There is a strong dichotomy between the kind of people that love to be in the free spaces of the country and the people that love the energy of the big city. Then, there are those people in the middle of the spectrum that simply want both. Luckily, in Nashville, you can have the benefits of the big city with the serenity of the country without ever leaving the city limits. Here are just a few of the best hikes in Nashville where you can refresh in your own backyard.
- Radnor Lake - Granier Ridge Trail
Michael Hicks - Flickr Radnor Lake is one of the most stunning places in Nashville, largely because it’s hard to believe a place this serene and beautiful could be in the heart of such a big city. The Grainger Ridge Trail is just under 3 miles and winds through the forests surrounding the lake. While it may be one of Nashville’s most popular, you’ll still be amazed at the beauty the park has to offer. Ganier Ridge Trail, Oak Hill, TN 37220, USA
- Beaman Park - Ridgetop Trail
Brian Dailey - Flickr The Ridgetop Trail in Beaman Park is an out-and-back trail that goes deep in to the heart of the park before turning around and taking you back to their beautiful Nature Center. Be sure to take the spur to the creekside trail. You’ll find that both are among the most scenic trails in Nashville. Beaman Park, Ashland City, TN 37015, USA
- Percy Warner - Mossy Ridge
idintify media - Flickr The Mossy Ridge Trail runs four and a half miles through the luscious and hilly Percy Warner Park. It’s a great place for anyone looking for a good run. The Warner Parks are some of the biggest in Nashville, and they’re just a short drive out of downtown in the Belle Meade neighborhood. Mossy Ridge Trail, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
- Peeler Park
Michael Hicks - Flickr Peeler Park is probably Nashville’s most underrated park. Located at the tip of Neely’s Bend in Madison, it offers over four miles of trails that are never crowded. Plus, the drive to the park will have you thinking you’re in the middle of the countryside. Peeler Park Greenway, Nashville, TN 37115, USA
- Bells Bend
Rex Hammock - Flickr Bells Bend is also known as one of the most underrated parks in Nashville. This park is hardly ever crowded, is known as being one of the best parks in the city for bringing your canine friends, and offers some of the best easy hikes in Nashville. Bells Bend, Nashville, TN, USA
- Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake Loop
fritzmb/Flickr The Narrows of the Harpeth inside of Harpeth River State Park is one of the most popular canoeing spots around Nashville, but the park’s Hidden Lake Loop is often overlooked. The trail cuts through a field for over a mile before suddenly coming upon the Hidden Lake. Be sure to take the loop around the lake so that you can see it from atop the bluff as well. Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake, 7851 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
- Long Hunter State Park - Volunteer Trail
Michael Hicks - Flickr Long Hunter State Park on Nashville’s Percy Priest Lake is a nearly 10-mile one-way trail that goes out and back along the banks of the lake. One of the most scenic hikes in Nashville, it’s frequented by runners because of its peaceful and beautiful views of the lake. Plus, it’s pretty flat, which is always nice. Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076, USA
- Natchez Trace
Ken Lund - Flickr The Natchez Trace features multiple parks along its stretch from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi, many of which feature multiple trails. Among them are some of the most kid-friendly hikes around Nashville. But if you don’t want to get out of your car, that’s cool too. The drive itself is absolutely stunning! Natchez Trace, Nashville, TN, USA
- Montgomery Bell State Park
Michael Hicks/Flickr Montgomery Bell State Park, which sits on the west side of Nashville, is full of history. The park is home to multiple lakes, over 20 miles of trails, and even an entire church denomination. That’s right, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was started in Montgomery Bell, and you can still visit their first-ever church here. Montgomery Bell State Park, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA
- Edwin Warner Park
Maureen - Flickr Edwin Warner Park sits right across the street from Percy Warner Park on the opposite side of downtown, making it a little more secluded and a little more ideal for people looking to experience nature by themselves. The park offers quite a few trails, many which connect to Percy Warner if you want to extend your hike. If you’re searching for “hiking trails near me” in Nashville, Edwin Warner Park should definitely top your list! Percy Warner Park, 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
Looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat and refuel from your hike? Check out The Treehouse Restaurant in the Five Points Neighborhood.
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Radnor Lake is one of the most stunning places in Nashville, largely because it’s hard to believe a place this serene and beautiful could be in the heart of such a big city. The Grainger Ridge Trail is just under 3 miles and winds through the forests surrounding the lake. While it may be one of Nashville’s most popular, you’ll still be amazed at the beauty the park has to offer.
Ganier Ridge Trail, Oak Hill, TN 37220, USA
Brian Dailey - Flickr
The Ridgetop Trail in Beaman Park is an out-and-back trail that goes deep in to the heart of the park before turning around and taking you back to their beautiful Nature Center. Be sure to take the spur to the creekside trail. You’ll find that both are among the most scenic trails in Nashville.
Beaman Park, Ashland City, TN 37015, USA
idintify media - Flickr
The Mossy Ridge Trail runs four and a half miles through the luscious and hilly Percy Warner Park. It’s a great place for anyone looking for a good run. The Warner Parks are some of the biggest in Nashville, and they’re just a short drive out of downtown in the Belle Meade neighborhood.
Mossy Ridge Trail, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
Peeler Park is probably Nashville’s most underrated park. Located at the tip of Neely’s Bend in Madison, it offers over four miles of trails that are never crowded. Plus, the drive to the park will have you thinking you’re in the middle of the countryside.
Peeler Park Greenway, Nashville, TN 37115, USA
Rex Hammock - Flickr
Bells Bend is also known as one of the most underrated parks in Nashville. This park is hardly ever crowded, is known as being one of the best parks in the city for bringing your canine friends, and offers some of the best easy hikes in Nashville.
Bells Bend, Nashville, TN, USA
fritzmb/Flickr
The Narrows of the Harpeth inside of Harpeth River State Park is one of the most popular canoeing spots around Nashville, but the park’s Hidden Lake Loop is often overlooked. The trail cuts through a field for over a mile before suddenly coming upon the Hidden Lake. Be sure to take the loop around the lake so that you can see it from atop the bluff as well.
Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake, 7851 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
Long Hunter State Park on Nashville’s Percy Priest Lake is a nearly 10-mile one-way trail that goes out and back along the banks of the lake. One of the most scenic hikes in Nashville, it’s frequented by runners because of its peaceful and beautiful views of the lake. Plus, it’s pretty flat, which is always nice.
Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076, USA
Ken Lund - Flickr
The Natchez Trace features multiple parks along its stretch from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi, many of which feature multiple trails. Among them are some of the most kid-friendly hikes around Nashville. But if you don’t want to get out of your car, that’s cool too. The drive itself is absolutely stunning!
Natchez Trace, Nashville, TN, USA
Michael Hicks/Flickr
Montgomery Bell State Park, which sits on the west side of Nashville, is full of history. The park is home to multiple lakes, over 20 miles of trails, and even an entire church denomination. That’s right, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was started in Montgomery Bell, and you can still visit their first-ever church here.
Montgomery Bell State Park, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA
Maureen - Flickr
Edwin Warner Park sits right across the street from Percy Warner Park on the opposite side of downtown, making it a little more secluded and a little more ideal for people looking to experience nature by themselves. The park offers quite a few trails, many which connect to Percy Warner if you want to extend your hike. If you’re searching for “hiking trails near me” in Nashville, Edwin Warner Park should definitely top your list!
Percy Warner Park, 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Nashville July 10, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin I’m looking for some kid-friendly hikes around Nashville. The Nashville area is full of wonderful kid-friendly hikes. One of them is the Cedars of Lebanon State Park Limestone Sinks Trail. Not only is it an easy half-mile loop, but there are also three sizeable and impressive rock formations that provide a dramatic backdrop as you meander along. How do I get to Harpeth River State Park? Harpeth River State Park is only about a 20-minute drive southwest of downtown Nashville. Just hop on Interstate 40 and in a blink of an eye you’ll arrive. In addition to wonderful hiking trails, the park also encompasses a beautiful lake, a working quarry, and interesting archaeological and historic sites. Are there any rural towns near Nashville? Believe it or not, there are quite a few rural towns near Nashville, and you won’t have to drive too far to find one. Kingston Springs, Watertown, Leipers Fork, and Ashland City are just a few that come to mind. Each possesses its own distinctive history and unique charm, and they are great day or weekend trip options if you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Where can you go fishing near Nashville? Marrowbone Lake, about a half an hour northwest of Nashville, is a great fishing retreat from the big city. There are actually 18 different lakes here, so you have plenty of spots to land a few big ones. You can fish from the shore, the fishing piers, and/or from your boat.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Nashville
July 10, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin
I’m looking for some kid-friendly hikes around Nashville. The Nashville area is full of wonderful kid-friendly hikes. One of them is the Cedars of Lebanon State Park Limestone Sinks Trail. Not only is it an easy half-mile loop, but there are also three sizeable and impressive rock formations that provide a dramatic backdrop as you meander along. How do I get to Harpeth River State Park? Harpeth River State Park is only about a 20-minute drive southwest of downtown Nashville. Just hop on Interstate 40 and in a blink of an eye you’ll arrive. In addition to wonderful hiking trails, the park also encompasses a beautiful lake, a working quarry, and interesting archaeological and historic sites. Are there any rural towns near Nashville? Believe it or not, there are quite a few rural towns near Nashville, and you won’t have to drive too far to find one. Kingston Springs, Watertown, Leipers Fork, and Ashland City are just a few that come to mind. Each possesses its own distinctive history and unique charm, and they are great day or weekend trip options if you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Where can you go fishing near Nashville? Marrowbone Lake, about a half an hour northwest of Nashville, is a great fishing retreat from the big city. There are actually 18 different lakes here, so you have plenty of spots to land a few big ones. You can fish from the shore, the fishing piers, and/or from your boat.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Nashville area is full of wonderful kid-friendly hikes. One of them is the Cedars of Lebanon State Park Limestone Sinks Trail. Not only is it an easy half-mile loop, but there are also three sizeable and impressive rock formations that provide a dramatic backdrop as you meander along.
How do I get to Harpeth River State Park?
Harpeth River State Park is only about a 20-minute drive southwest of downtown Nashville. Just hop on Interstate 40 and in a blink of an eye you’ll arrive. In addition to wonderful hiking trails, the park also encompasses a beautiful lake, a working quarry, and interesting archaeological and historic sites.
Are there any rural towns near Nashville?
Believe it or not, there are quite a few rural towns near Nashville, and you won’t have to drive too far to find one. Kingston Springs, Watertown, Leipers Fork, and Ashland City are just a few that come to mind. Each possesses its own distinctive history and unique charm, and they are great day or weekend trip options if you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Where can you go fishing near Nashville?
Marrowbone Lake, about a half an hour northwest of Nashville, is a great fishing retreat from the big city. There are actually 18 different lakes here, so you have plenty of spots to land a few big ones. You can fish from the shore, the fishing piers, and/or from your boat.
