When most people think of Nashville, they picture vibrant music venues, honky-tonk bars, and the soulful sound of country tunes echoing through Broadway. But beyond the neon lights and musical heritage, Nashville hides a lush, green secret — its expansive and diverse Hiking Places in Nashville.
From urban greenways that trace the riverside to dense forests, limestone bluffs, and scenic lake trails, the city and its surrounding parks offer countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker craving elevation or a weekend wanderer looking for peaceful nature strolls, the hiking places in Nashville cater to every age, skill level, and hiking style.
2025’s Must-Visit Hiking Places in Nashville for Nature Seekers
What makes Nashville’s trails unique is their accessibility. You don’t need to drive hours to find solitude or scenic views — many trails are just minutes from downtown, making it easy to sneak in a morning trek or an after-work escape. In spring, wildflowers paint the paths with color; in fall, the hills are ablaze with fiery foliage. Wildlife, waterfalls, and birdwatching await just around the bend. 🍁🦉
In this ultimate 2025 guide, we’ve handpicked 50+ of the best hiking places in Nashville — from iconic spots like Radnor Lake to hidden gems and brand-new trails. Whether you’re hiking solo, with your dog, or as a family, these trails will reconnect you with nature and help you experience a side of Nashville many visitors overlook.
Most Popular Hiking Places in Nashville
These well-known favorites are loved by locals and visitors alike for their accessibility and stunning scenery.
1. Radnor Lake State Park
Peaceful wildlife haven with forested trails and lake views. Perfect for birdwatching 🦉.
2. Percy Warner Park
Part of the Warner Parks system — multiple trails, stone stairs, and panoramic overlooks.
3. Edwin Warner Park
Shaded walking paths, creekside views, and great for beginners and families.
4. Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Urban meets nature in this riverfront trail, ideal for joggers, bikers, and strollers.
5. Beaman Park
Less crowded and filled with hardwood forests and ridgelines — a true nature escape.
Best Nature Preserves & Forest Trails
These trails are perfect if you’re craving tranquility, trees, and total immersion in nature.
6. Warner Woods Trail
A 2.5-mile loop with a forest vibe and gentle terrain. Great for all skill levels.
7. Hidden Lake Trail (Harpeth River State Park)
Short hike with a scenic overlook of a limestone quarry lake.
8. Marcella Vivrette Smith Park
Franklin’s largest park, known for peaceful woodland trails and rolling hills.
9. Long Hunter State Park
Features multiple trails including the Volunteer Trail along Percy Priest Lake.
10. Bells Bend Park
Wide open meadows, riverside paths, and minimal crowds — peaceful and quiet. 🌾
Moderate to Challenging Hiking Places
Looking for a bit more intensity? These trails offer elevation, rocky paths, and cardio benefits.
11. Percy Warner Mossy Ridge Trail
5.5 miles of moderate hiking with switchbacks, stone stairs, and forest canopies.
12. Volunteer Trail (Day Loop)
Located at Long Hunter State Park — 4 miles with beautiful water views and elevation.
13. Cane Ridge Park Trail
A great mix of paved and natural surfaces, ideal for both runners and hikers.
14. Hamilton Creek Trail
A scenic trail on the eastern shores of Percy Priest Lake with varied terrain.
15. Anderson Road Fitness Trail
Underrated lakeview trail with mild climbs and open space.
Dog-Friendly Hiking Places in Nashville
Your furry friend can join you on these trails with leash-friendly access and shade. 🐶
16. Two Rivers Park Greenway
Flat, long trail near the Cumberland River — perfect for long walks with pups.
17. Harpeth Woods Trail
A 2.5-mile forest loop in Edwin Warner Park — peaceful and pup-approved!
18. Richland Creek Greenway
Urban trail with plenty of room for walking, running, and sniffing! 🐕
19. Stones River Greenway
Expansive path system with connections to nature areas and parks.
20. Mill Creek Greenway
Quiet and lesser-known, this trail winds through shaded creeks and parks.
Wildflower & Springtime Trails 🌸
Enjoy blooming beauty in the spring and early summer at these flower-filled spots.
21. Ellington Agricultural Center Trail
An easy, colorful trail winding through open fields and gardens.
22. Deerwood Arboretum Trail
Paved trail through meadows, native plants, and educational nature displays.
23. Timberland Park
Located off the Natchez Trace Parkway — quiet, wooded, and full of flowers in season.
24. Burch Reserve Trail
Untouched forest paths with blooming underbrush and quiet solitude.
25. Peeler Park Greenway
Wildflower meadows and wetlands, great for photographers and spring picnics.
Scenic Views & Insta-Worthy Trails
Looking for that perfect view or photo op? These trails deliver stunning scenery! 📷✨
26. Love Circle Viewpoint
A short uphill path to one of Nashville’s best skyline views.
27. Radnor Lake South Lake Trail
Serene lake reflections, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
28. Gentry Farm Trail (seasonal)
Rustic charm, open fields, and photogenic barns — open in fall and spring.
29. Harpeth River Overlook Trail
Cliffside views over the river valley — peaceful and dramatic.
30. Warner Park Overlook
Short but rewarding hike with views of the rolling hills and city in the distance.
Family-Friendly Hiking Spots
Safe, fun, and scenic trails for hikers of all ages.
31. Centennial Park Trail
An easy loop near the Parthenon replica — wide paths and playground access.
32. Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail
Flat, scenic trail with viewing platforms and a peaceful vibe.
33. Brentwood Trail System
Paved trails with nature-themed playgrounds nearby.
34. Cornelia Fort Airpark Trail
Wide open and stroller-friendly, with fascinating historical context.
35. Green Hills Park Trail
Short loop trail ideal for kids to run and explore.
Hidden Gem Hiking Places in Nashville
Fewer crowds and lots of beauty — perfect for peaceful getaways.
36. White’s Creek Trail
A quiet, forested trail with streams and shady trees.
37. Donelson Greenway
Local favorite for peaceful early morning walks.
38. Seven Mile Creek Greenway
Underrated, quiet trail with gentle slopes and wild growth.
39. Eagle Pass Trail
A lesser-known trail tucked into a small wooded preserve.
40. Glen Leven Farm Trail
Historical farmland open occasionally for public hikes — call ahead!
Day Trip-Worthy Hikes Near Nashville
Just outside the city, these trails make for epic weekend adventures. 🚗🌲
41. Narrows of the Harpeth
Short, steep climb to one of Tennessee’s most beautiful river views.
42. Montgomery Bell State Park
Offers multiple loop trails through forest, lake shores, and historic sites.
43. Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Unique cedar glades and rare plants — plus several hiking options.
44. Dunbar Cave State Park
A mix of cultural history and scenic beauty with easy-access trails.
45. Bowie Nature Park (Fairview)
700+ acres of forests, lakes, and trails just 30 minutes from Nashville.
Bonus Picks for 2025
Some new favorites and renovated trails to check out this year!
46. Mill Ridge Park Trail
Brand-new park and trail system with wide-open views and excellent facilities.
47. Plaza Mariachi Loop Trail
Short, festive trail loop near a cultural center — unique and fun!
48. Oakwood Park Nature Trail
Underrated city park with well-maintained paths and forest views.
49. Park Preserve Trail (West Meade)
A true hidden gem with shaded paths and spring-fed creeks.
50. Nashville Green Street Extension
Freshly extended in 2025 — great for city-to-nature connections!
Your Nashville Hiking Adventure Starts Now
Whether you’re searching for peaceful forest paths, riverside strolls, or elevated scenic views, Nashville’s hiking trails offer something special for everyone. From family outings to solo meditative walks, from dog-friendly jaunts to full-day explorations, this list of 50+ hiking places in Nashville is your go-to guide for connecting with nature in 2025. 🌳💚
So, grab your water bottle, throw on your hat, and start exploring the beauty right in your own backyard — Music City has more trails than tunes!
I’m Lily Wilson, a traveler, storyteller, and soul-searcher from the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii. At LilyOnTheGo.com, every journey begins with curiosity, courage, and a trusty carry-on. Travel, for me, has never been about ticking places off a bucket list. It’s about chasing sunrises in unfamiliar cities, sharing laughs with strangers who become friends.