Nashville is not just about music. It is also a great city for outdoor adventures. The hiking places in Nashville offer calm forests, peaceful lakes, and easy-to-follow trails that let you step away from busy city life.
You will find something for every type of hiker here. Beginners can enjoy flat, free hiking places in Nashville like Shelby Bottoms. Nature lovers can explore Radnor Lake, where deer and birds are often seen along the paths. For those who want a bit of challenge, the shaded ridges at Warner Parks are perfect.
If you are looking for a weekend adventure, some Nashville hiking trails with waterfall views are just a short drive away.
In this guide, you will discover the best hiking places in Nashville that locals and travelers love. Each trail offers its own mix of fresh air, scenic views, and a chance to slow down and enjoy nature in Music City.
1. Radnor Lake State Natural Area
A calm lake surrounded by trees and peaceful wildlife.
Best for spotting deer, birds, and taking quiet nature walks.
Radnor Lake is one of the best hiking places in Nashville. The park has over five miles of trails that wrap around a beautiful lake. Walking here feels like stepping into a quiet forest right outside the city.
The Lake Trail is easy and perfect for beginners. If you want a bit more challenge, try the Ganier Ridge Trail, which climbs to a nice overlook. Since the park is a free hiking place in Nashville and has no car traffic on the main paths, it is always peaceful and safe for families.
2. Percy Warner Park
Shaded forest trails with hills and open ridge views.
Best for active hikers, trail runners, and weekend workouts.
Percy Warner Park is part of the Warner Parks, known for its challenging but rewarding trails. The most popular route is the Mossy Ridge Trail, about 4.5 miles long. It takes you up and down hills through thick woods with occasional clearings.
Hikers come here for exercise and scenery. The mix of climbs and shaded paths makes it perfect for anyone looking for a workout in nature. Many locals consider it the top spot for Nashville hiking trails when they want a forest adventure without leaving the city.
3. Edwin Warner Park
Quiet wooded paths with gentle slopes and soft ground.
Best for families, casual walks, and light nature hikes.
Edwin Warner is the calmer neighbor to Percy Warner. It has easy-to-moderate trails like the Harpeth Woods Trail, which lets you enjoy forest sounds, small streams, and open clearings.
Because it’s less crowded, hikers can take slow, relaxing walks without interruptions. This is also a free hiking place in Nashville, and it connects to Percy Warner, so you can make your hike as long or as short as you like.
4. Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Easy riverside paths just minutes from downtown.
Best for strollers, biking, and beginner-friendly walks.
Shelby Bottoms is an urban greenway where you can hike or bike along the Cumberland River. Most of its trails are paved and flat, stretching about five miles. Along the way, you may see wetlands, birds, and even views of the Nashville skyline.
It’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a short, safe outdoor break. Since it’s part of the free hiking places in Nashville, you can visit any day without paying a fee.
5. Long Hunter State Park – Day Loop
Peaceful lakeside hiking with plenty of open views.
Best for weekend hikers and nature photography.
About 30 minutes from downtown, Long Hunter State Park offers lakeside trails like the Day Loop and Volunteer Trail. The Day Loop is around four miles and mostly flat, with water views almost the entire way.
Because it’s quieter than Radnor or Warner Parks, it’s a great spot for peaceful walks or sunrise hikes. Many hikers say it feels like a hidden getaway while still being part of the best hiking places in Nashville area.
6. Beaman Park
Remote-feeling forest trails with ridge views.
Best for quiet hikes and nature lovers.
Beaman Park has over 14 miles of trails that feel far from the city. The Ridgetop Trail is a favorite, taking you up gentle hills surrounded by hardwood forest. You’ll hear birds and the wind more than people here.
It’s a free hiking place in Nashville that locals love for its peaceful atmosphere. Spring and fall are the most beautiful times, with wildflowers and colorful leaves along the paths.
7. Harpeth River State Park – Hidden Lake
A mix of riverside and lakeside paths with easy loops.
Best for short day hikes and relaxing nature walks.
Hidden Lake at Harpeth River State Park offers a simple, scenic escape. Trails loop around a small lake and follow wooded paths along the river. In the morning, light fog often rises from the water, making it a favorite for photos.
The trails are easy to moderate, so anyone can enjoy them. This spot is a top pick for Nashville hiking trails when you want a short hike with plenty of natural beauty.
Tips for Hiking in Nashville
Hiking in Nashville can be fun and relaxing, but it helps to know a few things before you go. The weather, terrain, and wildlife here make some simple tips very useful. Follow these to enjoy the best hiking places in Nashville safely and comfortably.
1. Check the weather before you hike
Nashville summers can be hot and humid, and sudden rain is common in spring. Start your hike early in the morning during summer to avoid the heat. In cooler months, wear layers so you can adjust as the day warms up.
2. Wear proper shoes and bring water
Even on easier free hiking places in Nashville like Shelby Bottoms, comfortable shoes will make your walk better. On forested trails in Warner Parks or Radnor Lake, sturdy hiking shoes help with slopes and uneven paths.
3. Watch for wildlife and respect the trails
Deer, wild turkeys, and many birds are common on Nashville hiking trails. Enjoy watching them, but do not feed them. Stay on the marked paths to protect the plants and to avoid ticks, which are common in wooded areas during warm months.
4. Plan your route based on your experience
Beginners can start with paved paths like Shelby Bottoms. Moderate hikers can explore Radnor Lake or the Mossy Ridge Trail in Percy Warner Park. If you want a weekend adventure, consider a short drive to see Nashville hiking trails with waterfall views, like Cummins Falls or Burgess Falls.
By following these tips, your hike will be safe, comfortable, and full of the best nature experiences Nashville has to offer.
Pro Checklist for Your Hiking Trails
| Type | Things to Take | Why You Need |
| Hydration | Water bottle or hydration pack | Prevents dehydration on warm Nashville trails |
| Footwear | Comfortable hiking shoes | Protects feet on roots and uneven ground |
| Sun & Weather | Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses | Shields from sun and keeps you cool |
| Safety | Insect repellent, small first aid kit | Protects against ticks, mosquitoes, and minor injuries |
| Navigation | Trail map or phone with offline map | Helps avoid getting lost on wooded trails |
| Energy | Snacks or energy bars | Keeps energy up during longer hikes |
| Clean-Up | Small trash bag | Keeps hiking places in Nashville clean for everyone |
Conclusion
The hiking places in Nashville give you a perfect break from busy city life. You can enjoy quiet lakes, shaded forests, and relaxing greenways without driving far. Places like Radnor Lake, Shelby Bottoms, and Warner Parks are easy to reach and great for all kinds of hikers. Many of them are free hiking places in Nashville, so you can visit anytime.
If you want to see something extra special, try the Nashville hiking trails with waterfall views near the city, like Cummins Falls or Burgess Falls. They make a fun weekend trip and give you beautiful photos to remember.
No matter if you are new to hiking or go often, Nashville has trails for everyone. Pick your favorite spot, wear good shoes, take water, and enjoy the best hiking places in Nashville for a calm and refreshing day outdoors.
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FAQs
1. Which place is the best for hiking?
Radnor Lake offers easy wildlife loops, Warner Parks provide more varied terrain, and Shelby Bottoms is ideal for paved walking.
2. Is Nashville good for outdoorsy people?
Yes, with hundreds of miles of trails in city parks and nearby state parks, Nashville is excellent for nature lovers.
3. Is Nashville good for hiking?
Definitely. From free city trails to scenic waterfalls near the city, Nashville’s hiking options satisfy all levels.
4. Where should I walk in Nashville?
Top walks include Radnor Lake, Shelby Bottoms, Percy Warner trail loops, and Harpeth River State Park spots like Hidden Lake.
5. Are there Nashville hiking trails and waterfall views?
Yes. For waterfalls, Burgess Falls and Cummins Falls are within an hour’s drive and offer stunning waterfall hikes.
6. Can I hike for free in Nashville?
Yes. Radnor Lake, Warner Parks, Shelby Bottoms, Beaman Park and Bells Bend have free public access.
7. How long are the trails at Radnor Lake?
About five miles total of unpaved trails, including Ganier Ridge and South Cove loops.
8. What trail is good for kids in Nashville?
Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Radnor Lake’s paved Lake Trail are family-friendly and stroller accessible.
