The city of Clarksville is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts, boasting an array of captivating trails and offering a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, the best trails in Clarksville have something for everyone. So, lace up your shoes and join us as we explore the natural wonders of this vibrant Tennessee city.

Clarksville Greenway

The Clarksville Greenway is a nine-mile, fully paved trail located on the banks of the Red River and West Fork Creek. Access points can be found at Heritage Park, Pollard Road, and Marys Oak Drive. This popular trail is along a scenic corridor, open to walkers, bikers, skaters, and runners. Pets are also welcome as long as they are on a leash. This beautiful trail features an array of landscapes, including bluffs, creeks, and open vistas. Plenty of native wildlife, trees, and wildflowers line the way. Some sections of the trail are flat, while others are hilly.

This trail has plenty of shade to keep visitors comfortable during hot and sunny days. The trail also offers public restrooms, picnic areas, and benches. Beautiful forestry and river views make it one of the most popular trails in the area, and it is part of the Rails to Trails initiative that transforms abandoned railroad rights of way and river corridors into biking and walking trails.

Visitors may use Clarksville BCycle to navigate it if they choose. This automated bike-sharing system is designed for people who want to take short trips around town or for recreational exploration.

Dunbar Cave State Park

Dunbar Cave State Park is a unique destination featuring a prehistoric site for the Eastern Woodlands. The park offers 144 acres of hiking trails, seasonal cave tours, and wildlife viewing. Venture into the caves from May through September to view ancient drawings on the limestone walls. While some are drawn in charcoal, others are intricately carved directly into the stone. 

Hikers will enjoy exploring trails through restored prairies, wetlands, and subtle elevation gains. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset, with the public including full access to all of the trails. It's no surprise it's one of the most popular parks in Clarksville.

Upland Trail

The Upland Trail links the Cumberland Riverwalk to an overlook bridge at the north end of Valleybrook Park. This 1.4-mile urban walking path runs alongside several historical buildings and homes. It utilizes an abandoned railroad bridge near the park, and one trail extension takes visitors to the foot of the Roxy Regional Theatre. Another extension leads to the Spur Line Trail. 

Upland Trail is also part of the Rails to Trails initiative and provides visitors with incredible views of the surrounding region. It takes guests over two former railroad trestles that overlook Valleybrook Park.

Cumberland Riverwalk

Cumberland Riverwalk is a 3.4-mile, out-and-back trail and one of Clarksville's most scenic developed trails. The trail follows the Cumberland River, beginning at the southern border of McGregor Park. The north end of the trail connects to the Red River Trail, which follows the Red River and eventually connects with the Clarksville Greenway. The Riverwalk also connects to the Upland Trail at the southern end, leading to the heart of historic downtown via a pedestrian bridge over Riverside Drive. Popular activities along the Riverwalk include bike riding, inline skating, and walking.

The riverfront promenade has lots to offer, including an amphitheater, stages, picnic facilities, and a playground. Several festivals and concerts are hosted here throughout the year for residents and visitors to enjoy. A bronze statue dedicated to Wilma Rudolph, champion sprinter of the 1960 Olympics, is at the juncture of the Cumberland Riverwalk and the Upland Trail.

Rotary Park

Featuring 111.3 acres, Rotary Park is a beautiful nature park located on Rotary Drive near the Sango community. The park offers playground areas, mountain biking trails, picnic tables and grills, pavilions, and hiking trails. It also features a sand volleyball court, a horseshoe pit area, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a large open play space. The Wade Bourne Nature Center opened there in 2020 and features a combination of permanent and temporary displays and hands-on activities so visitors can learn about the area’s natural history.

The Rotary Park Loop features a 2.9-mile loop trail with an easy route that takes an average of over one hour to complete. This popular trail includes areas for birdwatching and mountain biking. It’s open all year round, and dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash. The trail is well-marked and offers lots of opportunities for viewing wildlife and plenty of shade.

Liberty Park

Adjacent to the Cumberland River, Liberty Park is both one of Clarksville’s best neighborhoods and a 146-acre park with a 10-acre fishing pond, a community-built playground, and more. This park features walking trails that total 1.8 miles; the main trail in Liberty Park is called the Liberty Nature Walk. This paved three-mile loop typically takes the average hiker or walker around 55 minutes to complete. The trail is popular among walkers and runners, and it tends to be busiest on weekends and during the spring and summer months. Public restrooms and plenty of shade are available along the way.

In the rest of the park, visitors can also enjoy a four-lane boat ramp into the Cumberland River, four pavilions, multiple sports fields, and King’s Run Bark Park. At the north entrance is Pat Head Summit Legacy Park, which overlooks the river and includes a bronze statue of Pat, along with informational panels that tell visitors about her legacy.

Explore the Best Trails in Clarksville, TN

From the tranquility of the Cumberland Riverwalk to all the things to enjoy at Rotary Park, there's a trail for every nature lover living in Clarksville. Each trail offers a unique experience, from dense woodlands to open vistas. Grab your walking shoes and immerse yourself in the natural splendor that Clarksville, Tennessee, has to offer!

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