Photos to Inspire Your Fall Adventure in Tennessee
September 2, 2022 | Permalink
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As we start to get some relief from the brutal heat of summer, our minds start to wander to the beautiful fall scenes our parks offer! The beautiful array of yellows, oranges, reds, and greens can be taken in from an immersive hike on a trail or from sitting on the deck at a cabin with a nice cup of coffee.
Make memories in Tennessee this fall by visiting our state parks. Use #tnstateparks to share photos of your fall adventures and let us know which state parks inspire you to get outside this season. We curated some of our favorite fall photos below to inspire your next trip.
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Photos by @jrrangeraidan, @brazzinator, and @ms.haleygolightly on Instagram
View the Fall Foliage
Our state parks offer some of the best places to see the fall foliage in Tennessee.
Though fall officially begins in late September and winter doesn't arrive until late December, the best time to catch the foliage and colorful scenes is from early October to mid-November.
Can’t decide where to hit the trails and see some sights? Learn more about which state parks offer the best views of the leaves changing colors and more information about when to visit this season.
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Photos by @adarrylljacksonsr (left) and @heywanderer (middle) on Instagram
Rest and Relax in a Peaceful Cabin
Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plan a retreat to a Tennessee State Park and spend the weekend with friends and family in a cabin rental. From mountainside retreats to lakeside getaways, Tennessee State Parks vacation cabin rentals offer a wide variety of styles surrounded by sprawling, colorful forests, and vast lakes.
Some parks like Pickett CCC Memorial State Park offer historical cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. These cabins are made from natural materials like wood paneling and native stone, offering a rustic feel, updated with modern conveniences. Other parks like Reelfoot Lake State Park offer premium modern cabins that include the comforts of home with spacious living spaces, fully-equipped kitchens, and satellite tv.
Camping cabins provide a unique experience that feels like camping with the added conveniences of A/C and weather protection. Camping cabins at Natchez Trace State Park are right on the lake and perfect for anglers and family getaways.
Whether you’re looking for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, our cabins are an excellent and affordable home base for your next autumn adventure.
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Photos by @saow.san, @gobrookego, and @lucytheglamper on Instagram
Cozy up at a Campsite
Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful sights from where you stay – whether it be camping or cabins, all provide fantastic fall views! There is something special about camping in a Tennessee State Park – sleeping under the night sky, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the sound of a crackling campfire, the hoot of an owl, the rustle of the leaves in the breeze. Whether you are bringing the whole family for an RV adventure or looking for quiet solitude, Tennessee State Parks offer a variety of unique camping experiences.
Roasting marshmallows, cooking over an open fire, sleeping with the stars above and the sounds of chirping crickets has a way of deeply impacting your mental and physical health. There's something about taking a child on their first camping trip that fills us all with a little bit of childlike wonder.
If you already know the type of camping you would like to enjoy (RV, tent, primitive, backcountry, etc.) or where you would like to camp, then you should dive into the Tennessee State Parks reservation system. There you can search by park, date, and type to find your campsite.
Photos by @warriorspathgolf (left and right) on Instagram
See the Sights From our Tennessee Golf Trail
Cooler temperatures mean nicer days on the course. We have combined the beautiful nature of Tennessee with the talent of outstanding course designers to create the Tennessee Golf Trail. Our 9 Trail courses offer exceptional golf experiences and the natural beauty found only at Tennessee State Parks.
Whether you choose to play one of the six traditional courses or select from the Bear Trace courses, you will be surrounded by some of the most fantastic scenery in Tennessee. Add in the beauty of the fall colors, and you’ve got a wonderful, immersive fall golf experience!
Photos by @tangledancer, @oneson.tf, and @coachscarth on Instagram
Take in the Scenery From the Water
Our parks offer a variety of water resources, including lakes, ponds, and rivers. Our visitors can enjoy the day on the water with canoes, kayaks, tandem kayaks, standup paddleboards (SUPs), and pedal boats. The selection of watercraft varies from park to park.
Several of our parks have ramps and/or canoe and kayak put-ins, including Bledsoe Creek, Henry Horton, Hiwassee/Ocoee, Port Royal, Rock Island, and Seven Islands.
We also offer group paddle and boating events! These are some of the most unique ways to see the Tennessee Fall foliage from a different perspective!
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Photos by @lady_gadiva, @creativecarmella, and @c2mam on Instagram
Take a Hike on the Colorful Trails
With more than one thousand miles of trails, Tennessee State Parks are perfect for exploring old-growth forests, exceptional cedar glade habitats, and unique geological rock formations – as well as the beautiful changing colors as we enter the autumn season. Walk through the pristine wilderness or stroll and see the spectacular waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife that our trails have to offer!
Share Your Fall Photos
We hope you feel inspired to explore our beautiful state parks – and if you do, make sure to tag #tnstateparks when you visit! View our collection of fall photos below taken by visitors. We’ll be adding new ones as they come in this fall, so you can see adventures unfold from across the state.