A Guide to Hiking in Nashville
Radnor Lake and Narrows of the Harpeth are some of the greatest hiking spots in Nashville.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
- The best hikes in Nashville
- Harder hikes around Nashville
- Tips for hiking in Nashville
- How to save money on car insurance in Middle Tennessee
- FAQs
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What do lofty views of the Harpeth River, quiet forested hills, and a quaint lake have in common? They’re all part of Nashville’s best hikes.
When most people think of Nashville, they think of the bright lights of Broadway, the legendary Grand Ole Opry, or a hub for America’s bachelorette parties—but it’s actually a fairly outdoorsy city, too. Whether you’re looking for a quiet stroll along the river or an adrenalizing run through the hills, Nashville has a hike for you.
To guide you on your adventures,
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The best hikes in Nashville
Nashville may be known as the land of honky-tonks and country music, but Music City is also chock-full of green spaces—including parks, hiking trails, and dozens of miles of greenways. Getting to all of them would take weeks, so that’s why we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best.
Best for families: Radnor Lake State Park Lake Loop
Distance: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trail type: Loop
Elevation gain: 170 feet
Parking: Free parking lot at park entrance
Dogs: Yes, on-leash
Starting point: 1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville, TN 37220
Radnor Lake State Park is one of the most beloved havens in the Nashville area. With tons of wildlife, an environmental center, and a gorgeous lake in the middle, Radnor Lake has plenty of trails fit for the whole family. The paved Lake Loop trail gives you a sample of everything Radnor has to offer in a short and sweet package—and it’s accessible for all-terrain wheelchairs, too!
Best for views: Narrows of the Harpeth
Distance: 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trail type: Out and back
Elevation gain: 223 feet
Parking: Yes
Dogs: Yes, on-leash
Starting point: 1254 Narrows of the Harpeth Rd, Kingston Springs, TN 37082
Located just 30 minutes west of Nashville is Narrows of the Harpeth, a quick and ideal excursion for hikers of all skill levels—even kids! You’ll see the beautiful Harpeth River, unique rock formations, and some incredible views. As a bonus, you’ll get to experience the famous Montgomery Bell Tunnel—a waterfall flowing from a tunnel. If it’s hot, you can hop in the watering hole for a refreshing dip to keep you cool for the hike back to your car.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversBest for Instagram: Cumberland River Greenway
Distance: 11.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trail type: Out and back
Elevation gain: 219 feet
Parking: Street
Dogs: Yes, on-leash
Starting point: 1900 Davidson St., Nashville, TN 37206
Nashville’s extensive greenway system has at least 100 miles of paved trails throughout the metropolitan area, and the Cumberland River Greenway gives you the best views of the skyline. While most greenways are, well, green, this specific trail is mostly industrial and follows along the Cumberland River in Nashville’s city center.
Head past the industrial side, though, and you’ll be strolling along on a breezy levee, complete with wildflowers. You may even get a glimpse of the eco-preserving Nashville Chew Crew—a herd of goats tasked with managing the landscape along the riverside.
Best for dates: Stones River Greenway Trailhead
Distance: 5.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trail type: Out and back
Elevation gain: 219 feet
Parking: Yes
Dogs: Yes, on-leash
Starting point: Stones River Greenway, Nashville, TN 37214
Stones River Greenway is another excellent greenway to check out about 15 minutes east of the city center. The trailhead starts at the Percy Priest Dam, where there are picnic areas and a decently-sized dog park to greet you. This winding trail takes you under bridges, through stunningly-green tree tunnels, and alongside the river—the perfect locale for a chill date. There are quite a few unpaved side paths to choose from as well, and you may even see a few deer!
Best for dogs: Richland Creek Greenway
Distance: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trail type: Loop
Elevation gain: 141 feet
Parking: Yes
Dogs: Yes, leashed
Starting point: 4617 Sloan Rd., Nashville, TN 37209
We couldn’t leave out a good option for Lassie. The Richland Creek Greenway—also called the McCabe Golf Course Loop—is an easy-yet-versatile trail, taking you around the golf course, through tree tunnels, across winding bridges, and over babbling brooks. Dogs (and kids!) love to cool off in the clear waters of the creek on hot summer days.
Best for exercise: Percy Warner Park
Distance: 2.8–8.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Trail type: Varied
Elevation gain: up to 1,374
Parking: Yes
Dogs: Yes, leashed
Starting point: Belle Meade Blvd, Nashville, TN 37221
Nashville is full of rolling hills, and Percy Warner Park has the best of them. Percy Warner Park has an expansive and varied terrain right in West Nashville with several different trails to choose from. Routes range from moderate to difficult, quick or lengthy, and they’re sure to get your heart pumping.
The paths—both paved and unpaved—are relatively shady, taking you through patches of pretty forests and diverse flora. If you aren’t keen on tackling the trails on foot, the trails are also popular for mountain biking or even horseback riding.
Harder hikes around Nashville
The hikes in Nashville tend to be moderately difficult at most, but there are tons of more challenging—and more beautiful—hikes within a couple of hours of the city. Here are the best ones:
Tips for hiking in Nashville
Nashville’s 120+ parks span over 12,000 acres across the area—and that’s not including parks outside of the city. If you need to escape the busyness of the city, a park is never far from reach. Depending on what season you go and how long your trek is, here are a few tips to keep in mind before heading out:
- Wear breathable clothes. In the summer, Nashville humidity is no joke. If you don’t want your clothes glued to your body afterwards, plan ahead with a cooler outfit.
- Pack your water bottles. That humidity we mentioned? It can actually dehydrate you quicker than low humidity because your sweat doesn’t evaporate as well. Be sure to bring plenty of water on your hike to stay hydrated!
- Slather on the SPF. All of these hikes have at least some shade, but you’ll want to protect your skin from UV exposure by applying sunscreen—at least SPF 30.
- Grab the bug spray. Another staple for summer hikes in the South, bug spray (preferably with DEET) will help ward off those pesky mosquitoes that tend to join you on the more shaded trails.
- Be a considerate hiker. If you go during a busy season or time of day, you’re bound to run into other hikers. Be respectful of others, pick up after your dog, and always remember to leave no trace.
- Start early. The best way to beat the crowds and the heat (as much as possible, at least) is to get to the trails in the early morning.
How to save money on car insurance in Middle Tennessee
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FAQs
Can you hike in Nashville right now?
Most of these hikes around Nashville are excellent to try out any time of the year—as long as you’re prepared with weather-appropriate gear like water bottles and sunscreen.
Is Nashville good for hiking?
Nashville may not be known for having amazing hikes, but there are lots of great options for gentle and moderate treks all around the city.
