26 Outdoor Activities in Nashville for Fall 2026

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The best outdoor activities in Nashville are closer than most visitors think. Radnor Lake, the Warner Parks and the Cumberland River are all a short drive from Broadway, and fall adds corn mazes, harvest festivals and haunted trails to the list.

This guide covers 26 of them: parks and hikes, river trips, active days out, fall festivals and a few spooky nights in the woods. We checked every venue and event for 2026, and we list this season's dates where the operator has published them.

Planning a date instead? See our list of things to do in Nashville for couples.

Short on time? Start with these quick picks:

Pick	Cost	Best for
Radnor Lake (#1)	Free	Easy lake walk, ridge climbs
Shelby Bottoms Greenway (#3)	Free	Flat biking and birding
Cumberland skyline kayak (#9)	Check site	Skyline views from the water
Pedestrian bridge (#11)	Free	Sunset photos
The Adventure Park (#13)	Check site	Ziplines, ages 7 and up
Boo at the Zoo (#17)	$19 to $23	Kids, Oct 16 to Nov 1
Shuckle's Corn Maze (#21)	$20	Non-scary fall day
Dead Land Haunted Woods (#23)	Check site	Real scares, Fri and Sat
Raven's Hollow (#25)	$20 adults	Mild Halloween for families
The Grand Illusion (#26)	Book on Morty	Rainy-day backup

Parks and hiking trails in Nashville

Nashville's park system is the easy win. Most of these spots are free, open year-round and an easy drive from downtown.

1. Hike the trails at Radnor Lake State Park

Radnor Lake State Park covers 1,389 acres of protected forest around a lake in south Nashville. It is a Class II Natural Area, so the focus is quiet hiking and wildlife watching.

Start with the 1.35-mile Lake Trail, which follows the north side of the 85-acre lake and comes out on Otter Creek Road. Walk the road back for an easy circuit, or add the South Cove and Ganier Ridge trails, which climb more than 200 feet.

Tip: trails open at 6 a.m. and the lots fill fast on nice days, so go early. Dogs, jogging and bikes stay on Otter Creek Road and the dam, not the trails.

2. Climb the Allee at Percy Warner Park

Together, Percy Warner and Edwin Warner parks cover more than 3,100 acres of forest and fields, about 9 miles from downtown. The Warner Parks have hiking trails, horse trails, an equestrian center and a nature center on Highway 100.

The stone steps of the Allee are the photo spot everyone knows. From the top, the trails head deep into the woods.

Tip: the parks are open from dawn to 11 p.m. Start at the Warner Park Nature Center for trail maps before you pick a loop.

3. Walk or bike the Shelby Bottoms Greenway

The Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area is a 960-acre stretch of East Nashville floodplain. It has more than 5 miles of paved trail and more than 5 miles of primitive trail along about three miles of Cumberland River frontage.

This is the best flat ride in the city. You get wetlands, open fields and river birds without fighting hills.

Tip: park at the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, 1900 Davidson Street. Bikes stay on the paved trails.

4. Watch the sunset at Long Hunter State Park

Long Hunter State Park spans 2,670 acres on the shore of J. Percy Priest Lake. You can hike, swim at the park's only swim beach, picnic and explore the Volunteer and Day Loop trails from Baker's Grove.

It is the easy pick for a lake day east of the city. The lakeside picnic area is the park's sunset spot.

Tip: Baker's Grove is also the access point for backcountry camping if you want to turn a hike into an overnight.

5. Find quiet ridges at Beaman Park

Beaman Park protects a piece of Nashville's Western Highland Rim forest. Expect ridgetops, deep hollows and plants you will not see in the city's other parks.

The nature center is the jump-off point for more than 2,300 acres of woods. Crowds are much thinner here than at Radnor.

Tip: this is the spot for a hike when Radnor's lots are full.

6. Explore the Narrows of the Harpeth

Harpeth River State Park follows the Harpeth River west of Nashville. The Narrows of the Harpeth area has the Bluff Trail overlook and the historic Montgomery Bell Tunnel.

Hidden Lake, another section of the park, is a former quarry that became a resort in the 1930s. Look for the old terrazzo dance floor along the trail.

Tip: the Bluff Trail and the Ridge Loop at Hidden Lake have steep drop-offs and get slippery after rain. Swimming at the tunnel pool is not allowed.

7. Picnic by the Parthenon in Centennial Park

Centennial Park is 132 acres in the middle of the West End. It has the full-size Parthenon replica, a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, a sunken garden and a dog park.

This is the easiest outdoor stop if you are staying near Vanderbilt or Midtown. You can walk the loop, then head inside the Parthenon if the weather turns.

Tip: the park is open from dawn to 11 p.m. daily.

8. Hear the bells at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a 20-acre history walk below the State Capitol. Its 95-bell carillon chimes every 15 minutes and plays Tennessee songs, like "Tennessee Waltz," at the top of each hour.

The Nashville Farmers' Market sits next door, with outdoor farm sheds and an indoor market house open daily. Grab lunch there and eat on the lawn.

Tip: there is a B-cycle bike share station along 7th Avenue next to the park.

On the water and the riverfront

Nashville sits on the Cumberland River, and a paddle or a riverfront show is one of the best ways to see the city.

9. Kayak the Cumberland River past the skyline

River Queen Voyages runs downtown kayak trips from its base at 2 Victory Avenue. On the Skyline Route, the crew shuttles you to the Shelby Park put-in for free, and you float back toward downtown with the skyline ahead of you.

It is an easy paddle for beginners. A guided version adds fun facts and extra time.

Tip: the season runs from about March to about November, so fall weekends are still on. Check the website for this year's prices and last dates.

10. Paddle the Harpeth River

West of the city, outfitters in Kingston Springs rent boats for lazy trips on the Harpeth. Foggy Bottom Canoe & Kayak Rental lists kayaks at $47 and canoes at $57 for the 2026 season.

The state park calls the Harpeth a gentle waterway, so it suits first-timers. River levels decide everything, though.

Tip: call before you drive out. Foggy Bottom says weather and water levels set its open days, and Harpeth River State Park closes boating access when the river reaches 5 feet.

11. Walk the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

The pedestrian bridge crosses the Cumberland between downtown and the East Bank. At 3,150 feet, it is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world, and it holds the city's best free skyline view.

Go at golden hour and stop at the middle of the span.

Tip: a roughly 14-month project to add a new East Bank connector ramp starts this fall. The East Bank Development Authority says the bridge should stay usable, but expect some fencing and detours on the East Bank end.

12. See a show at Ascend Amphitheater

Ascend Amphitheater is Nashville's big outdoor concert venue, at 310 First Avenue South by the river. Fall shows keep the lawn busy well into October.

Upcoming 2026 dates include Dermot Kennedy on October 11 and the Live on the Green Lawnwarming Party with Guster and Grace Potter on October 18.

Tip: pair a show with a sunset walk across the pedestrian bridge, a short stroll away. Check the venue's calendar for added dates.

Active days out

These picks add a little adrenaline, a puzzle or a drink to your time outside.

13. Zipline through the trees at The Adventure Park

The Adventure Park at Nashville is a self-guided climbing park just west of downtown. It has 13 color-coded trails with about 162 tree platforms, rope bridges and 31 ziplines.

Trails suit ages 7 and up, with a separate playground for ages 3 to 6. Glow in the Park nights light the trees up after dark.

Tip: in October the park is open Friday to Sunday, with extra weekday hours during fall break. Check the calendar before you go.

14. Bike the Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic road that ends just outside Nashville. Its northern end meets Highway 100 just southwest of the city, and the low-traffic road is a favorite for cyclists.

One catch for 2026: the Double Arch Bridge stretch, from milepost 440 to milepost 437, is closed to cars, bikes and walkers through spring 2027. For a short ride, park at the northernmost lot (milepost 442) and ride to Big Tree Overlook at milepost 440 and back.

Tip: for a longer ride, start from the Highway 96 lot and head south of the closure. Either way, the Loveless Cafe sits about 150 yards from the northern terminus for post-ride biscuits.

15. Play an outdoor escape game downtown

Escapely's Escape the City Nashville turns downtown into an escape room. You get a game box, search for real clues around the city and enter codes in an app to solve a murder with six suspects.

The route is about 1.5 miles of walking and takes 1.5 to 3 hours. You can start anywhere downtown, so it pairs well with lunch stops.

Tip: find it on Morty as Escape The City - Nashville, along with other outdoor games in the city.

16. Solve Echoes of Tennessee at Bicentennial Park

Scout Quest builds outdoor puzzle quests in Nashville parks. Its Echoes of Tennessee quest uses the monuments and landmarks of Bicentennial Park as clues.

A team solving Scout Quest puzzles at a picnic table in Bicentennial Park, Nashville

Quests take around three hours, and you can play any day. Scout Quest also has quests at Shelby Bottoms and in Germantown.

Tip: see the Echoes of Tennessee page on Morty for details and other ideas nearby.

17. Visit the Nashville Zoo (and Boo at the Zoo)

The Nashville Zoo is a big outdoor day, and its new Leopard Forest habitat is now open. In fall, the zoo also runs Boo at the Zoo.

Boo at the Zoo runs October 16 to November 1, from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $23 Friday to Sunday and $19 Monday to Thursday, and kids get 10 trick-or-treat stations.

Tip: weeknights are cheaper and less crowded.

18. Sip wine outside at Arrington Vineyards

Arrington Vineyards sits on 95 acres about 25 miles south of Nashville, with 16 acres of vines. It is co-owned by country singer Kix Brooks.

Bring a picnic to the shaded lawns. The winery has live music every weekend from April through November and is open daily for tastings.

Tip: hours change by season, so check before a weekday visit.

Fall festivals, corn mazes and hayrides

October is the best month for these outdoor things to do around Nashville. All of the dates below are for 2026.

19. Walk Cheekwood Harvest

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens runs Cheekwood Harvest from September 19 to November 1, 2026, with fall color across its botanical gardens.

Harvest NIGHTS add evening hours on October 8 and October 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. Expect garden games on the Arboretum Lawn and pumpkin-carving demos at night. Harvest Weekends on October 10 and 11 bring family activities.

Tip: standard tickets for October 8 are sold out, so book October 15 soon if you want the evening version.

20. Get lost at the Nashville Fall Festival

The Nashville Fall Festival in Bellevue has a hillside corn maze, a 7-acre sunflower field, a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo, hayrides and live music. It runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from September 18 to November 1, 2026.

Online tickets are $23 for adults. At the gate it is $25, cash.

Tip: go on a Saturday at golden hour. Tethered hot air balloon rides run then, weather permitting, for $25 a person.

21. Ride the hayride at Shuckle's Corn Maze

Shuckle's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch is a 58-acre farm in Greenbrier, near White House, north of the city. Its 8-acre maze has more than 1.5 miles of trails and a new design each year.

The hayride runs all day, and most of the 30-plus attractions are included in one ticket. It is open weekends only, September 26 to October 31.

Tip: tickets are $20, and the farm calls itself "not a bit scary," so bring the kids.

22. Tackle Tennessee's largest corn maze

Nash Family Creamery in Chapel Hill bills its 18-acre maze as the largest in Tennessee. It is open until sunset every day the creamery is open, from August into November.

Follow it with ice cream made on the farm. The creamery also runs a flashlight corn maze on two nights only.

Tip: Chapel Hill is well south of the city, so make it a half-day trip.

Haunted trails and woods near Nashville

If your idea of outdoor fun includes being chased through the trees, these Morty-listed haunts are open this October. Browse more on Morty's Tennessee haunted houses page.

23. Dead Land Haunted Woods (Lebanon)

Dead Land Haunted Woods is a fully outdoor haunt in Lebanon, east of Nashville. It runs two haunted trails, Where the Roots Remember and The Portal, plus a haunted escape game.

There is a bonfire, a gift shop and concessions while you wait. The 2026 season runs every Friday and Saturday from September 18 to October 31, starting at 7 p.m.

Tip: tickets are good on any night of the season. See The Portal on Morty and the Dead Land venue page.

24. Creepy Hollow Haunted Woods (Spring Hill)

Creepy Hollow Haunted Woods sits 2 miles off I-65 Exit 46 in Spring Hill, south of Nashville. It mixes an unguided, dimly lit woods trail with indoor scare scenes, a maze and a bonfire.

The 2026 season opened September 25 and runs every Friday and Saturday night in October. Tickets are $38, and the haunt focuses on startles more than blood and gore.

Tip: groups of 15 or more pay $36 each. Find it on Morty at the Creepy Hollow venue page.

25. Raven's Hollow Haunted Forest (Mt. Juliet)

Raven's Hollow is a quarter-mile haunted trail at Circle P Ranch in Mt. Juliet. Nashville artist Tim Davis builds the scenes with custom props, animatronics, light and sound.

A glowing figure among blue-lit trees on the Raven's Hollow haunted forest trail in Mt. Juliet

There are no jump scares and no actors, which makes it the best haunt on this list for young kids. It runs select nights from October 9 to October 31, 7 to 9:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. start on Halloween).

A skeleton climbing a green-lit grave marker at Raven's Hollow haunted forest

Tip: tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for ages 3 to 5, sold at the booth. See Raven's Hollow on Morty.

When it rains

Middle Tennessee storms roll in fast. Keep one indoor backup in your pocket.

26. Play The Grand Illusion at Extreme Escape Games

The Grand Illusion is a magic-themed escape room at Extreme Escape Games, a single-location independent in Franklin, just south of Nashville. It is rated Very Positive on Morty, the top-rated independent escape room you can book on Morty in the Nashville area.

The lobby and front desk at Extreme Escape Games in Franklin, Tennessee

The story: an evil magician is away, and your team sneaks into his practice space to return the Book of Secrets to its rightful owner. The venue sits by Cool Springs mall at 1735 Galleria Blvd, and it has more rooms if your group gets hooked.

Tip: the venue's site lists a minimum of 4 people for this room. Nervous first-timers can read are escape rooms scary? first.

Want something closer to downtown? The Escape Game's Ruins: Forbidden Treasure in Berry Hill is a closer chain option, rated Overwhelmingly Positive on Morty.

Plan your Nashville days out with Morty

Morty lists many of the attractions in this guide, including the outdoor escape games, haunted trails and escape rooms. Listings show how visitors rated them once enough people have weighed in. Start with the Nashville city page or the Nashville escape rooms list.

For haunt season everywhere else, the haunted houses hub has every haunt we track. Download the Morty app to save spots and book escape rooms in a few taps.

FAQs

What are free outdoor things to do in Nashville?

Most of the parks on this list cost nothing: Radnor Lake, the Warner Parks, Shelby Bottoms, Beaman Park, Centennial Park and Bicentennial Capitol Mall. The pedestrian bridge is free too, and it has the best skyline view in town.

Where can I hike near downtown Nashville?

Shelby Bottoms is the closest big trail system, with more than 10 miles of paved and primitive trails in East Nashville. Radnor Lake and the Warner Parks, both on the south and west sides of the city, have the best forest hiking.

Can you kayak in Nashville in the fall?

Yes. River Queen Voyages runs downtown Cumberland trips from about March to about November. Harpeth River outfitters depend on water levels, so call ahead in October.

What outdoor activities in Nashville are good for kids?

The Nashville Zoo, Shuckle's Corn Maze and the Nashville Fall Festival are easy family wins. For a mild Halloween trail, Raven's Hollow has no jump scares or actors.

When is the best time of year to be outside in Nashville?

Fall is the sweet spot, with cooler days, changing leaves and most seasonal events running from mid-September to early November. Spring is a close second for wildflowers on the trails.

Final thoughts

For a two-day plan, do Radnor Lake and the pedestrian bridge on day one, then a Cumberland paddle and Cheekwood Harvest on day two. Add a haunted trail on a Friday or Saturday night if your group wants scares.

Weather changes hours fast here, so check each operator's site the morning you go.

26 Outdoor Activities in Nashville: Parks, River Trips and Fall Fun