. There is no need to rush. Watch for the changing colors along the hillsides, old barns tucked into valleys and the occasional roadside view that deserves a photograph.

Oneida makes a good stopping point before exploring some of the area’s most scenic destinations.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is the region’s showstopper. Its rugged gorges, sandstone bluffs and hardwood forests provide a spectacular setting for fall foliage. The drive toward Bandy Creek and the overlooks around the recreation area can make this trip feel like a mountain vacation without the bustle of the Smokies.

For those willing to take a short walk, the overlooks offer views that rival many of the more famous destinations in East Tennessee.

Make it a day, not a race

One of the pleasures of a Morgan and Scott county drive is the freedom to explore. Stop for lunch in a small town, take photographs of a colorful hillside or simply enjoy a quiet stretch of road.

There is no requirement to complete every stop. Choose one or two destinations and leave enough time to enjoy them.

Fall color also changes with elevation and weather. Higher ridges may show their brightest colors before the valleys, so a drive through both counties can offer a variety of autumn scenes.

And remember, some of the prettiest views are not at designated overlooks. They’re along ordinary country roads where the trees arch overhead and the sunlight filters through leaves of gold.

The Smokies will always be a magnificent place to see autumn. But sometimes the best fall outing is the one that doesn’t require fighting traffic to find it.

This year, consider turning away from the crowds and discovering the beauty waiting close to home.

Close to Home explores the interesting places, hidden treasures and worthwhile adventures waiting in and around East Tennessee.