Fall Break Survival Guide: How to Make the Most of Your Fall Break
At Tennessee Tech, the pace of the semester can move quickly. Between exams, projects, campus events, and daily responsibilities, it’s easy to get swept up in a routine. That’s what makes fall break such a valuable opportunity to slow down. It’s not just a pause in the academic calendar, but a moment to breathe, reflect, and reset. Whether you’re looking to get outside, spend time with friends, or simply rest, it’s important to give yourself permission to slow down, reflect on how far you’ve come, and prepare to finish the semester strong.
During this time of year, Tennessee is something truly special. Golden leaves, cool
mornings, waterfalls and quiet trails are all just a short drive from campus. Burgess
Falls State Park is a favorite for a reason, as it offers scenic trails and stunning
waterfall views that are easy to access, making it a great spot for a peaceful solo
hike or a spontaneous adventure with friends. We recommend arriving early in the morning
to experience a moment of calmness and light that can’t be replicated later in the
day. Even closer is Cummins Falls State Park, known for its beautiful swimming hole
tucked into the gorge. For students looking for something more active and adventurous,
it’s a rewarding hike into the gorge. Be sure to plan ahead if you are going down
to the gorge, as it requires a permit to access and can be a little strenuous for
some visitors. They also have less-strenuous hikes that can connect you to nature
as well.
For those wanting to go a little further, Fall Creek Falls State Park is about an hour away and makes for a perfect day trip or overnight getaway. With hiking trails, ziplining, fishing, and cabin rentals, it’s a place where you can fully disconnect from school and reconnect with nature. It’s the kind of experience that reminds you there is so much more beyond textbooks and screens.
Fall is a season for creating memories, sharing laughter, and finding joy in the little things. Around Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland region, there’s no shortage of seasonal activities. Pumpkin patches, local farms, and small-town festivals bring a kind of charm that can make even a quiet weekend feel memorable.
If you are looking to stay in, a cozy evening at home can be restorative. A fall movie night, with warm blankets, hot cider, and fall movies, like The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown or Hocus Pocus, can be just the thing to reset your mood. You can also try out a seasonal recipe like homemade chili or apple crisp to create that fall break vibe in your home. These aren’t just breaks from school; it’s a way of nurturing yourself so you can return to campus feeling more grounded.
Then, there is rest. The kind we tend to overlook, yet deeply need. Fall break is the perfect time to check-in with your own well-being. Maybe that means taking a break from screens for an afternoon or setting aside a few days to fix your sleep schedule. Just a few nights of consistent rest can have a noticeable impact on your energy, focus, and even your mood. Stopping by a local coffee shop, like Soul Craft, Poet’s Coffee or Vertical Coffee Co., or browsing the shelves at Plenty Bookstore, can offer a quiet moment to journal, read, or simply enjoy a warm drink without rushing.
Fall break is also a good time to regroup academically. A quick mid-semester check-in can help make the rest of the semester feel more manageable. Ask yourself if you are on track, or if there are any assignments you’ve been putting off. Setting small goals for final projects, updating your resume, or sending a few emails to professors or advisors can ease your transition back into the academic rhythm and save you from scrambling later on.
The truth is, taking a break doesn’t mean falling behind. In fact, it is often the opposite. At Tennessee Tech, we pride ourselves on being bold, fearless, and determined, yet part of being successful is knowing when to pause. Sometimes, the boldest thing you can do is give yourself permission to slow down. Fall break is your chance to pause, reflect on how far you’ve come this semester, and take care of yourself in whatever way you need most. Whether that’s hiking to a waterfall, cooking with friends, catching up on sleep, or simply not doing anything at all, how you spend this time is up to you. Happy Fall Break Golden Eagles!