Nashville is one of the top destinations in the country, offering a rich mix of experiences for visitors. Known for its lively music scene and nightlife, the city also boasts fantastic restaurants, excellent local breweries, and fascinating museums. For those who love the outdoors, Nashville provides plenty of hiking trails, allowing you to explore the city in a more active way.
If you need a break from the bustling Broadway area or want to reconnect with nature, Nashville is the perfect spot. You’ll find everything from paved urban paths to secluded trails, ideal for hiking in and around the city. So, bring your hiking shoes and a sense of adventure—you might be surprised by the beauty and diversity of the trails here.
Here are our top picks for hiking trails in Nashville:
1. **Radnor Lake State Park**: Just south of the city near Brentwood, this 1,400-acre nature preserve is popular among locals and visitors. It features almost 8 miles of trails, including the scenic 1.35-mile Lake Trail known for its wildlife. If you’re looking for something longer, the Lake Trail connects to the 1.65-mile Ganier Ridge Trail, offering more elevation and a good workout.
2. **Shelby Bottoms Greenway**: Located in East Nashville, this greenway is great for stretching your legs before enjoying a meal nearby. The main 5-mile paved path and additional 5 miles of dirt trails are easy and mostly flat, drawing walkers, joggers, and cyclists. You’ll find a peaceful natural retreat in the midst of the city’s vibrant area.
3. **Long Hunter State Park**: A short drive from Nashville, this 2,600-acre park sits along Percy Priest Lake with over 20 miles of trails. Adventurers will enjoy the Volunteer Trail, a 6-mile route ending at a backcountry campsite perfect for an overnight stay.
4. **Percy Warner Park’s Mossy Ridge Trail**: This 4.5-mile trail offers a moderate hike through Nashville’s rolling terrain. It provides plenty of shade and scenic views, but tends to be busy due to its proximity to the city. For a longer adventure, the Cane Connector Trail adds another 2 miles.
5. **Harpeth River State Park**: About 30 minutes west of Nashville, the park features stunning views and the historic Narrows of the Harpeth trail. Though only 1.1 miles, it includes interesting sights like a manmade tunnel and overlooks from a rocky bluff.
6. **Edwin Warner Park**: Offering nearly 20 miles of less-crowded trails compared to Percy Warner Park, Edwin Warner is great for avoiding big crowds. The 2.5-mile Harpeth Woods Trail loop follows the historical Natchez Trace, passing through lush forests and over wooden bridges.
7. **Beaman Park’s Ridgetop Trail**: An ideal spot for those seeking solitude, Beaman Park is nestled in the Highland Rim with rugged terrain and dense forests. The 4.2-mile Ridgetop Trail offers a moderately challenging hike with a feeling of wilderness seclusion.
8. **Bryant Grove Trail**: In Long Hunter State Park, this 8-mile out-and-back trail is relatively flat and winds through cedar forests near Percy Priest Lake. It’s perfect for a long, peaceful hike with opportunities to spot wildlife.
These trails showcase the best hiking close to Nashville. Each location is about a 30-minute drive from wherever you stay, making it easy to enjoy nature without missing out on the city’s vibrant offerings.
