Nashville has some great hiking trails. As a local, I really enjoy exploring them. They let you get outdoors in nature. Some are easy walks in parks. Others are more challenging hikes. The trails range from paved paths to rugged terrain. You can find trails with waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. Or stick to green spaces in the city.
Do you love the outdoors? Being active in nature is good for the body and mind. But you don’t have to travel far from Nashville. Our city has amazing hiking trails right here. As a local, I’ve explored so many of them. From quiet walks to challenging climbs, we have it all. Scenic rivers, peaceful greenways, rugged terrain, you name it. After living here for years, I’ve experienced the best hikes. Let me tell you about the top trails in Nashville. Get ready to lace up those boots!
Percy Warner Paved Trail
The Percy Warner Paved Trail is great for an easy hike. It is located in Percy Warner Park. The trail is completely paved. It makes for a smooth, flat surface. This trail is perfect for walking or running. The full loop is about 4.5 miles long. But you can make it shorter if needed. The paved trail winds through pretty forests.
You’ll see lots of trees and greenery. Some small hills provide a little challenge. Overall, it’s a relaxing nature trail. Benches let you stop and rest. Percy Warner Paved Trail is ideal for all skill levels.
Address: 7024 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221
Length: 4.5 miles for the full loop trail
Difficulty Level: Easy
Richland Creek Greenway
One of the best hiking trails in Nashville is Richland Creek Greenway. This paved trail is perfect for a relaxing walk or run. It stretches over 4 miles through scenic landscapes. The path follows along the flow of Richland Creek. You’ll cross over the creek several times on footbridges. Tall trees provide plenty of shade.
The greenway passes through forests and meadows. You may see wildlife like deer and birds. Benches let you rest and enjoy the views. Richland Creek Greenway has a flat, easy surface. But a few gentle hills add variety. It’s a wonderful nature escape in the city.
Address: The main trailhead is at 628 Richmond Meadow Lane, Nashville, TN 37205
Length: 4.4 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy
Narrows of the Harpeth at Harpeth River State Park
One of Nashville’s best hiking trails is the Narrows of the Harpeth. Harpeth River State Park is home to it. This beautiful path tracks with the Harpeth Waterway. You’ll climb between tall feigns and rough limits. The path is occasionally rough and unpaved. Cross stepping stones and climb over boulders.
The hike will provide you with stunning views of the river. Look for the water’s calming sounds. Each way, the trail is about 2.5 miles long. There are some steep ups and downs. Legitimate climbing shoes are an unquestionable necessity. The Narrows of Harpeth have a peaceful and remote atmosphere. It’s a fantastic outdoor excursion.
Address: 285 Narrows of the Harpeth Road, Kingston Springs, TN 37082
Length: 2.5 miles round-trip
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ganier Ridge and South Cove Loop
The Ganier Ridge and South Cove Loop is a great hike. It is located in Radnor Lake State Natural Area. This loop trail travels through forests and rocky terrain. The full loop is around 4.5 miles long. You’ll climb up and down hills and ridges. Some parts have steep inclines and rocky areas. Proper hiking shoes are recommended.
The trail provides views of Otter Creek Road wildflower fields. You may see wildlife like turkeys and deer. Parts of the trail run along lake shores. Other sections are in dense forests. Overall, it’s a peaceful and scenic hike. The Ganier Ridge and South Cove Loop is moderately challenging.
Address: 1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville, TN 37220 (Radnor Lake State Natural Area)
Length: Approximately 4.5 miles for the full loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Volunteer Trail – Day Loop at Long Hunter State Park
The Volunteer Trail – Day Loop is one of the best hiking trails in Nashville. It is found at Long Hunter State Park. This 6-mile loop winds through beautiful nature scenery. The trail passes through forests and meadows. You’ll cross over creeks along the way. Some parts are nice and flat. Other sections get more rugged and hilly.
Proper hiking boots help on the uneven terrain. Keep an eye out for wildlife sightings. Deer and turkeys are commonly spotted. Although moderate in difficulty, it’s very peaceful. You’ll feel far away from the city. The Volunteer Trail provides a great outdoor experience. It’s one of the best hiking trails in Nashville.
Address: 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076
Length: 6 miles for the full Day Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Radnor Lake Trail
The Radnor Lake Trail is a wonderful hiking option. It forms a loop around Radnor Lake. The full trail is about 2.4 miles long. The path is wide and well-maintained. Most of it is paved or has a gravel surface. The terrain is relatively flat and easy. You’ll walk through lush forests and meadows. Keep an eye out for wildlife around the lake.
Deer, turkeys, and herons are common sights. Several smaller trails branch off the main loop. These allow you to extend your hike. Benches provide resting spots to admire the scenery. The Radnor Lake Trail is a peaceful nature escape.
Address: 1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville, TN 37220 (Radnor Lake State Natural Area)
Length: 2.4 miles for the full loop trail
Difficulty Level: Easy
Sedge Hill Trail at Beaman Park
The Sedge Hill Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Nashville. It is located in Beaman Park. This loop trail is about 3 miles long. The path winds through forests and over hills. You’ll get some nice views overlooking the city skyline. Parts of the trail follow along ridges. Other sections descend into small valleys.
The terrain has some ups and downs. Proper hiking shoes are recommended. Wildflowers bloom along the trail in spring. The Sedge Hill Trail provides a good workout. But the scenery makes it feel easy. It’s a great nature escape inside Nashville.
Address: 1015 Beaman Park Rd, Nashville, TN 37204
Length: Approximately 3 miles for the full loop trail
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Montgomery Bell Trail at Montgomery Bell State Park
The Montgomery Bell Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Nashville. It is found at Montgomery Bell State Park. This scenic loop trail is around 10 miles long. The path winds through beautiful forest areas. You’ll cross over creeks and streams. Some parts are relatively flat and easy. Other sections get quite hilly and rugged.
Proper hiking boots are a must. The trail provides great views of the park’s landscapes. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer. Although long, the lovely scenery makes it enjoyable. The Montgomery Bell Trail is best for experienced hikers. It’s one of the best hiking trails in Nashville.
Address: 1000 Hotel Flats Road, Burns, TN 37029
Length: Approximately 10 miles for the full loop trail
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Valley View Loop
The Valley View Loop is one of the best hiking trails in Nashville. It is located in Percy Warner Park. This loop trail is around 2.5 miles long. The path winds through forests and meadows. You’ll get nice views overlooking the valley below. Some parts are flat and easy. Other sections are more rugged with steep inclines.
On the rocky terrain, hiking shoes are a necessity. An old homestead site is passed by on the trail. In the spring, wildflowers bloom along the path. The Valley View Circle gives a serene nature escape. It is one of Nashville’s best hiking trails.
Address: Valley View Loop runs through downtown St. Petersburg, FL.
Length: 3 Miles
Difficulty Level : Easy
Stones River Greenway of Nashville Trail
The Stones River Greenway, one of Nashville’s most well-known urban trails, offers hikers a stunning green escape in the middle of the city. More than 12 miles of for the most part level, cleared trail wind through midtown and east Nashville, following the Stones Stream. It regularly attracts joggers and walkers to its multi-use paths that wind through grasslands and forests.
While crossing the scenic route, explorers pass by brilliant wall paintings, imaginative extensions and appealing parks. One of Nashville’s best hiking trails is the Stones River Greenway, which is easy to access from many different neighborhoods and has connecting routes that make it ideal for an outdoor escape without ever leaving the city. A highlight is the beautiful Bridgestone Arena, which is located alongside the trail and serves as a scenic backdrop.
Address: The trail begins at Northwest Park located at 5401 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209.
Length: The total length of the multi-use trail is approximately 12 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
Couchville Lake Loop Trail
Just north of the city, the Couchville Lake Loop Trail offers a stunning escape. It is popular with nature lovers because it is one of Nashville’s best hiking trails. The 5-mile trail goes around a stunning reservoir and is located in Couchville Lakes Park. The enormous lake is visible to hikers in the form of towering trees. Other sights include a lot of wildlife, rolling terrain, and dense forests.
In an unpaved and tenderly undulating way, it’s not difficult to separate from the metropolitan world outside. Albeit only a short ways from downtown, the serene path feels distant. It presents the perfect short escape for those seeking serenity in Nashville’s green spaces. Its tranquil setting ensures the Couchville Lake Loop remains a premier choice amongst locals for scenic trails.
Address: 3735 Couchville Pike, Nashville, TN 37218
Length: 5 miles (the trail can be hiked in its entirety or in sections)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Mossy Ridge Trail Loop
One of Nashville’s best hikes is the Mossy Ridge Trail Loop in the stunning Beaman Park. The rough, hilly, unpaved trail, which is just over 5 miles long, winds through hillsides with a lot of trees. During their journey, the explorers take in panoramic views of serene valleys while listening to a symphony of birdsong. The trail’s name comes from the tranquil loop of dense forests that are covered in moss and ferns.
Despite the fact that the climb is more difficult than others because of steep grades, experienced adventurers are blessed to receive isolation and pristine nature inside Tennessee’s capital city limits. One of Nashville’s best climbing trails and one of All Trails’ best paths is the Overgrown Edge Trail Circle. With this, you can travel to the wilderness in style.
Address: 112 Beaman Park Rd, Nashville, TN 37221
Length: 5.3 miles loop trail
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Bells Bend Loop Trail
The Bells Bend Loop Trail, which is just outside of Nashville and runs along the Cumberland River, is one of Music City’s best-kept secrets. Hikers can enjoy stunning scenery there. After a 3.5-mile loop through a lush hardwood forest, the trail opens up to views of the river shoreline. During the warm seasons, its forested pathway stays relatively cool while still treating hikers to glimpses of the Cumberland’s rolling waters.
Wildflowers dot the trail and birdsong rings out through the trees.Despite being a short hike, it offers breathtaking natural beauty and is only a short drive from the city. As a less popular #1 Among local people, the Chimes Twist Circle Trail stands apart as one of Nashville’s superb gems for those looking for wellness and outside investigation among the top paths the region brings to the table.
Address: 150 Bells Bend Parkway, Nashville, TN 37214
Length: 3.5 miles loop trail
Difficulty Level: Easy
Gadgets For Hiking Trails in Nashville
Hiking around Nashville is fun. A good gadget to have is a GPS device. A GPS can show hiking trails. It can also track your location. This prevents getting lost. Having a GPS makes hiking safer. Another useful gadget is a portable charger. Charging phones or other devices is easy. Portable chargers have high battery capacity. They allow using devices all day. With a GPS and portable charger, hiking is better.
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Frequently Ask Questions
What trail is best for families?
Stones River Greenway.
Which trail has the most beautiful scenery?
Couchville Lake Loop Trail.
Which is the most challenging?
Mossy Ridge Trail Loop.
Is there a trail for every skill level?
Yes, trails range from easy to difficult.
Do any trails allow dogs?
Yes, most trails welcome leashed dogs.
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