Easily find when the foliage near you will be at its peak with these fall foliage prediction maps.
* Several Middle Tennessee State Parks offer scenic hikes for the fall season.
* Ahead of the leaves' changing colors, the park system has expanded its colorblind viewfinders to make leaf peeping more accessible.
* Along with nature hikes, many parks offer amenities like golf courses and camping.
Fall's vibrant hues are almost here.
In just a few short weeks, all of Middle Tennessee will soon be blanketed by the season's autumnal color, making it the perfect time to grab a seasonal beverage, take a hike and enjoy the colorful views.
While the Autumn Equinox, heralding the first day of fall, arrives Sept. 22, leaves are not expected to begin changing color until early October and will reach peak color by late October through early November, according to the 2025 fall foliage map from ExploreFall.com.
Nashville and surrounding areas are perfect for leaf peeping. From cityscapes to picturesque state parks, the region offers multiple backdrops for soaking in fall's fiery foliage.
Wondering which Middle Tennessee state parks are best to take in the sights of the season? Here's what to know.
Tennessee State Park System makes leaf peeping more inclusive, expands colorblind viewfinders in parks
The Tennessee State Park System is making leaf peeping more accessible, allowing all its guests to see fall in full color.
On Sept, 4, the park system announced additional colorblind viewfinders were expanded to 12 parks, to include T.O. Fuller State Park in Memphis and Roan Mountain State Park in Roan Mountain.
The viewfinders, designed to alleviate red-green colorblindness, have special lenses to enable people with colorblindness to see a broad range of clear, vibrant colors, a statement said.
"All visitors deserve the same experience of enjoying the natural beauty of our state parks," said Deputy Commissioner for Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Greer Tidwell.
"The ability to view colors of the park can be a dramatic moment for a visitor," he added. "As the most accessible state park system in the nation, we are thrilled we can provide that experience."
In Middle Tennessee, viewfinders can be found at:
* Montgomery Bell State Park
* Radnor Lake State Park
* Standing Stone State Park
* Savage Gulf State Park
* Fall Creek Falls State Park
Best Middle Tennessee state parks for fall hikes, leaf peeping
Tims Ford State Park
Where: 570 Tims Ford Drive, Winchester, Tennessee 37398
Tims Ford State Park, located on a Bill Dance Signature Lake, is known for its scenic beauty and top-tier bass fishing, according to the park system.
Visitors can hike trails with stunning views, including a suspension bridge, or rent paddling gear at the marina. The park also features an 18-hole golf course, cabins, and a variety of camping options for tents, trailers and RVs.
Edgar Evins State Park
Where: 1630 Edgar Evins State Park Road, Silver Point, Tennessee 38582
Edgar Evins State Park, located on Center Hill Lake in Middle Tennessee, offers hiking, fishing and boating. Unique camping options include wooden platform sites and primitive tent areas, plus cabins for overnight stays. Canoeing on the nearby Caney River is also a popular fall activity.
Standing Stone State Park
Where: 1674 Standing Stone Park Highway, Hilham, Tennessee 38568
Standing Stone State Park offers a peaceful fall retreat on the Cumberland Plateau. Visitors are able to enjoy fishing on Kelly Lake, hiking scenic trails and soaking in vibrant autumn colors.
Nearby attractions include Cummins Falls State Park, home to one of Tennessee's most iconic waterfalls, Cordell Hull Birthplace State Historic Park and Dale Hollow Lake. Lodging options range from cozy, historic cabins with fireplaces to tent and RV camping.
Savage Gulf State Park
Where: 1183 Stone Door Road, Beersheba Springs, Tennessee 37305
Savage Gulf State Park spans Grundy and Sequatchie counties and showcases one of Tennessee's most stunning wilderness areas.
With nearly 60 miles of trails, hikers can explore waterfalls, panoramic overlooks and historic sites like the Stagecoach Road. Highlights include the Great Stone Door, a dramatic cliff offering sweeping views of the gulf.
The park features 10 backcountry campgrounds, 66 campsites, 9 group sites, and one rustic backcountry cabin, Hobbs Cabin.
South Cumberland State Park
Where: 11745 US 41 Monteagle, Tennessee, 37356
South Cumberland State Park spans over 12,000 acres across Grundy, Franklin, and Marion counties -- offering some of the region's best hiking and backcountry camping. With more than 20 miles of trails and eight trailheads, visitors can explore scenic areas like Fiery Gizzard, Denny Cove, Lost Cove, and Grundy Lakes.
The park features one drive-up campground at Foster Falls and four hike-in backcountry campgrounds.
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana