Hiking and Biking in Nashville, Tennessee: 10 Trails For All Skill Levels

Nashville is full of great trails for walking, jogging, biking, and hiking. Visit one of these Nashville trails today to explore everything the wilderness has to offer.

Hiking and Biking in Nashville, Tennessee: 10 Trails For All Skill Levels Close
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Hiking and Biking in Nashville, Tennessee: 10 Trails For All Skill Levels

Posted by Gary Ashton on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 at 10:18am.

Best Walking and Jogging Trails in Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee, is famous for many reasons. Known as Music City, chief among its attractions is its role in the country music scene. However, with a population nearing 700,000, the city offers more than just tunes. For example, the Nashville community is home to large universities, such as Tennessee State University, Fisk, and Vanderbilt. Corporations like Captain D's and Bridgestone Americas make the area their home.

Nashville's weather is among its best benefits for those who enjoy the outdoors. The climate consists of a good mix of weather types, but temperatures rarely reach extremes, providing excellent opportunities for outdoor activities like boating and camping. Keep reading to discover the best trails in Nashville, Tennessee.

Edwin Warner Loop

Part of Edwin Warner Park, the Edwin Warner Loop is southwest of downtown Nashville by about 13 miles. Reachable by HWY 100 or TN State Route 254, the trail is about 2.5 miles with moderate elevation. Most visitors use the area for hiking on foot through the forest while enjoying the beautiful scenery. However, there is a pavement loop for those who require a more stable path.

Rated "easy," the loop is great for a kid-friendly activity and includes many trees and local wildlife. Water lovers will find incredible views along the Little Harpeth River. Dog-lovers often take the family pets for walks through this loop. As long as dogs stay on the leash, they are welcome travelers. Edwin Warner Dog Park is one of many dog-friendly places.

Be sure to visit the Warner Park Nature Center for various nature and educational programs.

Hidden Lake Double Loop

Located west of Nashville along US Route 70, Harpeth River State Park is a popular destination for fresh-air lovers. Inside the park, the Hidden Lake Double Loop is a 1.9-mile trail favored among local hikers. People love the area for a few reasons. First, the trail itself is easy enough to be a comfortable hike for any skill level; running enthusiasts often enjoy jogging through the area.

Secondly, the area has plenty of features often found on different sites. Much of the trail winds through heavily wooded areas, providing great views of trees and wildlife. Several trail parts wander along the Harpeth River, offering a fantastic background sound of moving water. Finally, the park contains a hidden lake, with peaceful views in a relaxed environment.

Hidden Lake Double Loop is a great place to travel with young or furry companions. The variety of environments and ease of the trail make it an excellent location for kids and leashed dogs. Everyone can enjoy leisurely nature walks with fantastic sights and scents.

Harpeth River State Park Additional Information

  • Address: Harpeth River State Park, 1254 Narrows of the Harpeth Rd, Kingston Springs, TN 37082
  • Hours: April–September, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; November–February, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; October & March, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Day Loop Trail

Taking Interstate 40 west of Nashville International Airport will quickly get you to Percy Priest Lake. Located on the eastern side between Couchville and Bakers Grove is the Long Hunter State Park Day Loop. Beginning at the parking lot off Hobson Pike, the trail offers 3.9 miles of moderate hiking conditions. As one of the longer trails, it is more of a challenge than the previous options.

Hikers love walking or running along the path, and leashed dogs are welcome. While the wildlife and forest create great nature walk opportunities, the trail may be a bit too challenging for the youngest travelers. However, the area is popular for hiking lunches and quick workouts.

Perhaps the best features of the loop are the beautiful views of the lake. The riverbank twists and turns through the area, creating many exciting viewpoints.

Long Hunter State Park Additional Information

  • Address: Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076
  • Hours: 7 a.m.–Sunset

Stones River Greenway

Unlike the previous loops, the Stones River Greenway is a straight path requiring backtracking toward the destination. It is an excellent option for those who enjoy outdoor walks without getting too far from the city. The trail begins near US Route 70 on the west side of the Stones River and continues along the riverbank for 5.7 miles through a combination of the natural environment and retail shopping.

The path ends just past I-40, where the river joins Priest Lake. Although there is a moderate incline at points, this is a more leisurely hike. The area is mainly paved, creating an excellent workout for biking and jogging. Dogs are welcome on the leash, and the walk is kid-friendly.

Harpeth Woods Trail

Located near the Edwin Warner Loop, the Harpeth Woods Trail is another popular local hiking destination. This trail runs southwest at the intersection of HWY 100 and TN State Route 254. The northern area follows HWY 100 just before reaching Ensworth High School. It continues until it approaches Little Harpeth River before looping back to the parking lot.

The trail is rated moderate with lots of great forest views. It is a beautiful setting for nature walks but is also an attraction for jogging. At only about 2.5 miles with reasonable inclines, this option is available to children and leashed pets.

Edwin Warner Park Additional Information

  • Address: Edwin Warner Park, 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221
  • Hours: 6 a.m.–8 p.m.

Bryant Grove Trail

With a trailhead starting near Hobson Pike near Drummond Ranch, Bryant Grove Trail is an 8.4-mile path around Percy Priest Lake. While the elevation in the area is pretty mild, the rocky features and length give it a moderate rating. This trail may not be the best place for children, and dogs are not allowed.

However, generally experienced hikers can enjoy great views of the lake, as well as plenty of wildflowers and wildlife. Water lovers may prefer to complete the trip by renting kayaks to paddle through the scenery. Either way, this is a great place for exercise and fresh air.

Long Hunter State Park Additional Information

  • Address: Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076
  • Hours: 7 a.m.–Sunset

Shelby Bottoms Greenway & Natural Area

Amid this nearly 1000-acre community park, there are just over 10 miles of unpaved and paved trails surrounding wetlands, lush forests, and gently flowing streams at Shelby Bottoms Greenway & Natural Area. It seems designed for those who love observing nature while on two wheels. The primary route at Shelby Bottoms meanders along the banks of the Cumberland River, and several offshoots can be explored to extend the riding experience.

Shelby Bottoms Greenway & Natural Area Additional Information

  • Address: 1900 Shelby Bottoms Greenway, Nashville, TN 37206

Richland Creek Greenway

The Richland Creek Greenway bike trail is a five-mile, multi-use paved path that attracts bicyclists, runners, walkers, and skaters alike. This respite offers a wide path that encircles McCabe Park and one of the best golf courses in Nashville. As riders traverse alongside the railroad tracks around Charlotte Pike, a great stopping point is Dutchman's Curve, a spot where the country's worst railway accident in history took place.

Richland Creek Greenway Additional Information

  • Address: 4617 Sloan Rd, Nashville, TN 37209

Harpeth River Greenway

Laden with some of the most spectacular scenery in Nashville, Harpeth River Greenway encompasses multiple trails designed to be enjoyed by bicyclists, joggers, and walkers looking for a new perspective on city life. The greenway runs along Little Harpeth and the Harpeth Rivers along four disconnected multi-use trails. One of the best routes begins at Edwin Warner Park and takes riders through gorgeous landscapes all the way through Bellevue. With more than seven miles of trails, one can get a great workout while enjoying the rushing sounds of the Cumberland River.

Harpeth River Greenway Additional Information

  • Address: 7624 Old Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37221, Nashville, TN 37206

Percy Warner Park Loop

Enthusiasts looking for a more significant challenge than gentle slopes will want to check out Percy Warner Park Loop that loops the Belle Meade community. Just be warned, this 11-mile paved path isn't for beginners or the faint of heart, as this trek is sure to pump up the cardiovascular system within the first mile. With that in mind, don't be hesitant to give the loop a whirl, as there are ample downhill segments that seem to come into play at just the right time for a respite to take on the next uphill battle.

Percy Warner Park Loop Additional Information

  • Address: 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221

Explore Nashville's Trails Today

Most people know that Nashville is a great place for music and food, but the city offers much more. The metro area provides a wide variety of opportunities for outdoor exercise and communing with nature. Even better, because Nashville is a region with multiple seasons, each park offers different characteristics around the year. Visitors will never tire of the scenery, as each hike may reveal something new.

If the opportunities of Nashville excite you, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with local real estate agents who can help find the perfect Nashville home for you today.

Read Our Trail Guides For Each City Below

 

Gary Ashton

The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage

The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!

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