Clarksville’s trails deliver spectacular views, especially during the fall. Vivid foliage follows creeks, streams and rivers along many of the city’s trailways — scenes that are exactly what visitors to Middle Tennessee expect. Even if you miss those peak days (usually in late October), vivid pops of yellows, oranges, plums and reds hang around until cooler temperatures give way to winter scenes in December. Explore these hikes and walks for idyllic fall views.
Rotary Park
Rotary Park is a wooded city park that offers about six miles of moderate hiking on 12 designated and intersecting trails. Some trails are pedestrian-only, some mountain bikes only, but most are dual-purpose. The most popular trailhead for hiking is the area by the Creekside pavilion where a concrete ADA-compliant path follows then crosses a creek to connect with several intersecting trails. A newer access point that’s just a scenic is adjacent to the new Wade Bourne Nature Center near the back of the park. Take the sidewalk to the wooded playground then hop on the Boy Scout Camp Trail, a downhill jaunt with switchbacks that connects to Barn Path East. This flattens out and follows a creek, borders a few disc golf holes, then climbs back around for several more options of intersecting trails. Here’s a great trail map.
Tip: Since you’re walking east at the outset, hit the trail early and catch the filtered morning light, then enjoy brunch or lunch afterward. New restaurants nearby are 931 Cafe serving gourmet breakfast burritos, freshly-made juices, and açaí bowls, Kadi’s Tacos. a food-truck-turned-storefront with breakfast burritos, and Dock 17 offering Southern gourmet brunch and burgers, along with local brews and craft cocktails.
Upland Trail
Clarksville’s downtown Upland Trail is an urban trail that connects the Cumberland Riverwalk into downtown through a series of meandering paved trails. Along the way, you’ll spot public art and a gazebo, cross an abandoned railroad trestle (or two, depending on your route options), and still enjoy fantastic river views. Approaching downtown. the historic architectural gems are the highlight of this trail system.
Tip: Begin at the Spur Line Park trailhead for a meandering park entrance gated by remnants of the historic bridge. Then enjoy some of Tennessee’s best BBQ at Legends Smokehouse & Grill, a new dine-in restaurant that recently opened following years as a successful food-truck, or for lighter fare, enjoy Hot Pita with customizable fresh-ingredient pitas and bowls.
Cumberland RiverWalk
Easily turn time on the Upland Trail into a longer outing by connecting with the ever-expanding Cumberland Riverwalk. History buffs will enjoy the Park’s RiverCenter at McGregor Park with visual representations of Clarksville’s development from that point at the river. It’s fascinating to see how both droughts and floods affected the city before water levels were controlled by dams. Heading north along the wide paved walkway, you’ll encounter the convergence of the Cumberland and Red Rivers where Clarksville was first settled in 1784. From there, the newer sections of the trail parallel the Red. These peaceful treks showcase scenic bluffs and are near water level, which may appear bright green or rusty red, depending on recent rainfall.
Tip: If you want to enjoy the full extent of the combined trails — about seven miles round trip — opt to rent a B-Cycle for a leisurely ride. Benches are also dotted along the trails to relax and take in the glorious river views.
The Clarksville Greenway
The Clarksville Greenway is a 9-mile paved walking and biking trail that allows you to escape the hurries of the city. The variety of views along the expansive trail keeps an outing here interesting from start to finish. The main trailhead is at Pollard’s Road, which is about the center of the trail. A recently expanded parking makes this popular spot much easier to navigate. Both directions offer bluff-lined and tree-covered experiences, wildlife, and open vistas. Heading south includes more hills. Heading north is flat and will bring you to one of the most Insta-worthy spots in Clarksville, the Hand Pass, a 600-foot pedestrian bridge. You can also access the greenway at trailheads further north or south, and BCycle rentals are also available at the Pollard’s Road entrance. Here’s a trail map.
Tip: The Greenway is an ideal place for younger bikers, even with training wheels. The even payment and mostly flat areas are perfect for perfecting those skills.
North Ford St. Mountain Bike Trail
This mountain-bike only trail is one of the more serene spots in Clarksville. And, like the Greenway, it’s tucked away behind a residential area where you might not expect to find such beauty. Located just south of the Clarksville Greenway, the 3.5-mile trek will soon be connected to the full Greenway trail system. The volunteers who maintain the park (Clarksville Area Mountain Bike Alliance) are top-notch and continue to work hard to create new trails and areas that are both challenging for advanced riders, while offering simpler options for beginners. They recently installed a children’s-only area, so it’s a terrific place to take the whole family for some fun. Riders under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult on the main trail.
Tip: Follow the CAMBA TN website directions; don’t rely on your vehicle’s GPS.
Port Royal Historic State Park
The trails are short at Port Royal, but the history and surrounding rural scenes are a worthy venture. Enjoy a drive along the winding, tree-covered Hwy. 76. The natural switchbacks are a big hit with motorcyclists. You might find that you immediately breathe a little slower and longer, relishing the rolling countryside views and firing tobacco aromas. Sulpher Fork Creek intersects with the Red River at the park, which became a thriving town during the tobacco trade. It’s also part of the National Trail of Tears Historic Trail. So, there’s much to learn in this small park.
Tip: In October, make a stop at Boyd’s Pumpkin Patch for a corn maze, games, photo opps and of course, plenty of pumpkins. And, be adventurous enough to explore some of the smaller side roads near and around the park for beautiful agricultural and barn scenes.
Dunbar Cave State Park
Last, but far from least, is Dunbar Cave State Park. This area provides magnificent fall scenery, as evidenced by the number of photographers you’ll have dodge. The 144-acre park is popular year-round for both visitors and residents, hikers and trail runners. Between May 1 and September, the cave is open for guided tours, which sell out quickly. During fall, winter and early spring, enjoy scenes along the wooded trails that wind around the cave and over the small lake. You’re guaranteed to see a variety of wildlife, sunning turtles or maybe a flock of baby ducks. A lesser-known section of the trail is a .75-native grasslands trail after crossing Tom Dillard Lane.
Pets on leashes are welcome at all city and state parks.
Use the resources at visitclarksvilletn.com or the VisitClarksvilleTN app to plan a trail-focused fall trip to this beautiful Middle-Tennessee city.
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