Get a Head Start on Fall: September Hikes & Foliage Previews
Summer may still be hanging on, but along the Natchez Trace Parkway, the first hints of fall are beginning to appear. September is a great time to hit the trails before peak foliage season arrives, offering cooler mornings, fewer crowds, and subtle glimpses of changing leaves across the Parkway’s hardwood forests.
Whether you’re looking for a short nature walk or a scenic overlook, these stops are perfect for getting a head start on fall.
Tennessee
- Old Trace Drive (Milepost 375.8): One of the Parkway’s most scenic stops, this overlook offers sweeping views across a hardwood forest that will soon burst into shades of gold, orange, and red. In September, visitors can begin spotting the first subtle changes among the treetops, a hint of what’s to come, while enjoying one of the most peaceful and accessible viewpoints on the northern Trace.
- Garrison Creek Trailhead (MP 427.6): Located near the northern end of the Parkway, this trailhead is a perfect launching point for day hikers looking to experience the Trace as fall begins to take hold. The surrounding hardwood forest is among the first along the Parkway to show seasonal color, making September an ideal time to hit the trail before the crowds arrive. Whether you’re heading out for a short walk or a longer day hike, the trails here offer a peaceful introduction to autumn on the Trace.
- Old Trace Walk (Milepost 403.7): Step back in time and explore a preserved section of the historic Old Natchez Trace. This scenic trail invites visitors to walk in the footsteps of travelers from centuries past while enjoying the quiet beauty of an early autumn landscape. As the season begins to change, the surrounding forest provides a peaceful setting for reflection and exploration.
Alabama
- Rock Spring Nature Trail (Milepost 330.2): This easy, short walk keeps visitors close to the forest floor, where early fall wildflowers and lush vegetation create a peaceful natural setting. September is a wonderful time to visit before the busier fall season begins, with the surrounding trees just beginning their seasonal transition.
- Freedom Hills Overlook (Milepost 317): As the highest point along the Alabama section of the Natchez Trace Parkway, this overlook rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding hardwood forest that are especially stunning as fall begins to arrive. The trail to the top is moderately steep, but benches along the route make it an enjoyable climb, and in September, the first hints of color emerging at the higher elevations make it well worth the effort.
Mississippi
- Little Mountain Overlook at Jeff Busby Park (Milepost 193.1): Perched at the top of the only NPS campground on the Mississippi section of the Trace, this overlook offers wide views of the surrounding ridgelines as they begin their seasonal shift. By late September, visitors can spot the first patches of color moving through the valley below, offering an early preview of what’s to come. It’s also the perfect base camp for a fall weekend getaway, with campground access right on-site.
- Cole Creek (Milepost 175.6): Tucked along the Mississippi Trace, this short boardwalk trail winds through a Water Tupelo and Bald Cypress swamp at the edge of ecological transition. As the surrounding beech, hickory, and oak trees begin to hint at the season ahead, the calm waters and distinctive tree forms create a one-of-a-kind September setting. It’s an easy, accessible stop that’s perfect for visitors of all ages and a great opportunity for nature photography.
- Cypress Swamp (Milepost 122): Experience one of the Parkway’s most unique landscapes on a short boardwalk trail winding through a beautiful wetland filled with bald cypress and tupelo trees. The calm waters and abundant wildlife make this a memorable stop year-round, but September’s cooler mornings provide an especially peaceful time to visit.
Plan Your Fall Adventure on the Parkway
September is one of the best times to experience the Natchez Trace Parkway with fewer crowds, cooler mornings, and the season’s first color starting to appear. From historic trail walks in Tennessee to cypress swamps in Mississippi, the Trace offers a wide range of ways to get outside and enjoy the start of fall.
Travel Tip: Fall color moves south along the Parkway, arriving first in the Tennessee sections and gradually progressing through Alabama and into Mississippi throughout October and November. Start in the north for the earliest views, or plan a full drive to follow the season as it unfolds.
