What are the Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Middle Tennessee?

Issue #218

22 Sep

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌥 Columbia Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 89

🍁 What are the Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Middle Tennessee?

🚒 Maury County Fire Department Responds to Combine / Corn Field Fire

🎉 Today: A Worthy Cause Community Block Party  

🎵 Today’s Live Music

📣 We Want To Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Sunday, September 22nd

Monday, September 23rd

Tuesday, September 24th

Wednesday, September 25th

Thursday, September 26th

Friday, September 27th

Saturday, September 28th

What are the Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Middle Tennessee?

The changing colors of fall in Middle Tennessee can be tricky to predict due to factors like leaf pigments, weather, and night length. According to the Tennessee State Park System, the best time to view fall foliage is typically from mid-October, peaking around Halloween, and lasting until late November, when most deciduous trees lose their leaves.

The 2024 Fall Foliage Map offers a guide to the peak color changes, with early October marking the beginning of the transition. The most vibrant colors, a mix of reds, oranges, and golds, are expected between October 21-28.

Here are some of the top places to enjoy the fall colors:

Natchez Trace Parkway (40 min from Columbia)
A 444-mile scenic route spanning three states, tracing the path of the historic "Old Natchez Trace," once traveled by Native Americans, settlers, soldiers, slave traders, and future presidents. Today, visitors can enjoy the picturesque drive along with opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the Parkway.

Radnor Lake State Park (45 min from Columbia)
Known for its abundant wildlife, Radnor Lake offers ranger-led programs like canoeing and nature hikes. Visitors can enjoy the fall scenery alongside sightings of owls, otters, and herons.

Montgomery Bell State Park (50+ min from Columbia)
With 3,850 acres and three lakes, this park offers beautiful views on water and land. The South Loop Trail is a favorite for hikers, while visitors can also enjoy biking, fishing, and boating.

Edgar Evins State Park (1 hr 49 min from Columbia)
For breathtaking views, head to the lookout tower to take in the golden treetops and lake vistas. The Highland Rim Nature Trail offers a scenic journey along Center Hill Lake.

South Cumberland State Park (1 hr 38 min from Columbia)
Home to the Fiery Gizzard Trail, this park is known for its rocky gorges and woodland beauty. The trail runs nearly 13 miles, offering stunning fall landscapes.

Savage Gulf State Park (2 hrs from Columbia)
One of Tennessee’s most scenic wilderness areas, this park offers 60 miles of trails. The Great Stone Door and Greeter Falls Loop are short but scenic hikes, showcasing dramatic cliffs and waterfalls.

Maury County Fire Department Responds to Combine / Corn Field Fire

From Maury County Fire Department’s Facebook post on 9/21:

MCFD responded to a corn field on fire today at 1:38PM on Hampshire Pike. Responding units: Brush 23, 26, Squad 32, Engine 25, Tanker 32, District 32, Safety 20, Division 30, and Deputy 20. 

Units arrived to find that a combine had caught on fire causing a fire in a cut corn field. The combine was extinguished by the farmer. Engine 25 arrived and stopped the fire just as it was entering uncut corn. 

Brush trucks and Tanker 32 contained the field fire aided by a plow the farmer brought out.

Sunday: A Worthy Cause Community Block Party

Get ready for our Third Annual Community Block Party! We're on a mission to create a space where our youth and community can learn about nutrition, movement, and mindfulness in a fun and easy way!

Explore Vendors: Discover a variety of health and craft vendors. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or something special for yourself, you'll find items that inspire healthy living.

Groove to Live Music: Our full stage will feature an exciting lineup of live music acts. From local bands to talented solo artists, the entertainment will keep the energy high and joyful.

Savor Delicious Eats: Treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure with our selection of food trucks or one of our neighbors on the block!

The Kids Zone: The Kids Zone: The kids will have a blast in our dedicated Kids Zone, packed with games and activities designed to teach and inspire. They'll love our specific kids' classes meant to inspire and engage through art, movement, gardening and reading with our amazing partners: Kid Color Camp, Villages Youth Development, Fireflies Garden Club, and Blue Gene Books! You can find a schedule of classes during the event and signups here.

Support Local Businesses: We’re thrilled to collaborate with our amazing local businesses: Ollie and Finns, Briarworks, Grinder Switch, and B's Sweet & Salty. Each will bring their unique flair to the block, offering special deals that highlight what makes our community so special.

Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family to join us for an unforgettable day of learning, fun, and community connection. Let's make this Third Annual Community Block Party a celebration of health, wellness, and togetherness!

Date: Sunday, Sept. 22
Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: 502 N. Garden St., Columbia

🎵 Today’s Live Music

Sunday, September 22nd

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Carson Phillips, Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Kenny Durham, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk