(Cover Image Credit: @ryanjasonphotography)
Few places could challenge Williamson County in the spring in a beauty contest, which means options for incredible outdoor photos abound. From spectacular vistas of rolling green hills dotted with blooms to historic homesteads, working farms to timeless streetscapes, Franklin and the surrounding back roads have plenty to catch the eye.
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[Photo Credit: Rebekah Taylor Photography]
On any given afternoon, couples might be shooting their engagement or baby bump photos in front of a historic barn at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, a 200-acre former horse farm just north of downtown Franklin. There are plenty of places to roam, including a three-mile trail around the property with a hilltop view of the Harpeth River. And just across the street at The Factory at Franklin, the iconic water tower and Rusty — a 25-foot-tall sculpture of a factory worker made from salvaged parts — are quite photogenic from low angles.
A short walk away is Fort Granger, a Federal signal post during the Civil War that still includes original earthworks and interpretive signage, but also an incredible view facing south over Williamson County. You can see all the way to Winstead Hill, where 25,000 Confederate forces assembled to make a fateful charge during the Battle of Franklin. Both sites are now public parks, and include plenty of natural areas to explore with a camera.
[Photo Credit: @robshenk]
The view also extends to Carnton and the expansive Eastern Flank Battlefield Park, a short drive away. The historic gardens at Carnton are breathtaking, including a more than 200-year-old Osage Orange tree that was there when the gardens were first developed in 1847.
Head out to Morning Glory Orchard in Nolensville, where springtime means hundreds of peach and apple trees in full bloom, to Noble Springs Dairy to snuggle baby goats, or feed the alpacas at Coleman Valley Alpaca Farm, All are Insta-worthy backdrops, and springtime is the best time to experience them. Arrington Vineyards’ hillside rows of grapes are pretty special, too.
But to really get the full Williamson County scenic experience, you have to get some elevation. Two places need to be at the top of your list. First, Peacock Hill Nature Park in College Grove features the highest point in the county, plus five miles of nature trails, multiple ponds and overlooks, a chapel and an 1850s farmhouse. And second, the landmark double arch bridge of the Natchez Trace Parkway overlooks beautiful Birdsong Hollow. The Trace, America’s longest national park at 444 miles, is a 10,000-year-old trade route from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi, and Franklin is fortunate to have the bridge, as well close access to trails, waterfalls and cites important to the nation’s history—all of which are imminently photographable.
And finally, one in search of springtime photos would be remiss to skip Bowie Nature Park in Fairview, a crown jewel of that community with its 700 acres of forest, lakes and trails full of verdant views. You could spend a full day frolicking around this land, visiting the nature center,and enjoying a picnic between photo sessions.
The truth is, anywhere you turn in Williamson County in the springtime is going to make you want to snap, and exploring is half the fun!
