If you are like me, then you are counting days the days until autumn. I love everything about this time of year- the weather, the football, the food, the holidays- and yes that beautiful fall foliage color that takes over the trees! Fall colors typically reach their peak around mid-October through the first of November. I have complied a list of some of the best places to see the colorful fall leaves around Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Enjoy!
Best Places to See Fall Leaves around Nashville
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park– This park is located downtown Nashville, off James Robertson Parkway. A variety of tree types line the main lawn, making this a beautiful place to catch a quick stroll and view the colorful foliage.
Warner Parks – Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, collectively known as “Warner Parks”, feature over 3000 acres of nature and are a great place to hike or bike. You are sure to see plenty of beautiful colored leaves here!
Montgomery Bell State Park- Outside of Nashville, about 30 minutes to the west, you can visit Montgomery Bell State Park. Here you can not only catch the gorgeous fall colors, but also lakeside views. What a beautiful place for a quick hike and a fall picnic!
Cheekwood– You will have to pay admission for Cheekwood, but it is a great place to take an afternoon stroll and breathe in the fresh fall air, while admiring their beautiful grounds!
Radnor Lake– Radnor Lake is a local favorite for those living in Brentwood. What makes this park special is the 3-mile loop that skims the lake. It is a peaceful area and a great place to soak in nature!
Shelby Bottoms– Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area is nestled between East Nashville and downtown. The Cumberland River winds beside the area, and features hardwood forests, nature, trails and parks for the kids. It is the perfect place to catch fall colors!
Beaman Park Nature Center – Where nature meets learning! The facilities include the nature center which houses natural history displays, programming space, and a library; a 300 foot accessible boardwalk; grounds landscaped with native plants and a pollinator garden; and the main trailhead for over 15 miles of hiking trails.
Long Hunter State Park– Long Hunter State Park is located on the banks of Percy Priest. I think there is nothing better than viewing the beautiful colors of fall, dancing along the water! The park is over 2600 acres and a great place for a fall hike.
Harpeth River State Park– Harpeth River State Park is made up of 133 acres, and spans Davidson and Cheatham Counties. There are many trails and of course the Harpeth River to explore! It is a great place to get outdoors and take advantage of the fall weather.
Peeler Park- Peeler Park is a hidden gem, and located along the Cumberland River, off Neely’s Bend. It contains several miles of greenways, and is a great place to escape city live, and view nature and wildlife.
Main Street Franklin- Historic downtown Franklin is a great place to see the changing colors of fall! You can take a stroll down Main Street, do some shopping, and grab a bite to eat. You can also expect festive fall decor lining the streets. Definitely a photo worthy spot!
Stones River National Battlefield– If you are down in Rutherford County, stop by the Stones River National Battlefield. Not only is it steeped in Civil War history, but it has 7 miles of walking trails, that are surrounded by plenty of trees and nature. It is a great place to visit anytime, but especially to see fall colors!
Bells Bend Park– This is a great park to visit if you like to avoid the crowds. It is located in western Davidson County, and is shaped by the Cumberland River. It is a great place to view wildlife, enjoy a peaceful morning hike, and of course see the pretty fall colors.
The Natchez Trace Parkway– This list wouldn’t be complete without the Natchez Trace Parkway. If you travel the entire parkway, it is 444-miles throughout 3 states, packed with 10,000 years of North American history. I think it is the perfect place to drive through and view the beautiful changing leaves! You can also bike the parkway.
Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge – The bridge, crossing the Cumberland River where it bends near Briley and Two Rivers Parkway, is considered a vital link in Nashville’s impressive and emerging greenway system. Almost 22 miles of walking and biking trails are now connected, via the new bridge, from MetroCenter north of downtown to Percy Priest Dam. In addition, the new Cumberland River Bridge now connects the 1,150-acre Shelby Bottoms and Park to the 384-acre Two Rivers Park. Shelby Bottoms and Park contains ballparks, wetlands and a nature center, and lies on the west side of the 745-foot-long bridge.
If you are heading to East Tennessee or down southeast to Chattanooga be sure to check out both guides for those areas! We also have you covered on Nashville Fall Events and Festivities.
