5 Beautiful Places to Enjoy the Fall Foliage Near Memphis

Fall is here! As the seasons begin to change, Our beautiful home is beginning to explode with color as the leaves begin to change, and the temperature starts to drop. Memphis is surrounded by some of the most beautiful places in the state to take in the changing of the fall leaves, and we would be remiss if we didnt share a few insider secrets as to the best places to experience this once a year event. Here are the top 5 most scenic places to enjoy the fall foliage near memphis! Happy Autumn!

1. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

First up, located About 30 Minutes away from Memphis, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is one of the most beautiful places in all of Tennessee to take in the beautiful fall foliage. Home to an incredible fall canopy and some of the most beautiful vistas around, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is packed with towering Beech, Oak, and Elm trees, that share some of the most beautiful fall colors that you can see in the area. Home to an incredible fall canopy and some of the most beautiful vistas around, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is packed with towering Beech, Oak, and Elm trees, that share some of the most beautiful fall colors that you can see in the area.

Location: 910 Riddick Rd. Millington, TN 38053
Contact: 901- 876-5215 / Email: [email protected]
Admission Cost: FREE!

2. Memphis Botanic Garden

Undoubtedly, The Memphis Botanic Garden is one of the most beautiful and serene spaces to visit at any time of year, but visiting in the fall to take in the beautiful foliage puts this scenic and immaculate Botanic Garden on another level! The 96 acres of gardens and trails contain a huge variety of trees displaying fall foliage in late October to early November. For a small admission fee, you and your family can take in the amazing surroundings, snap a few photos for the gram, and then, as we suggest, put the phone away and soak up the environment and intentional beauty that surrounds you.

Location: 750 Cherry Road. Memphis, TN 38117
Contact: (901) 636-4100 / Email : [email protected]
Admission Cost: Adults: $10, Children: $5

3. Reelfoot Lake State Park

Nestled in the Northwest corner of Tennessee, and just a short two hour drive from Memphis, is Reelfoot Lake State Park, one of the most beautiful places for fall outdoor activities. To take in the majestic beauty of the this incredible natural sanctuary, we suggest that you Enjoy one of the “Fall color” pontoon cruises that typically take place on the weekends during October and November on Reelfoot Lake. Trails and other pathways surround the lake, so if you wish to enjoy the natural landscape without commentary, Reelfoot lake state park will provide a special serenity that will bring you a beautiful display of fall foliage, as well as much needed time in the calm of the natural beauty of the park.

Location: 2595 Hwy. 21 E. Tiptonville, TN 38079
Contact: 731-253-9652 / Email: [email protected]
Admission Cost: FREE!

4. Natchez Trace State Park

Natchez Trace State Park is one of the most unique and interesting places to see the Fall Foliage in all of the south. Located a short 2-hour hop from Memphis, this incredible natural area is incredible! The park is teeming with hiking trails that range from a one-half mile up to 4.5 miles as well as a more hard-core 40-mile overnight trail for those seeking not only beauty but solitude and adventure! Trails meander through the forest and fields along the lakeside shores and streams of Natchez Park.

Location: 24845 Natchez Trace Rd. Wildersville, TN 38388
Contact: 731-968-3742 / Email: [email protected]
Admission Fee: FREE!

5. Wolf River Greenway

If you are looking for a beautiful place to take in the fall colors a little closer to home, The Wolf River Greenway, a recent on going project sponsored by the City of Memphis, cuts directly through the City. The Wolf River extends from the north end of Mud Island, all the way down to Kennedy Park. Take a a few hours and your canoe, and indulge in a break from city life, paddling up river to take in the fall foliage as it decorates the banks of this river system. As of 2019, 10 miles of the 26-mile proposed trail system have been constructed.