Find Your Fall: Get Outside & Get Moving in Jackson
There’s something about the changing of the seasons that makes you want to get outside. As summer begins to loosen its grip and the days start to feel a little more comfortable, fall brings the perfect excuse to step away from the screens, lace up your shoes, and enjoy a little fresh air. And in Jackson, getting outside can be about more than simply taking a walk. It can mean discovering a new trail, joining a group run, hopping on a bike, grabbing a paddle, or meeting up with a group of people who share your interests.
Whether you’re looking to get active, try something new, or simply spend more time outdoors, Jackson has a growing community of clubs and groups that make it easy to find your people and get moving.
Find Your Pace
If running is your thing or you've been thinking about giving it a try, Jackson has a community ready to welcome you.
Offsnz Run Club and Hub City Run Club are two local options for runners looking to get out, get moving, and connect with others who enjoy the sport. Whether you're working toward a goal or simply looking for a reason to put one foot in front of the other, joining a running group can make getting started a whole lot more fun. And for runners looking for an established local club, Jackson Road Runners welcomes runners of all ages and abilities. The club trains, races, and works together, offering opportunities to connect with other runners throughout the community. Jackson Road Runners also maintains a schedule of local training runs and participates in races throughout the year, giving runners plenty of opportunities to stay active and connected.
So whether you're chasing a new personal record or just looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday morning, there's room for you on the road.
Explore Jackson on Two Wheels
Prefer to get your miles in on two wheels?
Jackson Spokes Cycling Club offers another way to experience Jackson and the surrounding area. Cycling gives you the chance to cover a little more ground while enjoying the scenery, getting some exercise, and spending time with fellow riders. Fall is an especially inviting time to hop on a bike. With the promise of cooler temperatures ahead, it's a great season to explore roads, neighborhoods, parks, and trails from a different perspective.
If you're an experienced cyclist or simply dusting off a bike that's been sitting in the garage, look for local rides and connect with Jackson's cycling community.
Take a Hike
Sometimes the best way to enjoy fall is to slow down.
The Jackson Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association is a great place to start if you're interested in hiking and exploring the outdoors. The chapter meets regularly and offers opportunities for people who want to discover trails and enjoy the natural beauty around West Tennessee. And you don't have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the trails. Grab a friend, pack some water, and make an afternoon of it.
Places like Middle Fork Bottoms State Park offer opportunities to get outside and enjoy the changing season, while nearby trails provide a chance to trade the sounds of everyday life for birds, trees, and a little peace and quiet.
Sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what you need.
Grab Your Girls & Go for a Walk
Not every outdoor activity needs to be a workout.
Jackson Girls Who Walk is bringing women together to get outside, meet new people, and enjoy some time away from the everyday routine. The group has partnered with Jackson Parks and Recreation for free sunset walks, including walks at Leeper Lane Park. That's what makes groups like this so appealing: you don't have to show up knowing anyone. You just have to show up!
Whether you're walking for exercise, conversation, fresh air, or simply because you don't want to spend another evening indoors, there's something to be said for getting outside with good company.
Pickleball, Anyone?
If you've somehow managed to avoid the pickleball craze, fall might be the perfect time to see what all the fuss is about.
Jackson has an active pickleball community with several ways to get involved. Jackson Pickleball Club offers opportunities for players to get on the courts and connect with others, while Hub City Picklers organizes tournaments, leagues, training, and other pickleball experiences. And when it comes to places to play, Jackson has options. Conger Park features 18 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts with permanent nets and lines, making it one of the city's premier destinations for the sport.
Don't have a paddle yet? Don't let that stop you. Grab a friend, find a beginner-friendly opportunity, and give it a shot. You might just find your new favorite way to spend an afternoon!
You Don't Have to Be an Athlete
Here's the best part about getting outside in Jackson: you don't have to consider yourself an athlete to be part of the active community.
You don't have to run a 5K.
You don't have to own an expensive bike.
You don't have to know the difference between a forehand and a backhand.
And you definitely don't have to be the fastest person on the trail.
You just have to be willing to try!
Joining a local club or group can be a great way to meet people, discover new parts of Jackson, and find an activity that makes being active feel less like a chore and more like something you actually look forward to.
Make This Your Fall to Get Outside
As the seasons change, there's no better time to step outside and experience Jackson in a new way. Take a walk at sunset. Explore a trail. Join a run. Dust off your bike. Pick up a paddle. Or simply find a group of people who make you want to get out of the house and do something.
From runners and cyclists to hikers, walkers, and pickleball players, Jackson has a community for just about every kind of outdoor enthusiast, and these are just a few of the groups helping people get moving around the Hub City.