Fall in Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama is a spectacular time for anyone who loves nature’s changing palette. As the rolling hills burst into shades of red, gold, and orange, the season invites you to step outside and savor the beauty of the leaves. Along the Natchez Trace Parkway, anchoring Nashville’s Big Back Yard (NBBY), more than 50 species of trees transform into a living canvas, creating one of the most breathtaking autumn displays in the South.
Whether you’re strolling through small towns, exploring local gardens, or simply admiring the canopy overhead, every turn offers a fresh view of autumn’s artistry. The crisp air, vibrant foliage, and seasonal festivals make this the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the wonder of fall leaves.
From pumpkin patches to scenic overlooks, here are 10 ways to make the most of autumn in Nashville’s Big Back Yard.
Take a Scenic Drive Along the Natchez Trace Parkway
Franklin, TN, USA – October, 28, 2019: Entry sign to Natchez Trace Parkway, 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states – fall scenery with Double Arch Bridge, travel concept. Editorial credit: marekuliasz / Shutterstock.com
Few roads capture fall’s beauty like the Natchez Trace Parkway. This 444-mile National Park begins in Nashville, TN, winds through The Shoals in Alabama, and ends in Natchez, MS. Every curve reveals another sweeping view of forests lit up in reds, oranges, and golds. It’s the kind of drive that begs for frequent stops at overlooks, trailheads, and historic markers. For enthusiasts, it’s bucket-list material.
Savor the National Banana Pudding Festival (Centerville, TN) – Oct. 4-5
A perfect road-trip detour, the National Banana Pudding Festival celebrates one of the South’s sweetest traditions. Park your ride and stroll through live music, family activities, and “The Puddin’ Path,” where guests taste multiple versions of the classic dessert. It’s roadside Americana at its best.
Catch Live Music at Shoals Fest (Florence, AL) – Oct. 11-12
If your fall getaway takes you south along the Trace, don’t miss Shoals Fest in Florence. Jason Isbell curates this riverfront festival at McFarland Park, combining road-trip vibes with the legendary Muscle Shoals music scene. After a day of driving, there’s nothing better than live music by the water.
Explore the “Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising” Exhibit (Nashville, TN) – Opens Nov. 14
Back in Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum debuts its latest exhibit, showcasing how Muscle Shoals shaped global music. For anyone plotting a music-themed road trip, this stop connects the dots between the Trace and Music City itself.
Feast at the Mid-South Barbecue Festival (Mt. Pleasant, TN) – Oct. 18
Sometimes the best road trips are guided by food. Follow the smoke to Mt. Pleasant, where the Mid-South Barbecue Festival fills the streets with ribs, pulled pork, live music, and small-town charm. Just roll down your windows and let your nose lead the way.
Breathe Deep at the Oak Grove Lavender Farm Fall Festival (Hohenwald, TN) – Oct. 18
After hours on the road, this stop is all about slowing down. The Oak Grove Lavender Farm hosts a family-friendly fall festival with artisan booths, a pumpkin patch, seasonal bites, and the calming scent of lavender drifting across the fields. It’s a welcome pause on any autumn drive.
Shop Art and Antiques at Ember (Leiper’s Fork, TN) – Oct. 25
Leiper’s Fork has become a favorite pit stop for travelers exploring backroads near Nashville. Ember brings together fine art and antiques in a cozy village setting — the kind of event that makes you want to park the car, wander on foot, and soak in small-town character.
Celebrate at Fork Fest & Lawnchair Theatre Concert (Leiper’s Fork, TN) – Oct. 26
The next night, the same town transforms again. Fork Fest offers live music, food, and family fun, capped by a concert at the open-air Lawnchair Theatre. After a day of driving, it’s the perfect place to kick back under the stars.
Treasure Hunt at Pickin’ Leiper’s Fork (Nov. 14-16)
Collectors and vintage lovers will want to steer toward this three-day antique show. Held at PROPS, the event features regional vendors with everything from heirloom furniture to retro finds — perfect souvenirs from a fall road trip through the South.
Discover the Bridges of Waynesboro, TN
For those who love scenic drives with a touch of the unexpected, the Bridges of Waynesboro are a must-see. This double-span natural bridge is the only one of its kind in the Northern America. It’s a hidden gem that turns a simple detour into a highlight of your journey.
Where to Stay in Nashville’s Big Back Yard
Make it a true road-trip getaway with a stay at one of these unique lodging options:
- Fork and Field Cottages – Leiper’s Fork, TN
- GunRunner Hotel – Florence, AL
- Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa – Florence, AL
- The Commodore Hotel – Linden, TN
- The Stricklin Hotel – Florence, AL
- Woodland Parkview Motel – Lawrenceburg, TN
A Final Note
Fall in Nashville’s Big Back Yard is a celebration of nature at its finest. Driving the Natchez Trace Parkway, you’ll find yourself surrounded by canopies of brilliant foliage, with countless opportunities to stop and wander through gardens, trails, and quiet overlooks.
Each bend in the road reveals a new patch of color, while small-town festivals and hidden natural wonders add charm along the way. It’s a road trip where the journey is every bit as beautiful as the destination.
