Best Fall Foliage Destinations in Memphis, Tennessee

Fall in Tennessee can be a beautiful time. The weather is nice after a summer of scorching temperatures and it's not cold enough yet that you don't want to be outside. It's one of the best seasons in the mid-south. In the Memphis area there are several beautiful places to visit to see the most foliage.

Places To See Fall Foliage In Memphis and Shelby County Tennessee

1. Along the Mississippi River. The banks of the Mississippi River are lined with trees that turns gorgeous shades during the fall. You can rent a boat for a private tour or join in on a dinner cruise on the river during the fall to catch these beautiful sights. Memphis Riverboats offers 90 minute cruises along the river for $20 plus tax. Check out http://www.memphisriverboats.net or call 1-800-221-6197 for more information or to reserve a place.

2. At Shelby Farms Park. Shelby Farms is one of the largest urban parks in the entire United States. Located at 500 North Pine Lake Drive, Memphis, TN 38134, it offers a convenient location for outdoor activities in the fall. Shelby Farms Park boasts beautiful fall foliage during the fall and also offers tons of great family activities like biking and kayaking. There are trails for walking, running and biking that weave in and out through the forests for the best look at the fall foliage. You can also drive through the park and admire the fall foliage in this Memphis park. Shelby Farms Park is open from sunrise to sunset (www.sunrisesunset.com provides sunrise and sunset times) and the visitor center is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Visit Shelby Farms Conservancy website at http://www.shelbyfarmspark.org/sfpc/front for more information.

3. In the Memphis Zoo. Inside the Memphis Zoo, set inside Overton Park in Memphis, is a number of large and varied species of trees that put on a show during fall foliage. For the price of a ticket you will see all the animals and the beautiful foliage. Memphis Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March - October and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m October - February. The zoo closes one hour after the last admission. For Tennessee residents the Memphis Zoo offers free admission on Tuesday afternoons after 2 p.m. to close with proof of id and residency. Visit the Memphis Zoo website at http://www.memphiszoo.org for more information.

4. Visit Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. This Tennessee state park near the city of Memphis borders the Mississippi River and offers over 13,000 acres of land covered with hardwood forests of large oak, cypress and tupelo. The park offers many different hiking trails as well as activities and camp sites for those who want to spend time in the forests. In the fall the hiking trails which are open year round are covered in beautiful fall foliage. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is located north of Memphis at 910 Riddick Road, Millington, TN, 38053. The Nature Center is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. from May to October and on Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. October to March. Visit the park's website at http://www.stateparks.com/meemanshelby_forest.html or call 1-800-471-5293 for more information.

If you would like to see more fall foliage in Tennessee the best thing to do is head east of Memphis. The entire state of Tennessee offers hidden gems during the fall, especially the farther east you travel. The Appalachian Mountains in the eastern part of the state offer the most breathtaking views of widespread fall foliage. A trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, only takes 6 hours from Memphis and provides the best experience for the fall season. If you are serious about seeing beautiful fall foliage in Tennessee you need to make a trip there this season. But if you just want to stay at home and enjoy the changing seasons, visit the places listed above. You can't go wrong!