4 Seasons of Fun: Explore Outdoor Activities in Middle Tennessee
Sponsored by: Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee
Middle Tennessee takes center stage (literally) when it comes to entertainment. From Broadway to Bonnaroo, creativity pulses throughout this region. But it’s more than just music.
The world-renowned liveliness that Middle Tennessee is known for goes far beyond the stage, seeping into the region’s outdoor landscape. Being the largest portion of the state, Middle Tennessee is home to more than 17,000 square miles – all inviting you to play, see, explore and unwind.
From iconic festivals, scenic lakes and art experiences to blooming trails, farmers markets, U-pick farms and trails galore, there are outdoor activities here to please everyone.
So get ready – we’re going on an outdoor adventure.
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In This Article
Spring Activities in Middle Tennessee
Spring in Middle Tennessee is something to look forward to. The sun is shining, everything is in bloom, and the weather is warm without being hot. Any local will tell you it’s the perfect time to enjoy the region’s plentiful outdoor activities – whether it’s walking, driving, exploring or celebrating.
The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from Mississippi to Tennessee, providing more than 400 miles of stunning scenery. Blooming dogwoods and wildflowers fill the path, and it’s even better when paired with sunny skies. Along the way, be sure to stop and enjoy historical sites and markers such as Native American mounds, the Meriwether Lewis Monument or Gordon House.
Speaking of history, there are plenty more outdoor sites steeped in it. Instagram-worthy gardens plus a historic home and museum await at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville. And Stones River National Battlefield in nearby Murfreesboro, home to one of the most significant battles of the Civil War, also has plenty of walking trails to explore.
For a picnic, a quick dip or just some picturesque views, check out the Harpeth River, Duck River, Jackson Falls, Burgess Falls State Park, Warner Parks or Radnor Lake State Park. Some offer kayaking, fishing and even birdwatching.
If you’re looking for something a little more lively, there’s plenty of that, too. Franklin’s Main Street Festival and Nashville’s Cherry Blossom Festival draw thousands of visitors and locals alike each year. And throughout the region, you’ll find farmers markets offering up everything from fresh produce and meat to baked goods and handcrafted treasures.
Summer Activities in Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee brings the heat – in more ways than one. But the good news is that you’ll find plenty of ways to cool off.
With beautiful bodies of water, there is always somewhere to dive into. Whether you get your fix through swimming, boating or water sports, you can do it all here. Center Hill Lake, Percy Priest Lake, Tims Ford Lake and Old Hickory Lake never disappoint.
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Go deeper (literally) with a trip to a Middle Tennessee cave. In McMinnville, Cumberland Caverns, a U.S. National Landmark, offers self-guided and guided tours, plus concerts year-round. Throughout the centuries, Dunbar Cave in Clarksville has served as an event venue, public swimming pool and Native American village, and you can see all that history on one of their tours. Most notably, visitors can see Native American art dating back to the 14th century.
Whether you prefer to hike, bike or take a leisurely stroll, Middle Tennessee has plenty of trails to scratch your itch for outdoor activity. Stroll around Centennial Park and snap a photo of the Parthenon or bike your way to the perfect picnic spot at Shelby Bottoms Greenway, both in Nashville. You can also take a short walk and snap a cute photo around Centennial Park. Discover a scenic waterfall (or 7, to be precise) with a day of hiking at Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer, TN.
Middle Tennessee Festivals Are Full of Fun
If you’re looking to enjoy the Middle Tennessee landscape AND a show, there are countless opportunities to do so. Music lovers will thrive at Jazz on the Cumberland, Live on the Green, Musicians Corner, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, CMA Fest or AMERICANAFEST. If you’re trying to stick to a budget, try a free Nashville Symphony Community Concert, hosted at various parks and outdoor spaces throughout the city, a trip to Arrington Vineyards, which has free admission and live music during the summer, or Summer Shakespeare, hosted by the Nashville Shakespeare Festival. Featuring some of the state’s top talent, guests can experience some of Shakespeare’s most iconic works with a modern (and usually hilarious) twist – all for a donation-based entry fee.
Fall Activities in Middle Tennessee
Each September, Middle Tennessee slowly begins its transition to a dreamy fall oasis. From rich foliage and milder temperatures to seasonal activities galore, it’s one of the best times of the year to visit.
With a refreshing relief from the summer heat, locals and visitors alike are sure to indulge in all things outdoors. Try your hand at biking down the Natchez Trace Parkway, a popular motorcycle route that extends nearly 450 miles. Take a Fall Foliage Excursion with the Tennessee Central Railway Museum. Or enjoy fishing, biking or hiking at one of the many Middle Tennessee state parks.
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Festivals are aplenty this time of year. Rock the day away at Pilgrimage Music & Culture Festival or sip and savor at Wine Down Main Street or Nashville Oktoberfest. Or do a little bit of it all at Pumpkinfest, Nashville Fall Festival, La Vergne Fall Festival and Cheekwood Harvest.
Have Fun on the Farm
It simply wouldn’t be fall without some pumpkin pickin’. Find your perfect gourd while enjoying other seasonal fun at Lucky Ladd Farms, Williamson Family Farm, Honeysuckle Hill Farm, The Farm at Route 8, Walden Pumpkin Farm and Falcon Ridge Farm. And if pumpkins aren’t your thing, no sweat. Try your hand at apple picking, corn mazes and more at Stoney Creek Farm, Shade Tree Orchard, Apple Valley Orchard, Green Door Gourmet, Gentry Farm or Amazin’ Acres of Fun.
Looking for more fall fun? Check out these fun farms near Nashville to visit this fall.
Winter Activities in Middle Tennessee
While the summer months around here might be toasty, it means mild winters are common. So, if you’re bursting to get outside without freezing, this is the place to do it.
With free admission year-round, Middle Tennessee’s state parks are the perfect place to enjoy nature this time of year. Enjoy a mild hike at Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Have an early morning hunt (with a permit, of course) at Tims Ford State Park. Fish for fresh trout at Harpeth River State Park. And though not state parks, Old Hickory Lake and Cheatham Lake are hot spots for seasonal birdwatching.
For something a little more lively, try a stroll through Nashville Zoo’s Zoolumination – a seasonal display of over 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns. Clarksville’s Christmas on the Cumberland lights up the Cumberland Riverwalk. FrankTown Festival of Lights allows guests to drive through over a mile of animated light displays. And, of course, there are plenty of places to ice skate, including the Fountains at Gateway, Gaylord Opryland and The Rink Above Broadway.
