10 Unforgettable Fall Getaways From Nashville

Fall in Tennessee is the perfect time for a quick escape from Nashville, with the surrounding areas offering autumn scenery, crisp weather, and seasonal activities that make the most of this season. Within a three-hour drive, you will find an array of destinations, from small towns to state parks and luxury retreats, each providing a different way to experience the beauty of fall. Peak leaf-peeping season typically runs from mid-October to early November, making it the ideal time to hit the road and enjoy these spectacular fall getaways. Whether you are looking for scenic drives, cozy retreats, or family-friendly farms, these ten unforgettable getaways are just a short drive from the city.

Leiper’s Fork (40 minutes)

Leiper’s Fork, located in Williamson County, is a favorite fall escape for those in Nashville. Be sure to drive into the village via the Natchez Trace Parkway. The fall foliage creates a natural canopy of vibrant colors, setting the tone for a relaxed getaway. This small village is home to local landmarks like Leiper’s Creek Gallery, known for its collection of fine art by local and regional artists.

For those interested in local food, Fox & Locke (formerly Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant) is the go-to spot for Southern comfort food, where fall favorites like pumpkin pie and hearty soups are served in a cozy, rustic setting. Fox & Locke also hosts live music events during the fall, such as ForkFest in Leiper’s Fork, adding to the village’s festive atmosphere. Leiper’s Fork transforms in the fall, and its small size makes it easy to enjoy a relaxed day of gallery visits, local food, and scenic walks through the village’s tree-lined streets.

Blackberry Farm (2.5 hours)

Blackberry Farm, located in Walland, Tennessee, is one of the most well-known luxury resorts in the country, and it brings an unparalleled fall experience to its 4,200-acre property. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the farm transforms into a canvas of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows during the fall months. Known for its exceptional hospitality for a weekend getaway and farm-to-table dining, Blackberry Farm also offers a wide range of autumn-specific activities that make it a unique fall getaway.

Enjoy activities like horseback riding through the estate’s trails, guided nature walks with a focus on local flora and fauna, and birdwatching. For those seeking relaxation, the resort’s Wellhouse provides seasonal treatments like the Smoky Mountain Skin Glow and deep healing woods meditation. Evenings at Blackberry Farm are made special with bonfires and s’mores, perfect for bonding under the crisp night sky. Events like Dinner A’field, where guests dine outdoors amid the fall foliage, make this destination even more memorable.

Fall Creek Falls State Park (2 hours)

Fall Creek Falls State Park, located on the Cumberland Plateau, is one of Tennessee’s most scenic destinations, especially during the fall when the landscape bursts into color. The park’s crown jewel is Fall Creek Falls, a 256-foot waterfall that is particularly impressive in the fall when surrounded by vibrant foliage. The park spans over 26,000 acres and has a wide variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is the most popular fall activity, with trails like the Gorge Overlook Trail boasting views of the fall landscape.

For those interested in exploring the park’s geology, the Cable Trail offers a challenging hike down into the gorge, where you can enjoy up-close views of waterfalls and rock formations framed by fall leaves. Beyond hiking, Fall Creek Falls presents opportunities for canoeing or kayaking on Fall Creek Falls Lake, where the fall foliage reflects off the water. For a quieter experience, the park’s picnic areas, like those near Piney Falls, provide a retreat for a day of relaxation amidst the beautiful autumn scenery.

Old Hickory Lake (45 minutes)

Old Hickory Lake, located just northeast of Nashville, is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially during the fall when the cooler weather and changing leaves make it an ideal escape. The lake spans 22,500 acres and has a variety of activities for visitors looking to enjoy the fall season. The lake’s shoreline is dotted with parks, including Old Hickory Beach and Sanders Ferry Park, which are perfect for leisurely walks or picnics. In the fall, the reflection of the vibrant foliage on the lake creates a peaceful and scenic atmosphere.

Visitors can go kayaking or paddleboarding to enjoy the views from the water or hike along the Cedar Hill Greenway, which has easy access to the lake and surrounding forests. Fishing is another popular activity at the lake, with the cooler temperatures making it an ideal time to catch bass, crappie, and catfish. For those looking for a quieter experience, a drive along the lake’s winding roads includes views of the fall colors. There are also several local marinas, like Blue Turtle Bay Marina, that offer boat rentals.

Lookout Mountain (2 hours)

Lookout Mountain, located near Chattanooga, Tennessee, is home to several attractions, including Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls, and Point Park, each offering something unique during the autumn months. Rock City Gardens, for example, transforms during fall with its Rocktoberfest, a German-inspired festival featuring live music, dancing, and seasonal food. The gardens themselves are a sight to behold in the fall, with the cliffs and pathways surrounded by vibrant foliage that adds an extra layer of beauty to the already dramatic landscape.

Lookout Mountain is an ideal fall getaway due to its blend of nature and cultural experiences. Hiking trails like Sunset Rock and The Bluff Trail provide views of the Tennessee Valley, especially when the fall colors are at their peak. For a more leisurely experience, visitors can take the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, one of the steepest passenger railways in the world. It is a slow climb up the mountain with panoramic views of the fall landscape. Ruby Falls, the underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain, also has special fall tours that include lantern-lit exploration of the cave system.

Walden Pumpkin Farm (40 minutes)

Walden Pumpkin Farm, located in Smyrna, Tennessee, is a beloved fall destination for families and those looking for a fun, festive day trip from Nashville. The farm is known for its wide variety of activities, including hayrides, a hay maze, a corn maze, and the Tennessee Slip 'n Slide, which is a neat twist on fall entertainment. One of the main attractions at Walden Pumpkin Farm is, of course, the pumpkin patch, where visitors can pick their own pumpkins to take home. The farm also features a petting zoo for a hands-on experience with farm animals.

What sets Walden Pumpkin Farm apart is its focus on creating a classic fall atmosphere. The farm’s Ole Country Store is a popular stop for visitors looking to bring a bit of fall home with them. It has a selection of seasonal items like jams, jellies, honey, and fall-themed décor. For those who work up an appetite, the farm has a variety of seasonal treats, including caramel apples and kettle corn.

Natchez Trace Parkway (20 minutes)

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a historic, scenic highway that stretches 444 miles from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi. It follows the path of an ancient Native American trail and is one of the most peaceful and scenic drives in the region, especially during the fall months when the landscape is ablaze with autumn colors. The Tennessee starting point of the parkway is just 17 miles from Nashville. Along the parkway, visitors can stop at overlooks like Birdsong Hollow or the Double Arch Bridge, both of which have panoramic views of the forested valleys below, framed by fall foliage.

The cooler temperatures make it the perfect time to explore the Garrison Creek Trailhead or Water Valley Overlook, where you can take short hikes through forests full of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. The parkway also has several historic sites along the route, such as the Meriwether Lewis Monument, so it is a well-rounded experience for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Center Hill Lake (1.5 hours)

Center Hill Lake is a man-made reservoir located about 1.5 hours from Nashville. The lake, surrounded by rolling hills and wooded areas, becomes a prime destination for leaf-peepers as the fall foliage reflects off the calm waters. With over 400 miles of shoreline, Center Hill Lake has plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. One of the best places to take in the fall scenery is the Hurricane Bridge Recreation Area, where you can enjoy views of the lake and the surrounding hills painted with autumn colors.

Visitors to Center Hill Lake can enjoy a variety of activities in the fall, from kayaking and paddleboarding to hiking and fishing. The cooler weather makes it perfect for exploring nearby hiking trails like the Edgar Evins State Park Trail, which has views of the lake from elevated vantage points. Fall is also a great time for boating, as the calm waters and lack of summer crowds create a serene experience. If you are looking to relax, many of the lake’s picnic areas, such as Floating Mill Park, are peaceful spots to enjoy the fall weather while surrounded by nature.

South Cumberland State Park (1.5 hours)

South Cumberland State Park is one of Tennessee’s most diverse and beautiful parks, especially in the fall. The park spans over 30,000 acres and is known for its rugged landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails that become even more impressive as the leaves change colors. Foster Falls, one of the park’s most famous attractions, is a 60-foot waterfall that is surrounded by cliffs and foliage in the fall. The hike to Foster Falls is relatively easy and offers views of the falls and the surrounding forest.

The Fiery Gizzard Trail is considered one of the most beautiful and challenging hikes in the state. It has sweeping views of gorges and forests ablaze with fall colors. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the park also has several shorter, family-friendly trails, such as the Grundy Forest Day Loop, where you can take in the fall scenery at a slower pace. The park’s campgrounds provide the perfect opportunity for a fall camping trip, where you can enjoy cool nights by the campfire while surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens (25 minutes)

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum. From September to late October, Cheekwood transforms for its annual Cheekwood Harvest, a seasonal event that features over 75,000 pumpkins displayed throughout the gardens. The event’s centerpiece is the Pumpkin Village, which includes three pumpkin houses and thousands of chrysanthemums. Visitors can also explore the Bradford Robertson Color Garden, which bursts with seasonal flowers and plants that complement the fall landscape.

Families can enjoy a walk along the Scarecrow Trail, where dozens of custom scarecrows are displayed, each one created by local organizations and schools. Weekends at Cheekwood Harvest are particularly lively, with live music performances in the Beer Garden, where adults can relax and enjoy local brews while surrounded by the beauty of the estate’s gardens. For those looking to capture the perfect fall photo, the P’mumkin Topiary, a giant pumpkin-shaped sculpture made from orange mums, is a must-see.

These fall getaways present the perfect way to embrace the season without venturing far from Nashville. Whether you are exploring the art galleries and live music of Leiper’s Fork, indulging in the luxury and natural beauty at Blackberry Farm, or taking a scenic hike at Fall Creek Falls State Park, each destination offers a mix of nature, relaxation, and seasonal fun. From scenic drives along the Natchez Trace Parkway to pumpkin picking at Walden Pumpkin Farm, these spots provide a range of experiences that capture the essence of fall. So, pack your bags, plan your route, and make the most of this beautiful season with a quick and easy escape into Tennessee’s vibrant autumn landscapes.