Autumn. The very word evokes aromas and flavors unique to the season. It also brings to mind images of colorful views or drives you've experienced or are anticipating. While we look forward to tailgating, bonfires, Oktoberfests, craft fairs, pumpkin patches, and all other fall activities, we relish the change of seasons and the beauty that it produces. Here are some places you can travel in Clarksville to experience the best views for spectacular fall color (compliments of our talented photo ambassadors.) Plan a day trip or a weekend road trip to see Clarksville at its best.
Rural Backroads
The City of Clarksville makes up less than 100 of Montgomery County's 544 square miles. Water takes up a fair amount of the remaining 444+, but you'll still find many, many miles of backroads and opportunities for rural scenic drives. It's hard to pick favorites, but almost every highway heading out of the city offers beautiful vistas. West and northwest are a little flatter with more expansive views. South, east and north are more hilly, curvy and tree-lined. Be adventurous, pick a highway and turn off onto a side road or two ... you never know what you might discover. Don't let the GPS ruin all the fun!
River Scenes
The Cumberland and Red Rivers and their many tributaries are a big part of what makes Clarksville an outdoor enthusiast's dream. The water is also a huge contributor to our natural beauty, making a top-choice road trip and day trip destination. The Cumberland RiverWalk is a focal place to experience all the beauty surrounding the river. Jaw-dropping sunsets over the water...we throw those in for free!
Tobacco Barns
In the agricultural sections of the mid-south, the aroma from a tobacco barn is often the first indication that fall is near. It's a rite of passage from the humidity of summer to the more crisp air of autumn. While firing tobacco is much rarer these days, the once profitable cash crop is still grown and fired in Montgomery and surrounding counties. (Visit the Customs House Museum to learn how Clarksville became a wealthy and thriving city because of the tobacco trade.) With or without tobacco, barns represent harvest and storage, and they're beautiful icons of rural life.
Dunbar Cave State Park
Granted, Dunbar Cave State Park is scenic in each season, uniquely so. But something about the colorful reflection on the clear, still water is mesmerizing. Locals love it not only for hiking, cave tours and picnicking but also as a backdrop for family or engagement photos. Cave tours wrap up for the season in October, but special events will continue throughout the year.
Clarksville Greenway
The canopied 9-mile Greenway transforms from lush, vivid green to unbelievable color. The trail is open for walking and jogging, cycling, and rollerblading. Now with an extra 59 parking spaces at the Pollard Road entrance, visitors can access the area and its scenery more easily than ever. Don't forget, Mary’s Oak and Heritage Park trailheads are available as alternate entrances to the Greenway. (Map is included in the Greenway link above.)
Tag us in your fall photos on Instagram or Twitter and we might connect with you about using your shots on our social channels or website photo galleries. Happy Travels!
