Another sight-seeing alternative would be to leave the driving to someone else and take the train. The Tennessee Valley Railroad and Tennessee Overhill Association offer several exciting fall excursions. Since 2004 the Tennessee Valley railroad has been taking passenger train excursions across the beautiful Hiwassee River Gorge.

During the month of  November the Hiwassee Rail Adventure Train will depart from the L & N Depot Museum, Hwy 411, Etowah, TN. These fall color excursions take the passenger on a 50-mile round trip up the beautiful lower Hiwassee River Gorge. This 3-1/2 hour trip will take passengers to the top of the famous "Hiwassee Loop" where the tracks cross over themselves as they corkscrew up the mountain near Farner, Tennessee. Hiwassee Loop Excursions vary between one and two trips a day and cost $37.00 adult fare and $27.00 children 3-12. Restrooms are located on each train car and snacks, soft drinks and souvenirs will be available for sale.

For those who cannot get enough of the wonderful hues of fall, an extended 94 mile roundtrip on the "Copper Hill" excursion is for you. This day-long ride takes you through the lower Hiwassee River Gorge, over the Hiwassee Loop, to the joint cities of Copperhill, TN, and McCaysville, GA. Before returning to Etowah, passengers get a chance to browse the antique shops in the mining town of Copperhill and take lunch at one of its restaurants.

Shuttle buses for the Copperhill Excursion depart from Etowah at 9:15 a.m. on November 6, 12, and 20. The cost is $66 adult fare and $39 children age 3-12. For more information go to www.tvrail.com or call 423-263-7232.

Cruising down the river on a Sunday afternoon.... or any other day for that matter, is another great way to take in the natural wonders of Tennessee at its very best. "Fall Leaf Cruises" on the Southern Belle of Chattanooga began October 23rd and will run through November 7th. Once aboard, the 3 hour cruise will take you through the beautiful Tennessee River Gorge known as the "Grand Canyon of the South" through the most scenic part of the Tennessee River.

As well as spectacular views, passengers can enjoy lunch or brunch, live entertainment, free bingo for gift shop prizes and a full narrative as you cruise into the gorge. Cost for the Fall Leaf cruise Adult rate - $31.50 and child rate - $14.50, plus tax and gratuity. Fall cruises on the Southern Belle continue November 9th thru 14th with its "Tennessee River Gorge Sightseeing and Lunch Cruise." This shorter 2-1/2 hour cruise will take you on a trip to the Tennessee River Gorge and includes lunch and informative commentary. Cost for an adult is $26.50 and a child is $12.50, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations and more information call (423) 266-4488 or (800)766-2784 or go to www.chattanoogariverboat.com.

Mother nature puts on a spectacular show this time every year and you don't necessarily have to pay any fees to witness this wonderful event. Hiking or strolling through the countryside brings you much closer to nature than anything else. Unlike the fall color tours mentioned above, walking allows us to stop and look, feel and smell the numerous colored foliage. Add to that, the sensation of walking through crisp fallen leaves, hearing the sounds of nature and breathing in the fresh cool air of Autumn.

The Cherokee National Forest has some great walking trails. From Chilhowee mountain in Ocoee, TN, visitors can see sensational views of Ocoee and Parksville Lake adorned in the reds, oranges, purples and yellows of fall foliage. Well marked hiking trails lead from each of the landings of the mountain. Right at the top of Chilhowee is a lake as well as camping and picnic areas.

From there hikers can follow the trail to Benton Falls. The Cherokee National Forest 2010 fall color report for Tellico and Ocoee ranger districts say "colors at elevations above 4,000' are near peak, colors at elevations between 2,000' and 3,500' are at approximately 50% of peak and are expected to peak within the next 10-14 days."

For more information about hiking in Cherokee National Forest call (423) 476-9700 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r8/cherokee/.

Seasons change, winter, spring, summer and fall. After the Autumn leaves have given their grand finale, they will turn brown, get a little brittle, shrivel up and fall to the ground making way for winter.

Next, they will all be raked up and incinerated or mulched in the garden mower. The great news is, come Spring they will be back again, young,  new and in all their glory. Oh to be a leaf!