This is unequivocally my favorite time of the year. From August through the holidays, it feels like the world begins to slow down a little bit, the weather here in Nashville is a lot more comfortable, and my favorite things (Oktoberfest beer, hoodies, and American tackle football) are in season. But, I’ll tell you guys what – you have to spend some time preparing for it. Seasonal magic does NOT just happen overnight on the whims of a sailor. Whether it’s jotting down reminders of seasonal recipes you love, activities around town, or movies you have to watch to fully immerse yourself into Fall, it takes a meticulous amount of prep work, or else this season will fly right by before you can blink. That’s right – preparation is truly the key to savoring the moment and not letting it fly right by you. Consider this post me being that wake-up call for you, because we’re about to enter peak leaf season here in Tennessee, and I don’t want you guys to miss a single solitary second of the beauty that nature’s paintbrush lights up the horizon in our sweet sweet Volunteer State.
According to The Tennessean, we will see leaves ’round here beginning to burst with color in the coming weeks, leading up to peak season around November 7th. That gives you roughly a month to clear a Saturday to spend roaming the area in search of the beautiful splendor an Autumn’s bounty yields. In that piece, a few ideal spots in the midstate are listed where you can take in the arousing autumnal views. But, I would like to add to that list as your Maximum Fall Foliage Enjoyment Administrative Assistant (how awesome would it be if that was my legit title? Fuck it – I can do that as the EIC).
The Best Places to Enjoy the Leaves in Tennessee
*Gatlinburg – The Smoky Mountains are still the G.O.A.T. of this shit. Regardless of the time of year, there’s no better scenery in the state. It’s perfect for a cool Fall hike. A couple of years ago, my wife and I took in the sunset from Clingmans Dome the weekend before Thanksgiving and it was an otherworldly experience. I still think about that evening sometimes when I’m feeling overly anxious. It’s like that’s my center of peace now. You can experience it too with a quick four hour drive from Nashville (three if you let my wife drive).
*Chattanooga – I don’t feel like the Scenic City gets enough credit this time of year. Lookout Mountain is one of my favorite places to take in nature in the entire universe. Rock City in November sounds like Heaven on Earth to me!
*Williamson County – Downtown Franklin has the perfect vibe for Fall. It’s equal parts scenic and charming. Getting there is even more beautiful. There are several beautiful drives in and out of Franklin regardless of where you’re coming from this time of year. Personally, coming from Mount Juliet, I like to hop on Mount Juliet Road and ride it all the way out to Concord Road, then down Franklin Road right into town. If you can’t take an overnight trip, but have the day to burn, this is one of the ways to go.
*Highway 70 out to Sparta – The other, and the more time-consuming, is a trip out East taking the backroads. I grew up going to visit my grandparents in Smithville, so I’ve been making this drive my whole life. From the moment you hit Watertown on into Smithville, it’s the most relaxing commute in the state in my book. Hills galore and low traffic, so you can drive as slow as you’d like and pull over any time you get a photo op. If you have the time, push on through Smithville and drive to Sparta…just through town on 70, you’ll start to climb into the hills, where there’s a beautiful scenic overlook. It’s like Diet Gatlinburg out in that part of the state. The scenic views with none of the aggravating tourism or price gouging. Oh, and if you’re going to head through Smithville, be sure to make time for a stop at Kilgore’s.
*Central Pike – Yes, I’m going the hyper local route to wrap us up here today. If you’re really strapped for time, you don’t even have to leave the eastern side of the city for this one. It’s a drive I make quite often out here when I go to visit my mother in Gladeville. You just head south down Mount Juliet Road as far as you can, hang a left on Couchville Pike, ride it up just over 840, hang a left onto McCrary Road. When you get to the four-way stop in Gladeville, keep going straight as it turns into Gladeville Road, make a left onto Central Pike and ride it out until you’re back where you started on Mount Juliet Road. It’s a beautiful drive, but there are three places that I like to slow down and take in a sunset if I can. For one, you drive over 840 on Couchville Pike right there by the new Love’s Travel Station. It’s usually a good little spot to see some hills in the distance. Then, you’ll pass over 840 once again on McCrary, where you can see the Gladeville skyline backlit by a setting sun. But, the kicker, for those of you who don’t already know this little secret about the Gladeville area…is that there’s a portion of Central Pike, way up on the hill, near Gailynn Marie Drive, where if you’re heading West and slow down just enough, you can see the Nashville skyline lit up well off into the distance. It’s beautiful. It’s easy. And, it only takes up about 45 minutes (assuming you slow down to a near-stop several times like I do (hey, that’s the way to enjoy it, folks)).
Hey, that’s just my list though. If you have any suggestions that aren’t on the list, please send ’em my way. I’m always looking for new drives to take and new ways to enjoy the beauty that Tennessee has to offer this time of year. Also, yes – that is just a picture of the trees in my backyard. That’s what we call “#journalism,” folks.
If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to The SoBros Power Hour on Apple Podcasts, follow us on Spotify, or wherever you take in your shows. Give us a rate and a review when you have a moment – that’s how we get better and we always want to be better for you guys!
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, your Maximum Fall Foliage Enjoyment Administrative Assistant, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
Check out the SoBros Shop. Become a Patron. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Watch on YouTube.
