Best Hikes in Nashville
As I’ve mentioned before, I love Nashville parks. Going on hikes and walks is our favorite weekend adventure and on any (relatively dry) Saturday from here until July you’ll find us trying to visit as many parks as we possible can. We probably won’t see them all since there are 108 parks and 19 Greenways in metro Nashville.
That doesn’t mean we won’t try.
So as an ode to the many happy hours I’ve spent exploring our parks system I wanted to round up a few of my favorites. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a start.
Harpeth Woods Trail
Park Name: Edwin Warner Park
Hiking Distance: 2.4 mile loop
Where to Start: This loop can be accessed by any of the Edwin Warner trail heads, but you should check out the Nature Center at 7311 Hwy 100 — Nashville, TN 37221 first.
Why it Rocks: This was one of the first hikes we took at the Warner parks, so it’s special because of that. BUT it’s great for everyone else too. The loop covers a lot of ground so you can see a lot of the park, plus part of it goes along the old Natchez Trace #OooohHistory
Actually, any trail at the Warner Parks
Park Name: Edwin Warner Park, Percy Warner Park
Why it Rocks: We chose our apartment in (sorta large) part due to it’s proximity to the Warner parks. I believe we’ve used all of the trails, and to be honest I’m not sure which trails each of these pictures are from. That means you just have to get out there and walk all the trails for yourself to find out. (You can thank me later)
Day Loop Trail
Park Name: Long Hunter State Park
Hiking Distance: 4 mile loop
Where to Start: Go to the Bakers Grover trailhead at 2910 Hobson Pike — Hermitage, TN 37076
Why it Rocks: This trail has a nice mix of scenery, plus you can watch boats speed past on Percy Priest.
South Lake Trail
Park Name: Radnor Lake State Park
Hiking Distance: 2.5 miles
Where to Start: The visitor center/ west parking at 1156 Otter Creek Road — Nashville,TN37221
Why it Rocks: A word of caution: this is a leisurely and paved trail around a lake, so it gets very crowded. As in, you have to wait to park crowded. To be fair, though, parking is pretty limited. It’s still a nice walk though, so just aim to go on off days (not the weekend) or very early.
Bells Bend Loop Trail
Park Name: Bells Bend State Park
Hiking Distance: Check out the 2.3 mile loop section of the trail that heads back to the Cumberland River.
Where to Start: Go to the Bells Bend Outdoor Center at 4187 Old Hickory Blvd — Nashville, TN 37218 and use the trail head directly behind the center.
Why it Rocks: This loop through meadows is great if you want a relatively flat and easy going walk. It’s a quiet and peaceful area, but there isn’t much shade so it’s best on an overcast/cool day.
Narrows of the Harpeth
Park Name: Harpeth River State Park
Hiking Distance: 2 miles total
Where to Start: Navigate to 1254 Narrow of the Harpeth Road — Kingston Springs, TN 37082 to start. From there check out the 0.5 mile trail up to a bluff overlook, then take another 0.5 mile walk back to the oldest gristmill in Davidson county.
Why it Rocks: This was a pretty quiet park that had scenery + history. Climbing to the top of the bluff gives you a view of the Harpeth and canoers below, while the other trail takes you to what is essentially a hole in the hill that used water to power a mill. The explanation on the sign is much more detailed and poignant, but that’s the best I can do.
Savage Falls — part of Savage Day Loop
Park Name: Savage Gulf State Natural Area — part of South Cumberland State Park
Hiking Distance: The entire Savage Day Loop is around 5 miles, but the path to the falls and back is around 3 miles.
Where to Start: Head to the Savage Gulf Ranger Station at 3177 State Road 399 — Palmer, TN 37365.
Why it Rocks: Waterfall! This spot is actually 2 hours from Nashville, but it’s worth the day trip. There are rope/suspension bridges and a few overlooks to marvel at the waterfall. It’s my favorite hike in Tennessee.
