Top Places to Hike in Nashville

Nashville is filled with trails. So how to know which ones are the best? Never fear. I have you covered.

I’ve worked out the 7 top places to hike in Nashville.

1. Hidden Lake trail at Harpeth River State Park.

This 2.85 mile trail remains my favorite Nashville Hike. Located 18 miles from downtown just off the interstate, it takes you past a quarry lake and up where a resort once thrived. The sign at the entrance tells you more about this amazing past. This trail is often called a double loop but the trail doesn’t technically loop around the lake. There is a loop on the bluff above the lake. Being just off the interstate and pretty close to the road, it can be a bit noisy but less so the deeper you go into the woods.

Amenities: Port a Potty at trailhead

2. Ganier Ridge to Lake Trail to Otter Creek Road at Radnor Lake State Park

This loop makes it about 4.35 miles. If you’re wanting a quiet hike, Radnor is the place for you. While only located 11 miles from downtown, Radnor is an amazing serene oasis in the city. The Ganier Ridge trail can be a bit challenging even though it’s only a 500 ft elevation change. But the quiet and beauty make it worthwhile.  Once on the Lake trail, the views and wildlife are spectacular. We saw deer, turkeys and other water birds. You then return on the Otter Creek Road. Otter Creek is a paved road that used to be trafficked with cars but has since been closed and only allows foot traffic. There is one pond on the side opposite of the lake that seems to house a large number of turtles. If wanting something easier just take the Lake Trail and enjoy nature. 

Amenities: Restrooms at both parking areas

3. Day Loop trail at Long Hunter State Park

Long Hunter State Park is located 21 miles from downtown. I must say that it feels a lot further. I’m pretty sure we did this trail about 10 years ago and it did not impress. I decided I had to go back to see if my memory was correct. I was WRONG. This 3.6 mile loop trail is pretty awesome. It follows the shore of Percy Priest Lake. I think that was my biggest complaint before, that the trail only allowed glimpses of the lake. The trail does not afford sweeping lake view, just quick peeks. Lots of rocks require attention to footing. I will absolutely be back to check this one out again once the trees are bare. Winter should afford better views of the lake. The trail begins with some traffic noise but it dissipates the further in you go. Surprisingly there was little air noise considering its proximity to Nashville International Airport.

Amenities: Port a Potty at trailhead

4. Bluff Trail at Harpeth River State Park

Be forewarned that the Harpeth River State Park is made up of 3 different areas: Hidden Lake, Gossett Track and Narrows of the Harpeth. This trail is located at the Narrows of the Harpeth area which is 27 miles from downtown Nashville.

This trail is steep but the shortness (.25 miles) along with the view make it a must see! While here, add on the Tunnel Trail (.20 mile) that leads to a waterfall made from a former iron forge operation.

Amenities: I don’t recall any

5. Henry Hollow Loop at Beaman Park

Since we moved to north Nashville 10 years ago, Beaman Park has been my go to hiking spot. Located 13 miles from downtown, I’ve never seen it crowded. Last summer I saw it pretty full but nothing compared to plenty of other Nashville trails. My favorite is the Henry Hollow Loop. At only 2 miles and an elevation change of 300 ft, it’s just enough to get your heart going but not too crazy. I like doing the trail in counter clockwise direction beginning from the top of the hill trailhead (technically called the Highland Trailhead). You descend to Henry Creek, where there is a nice bridge that leads to the nature center. The creek is rather nice and my favorite part of the trek.  You then climb back to the top. To add more elevation change, start at the nature center and then do the loop and return by the Sedge Hill trail to the nature center.

Amenities: Port a Potty at trailheads. Restrooms at Nature Center

6. Burch Woods trail at Edwin Warner Park

This 2 mile loop is the least crowded and noisy of the Warner Parks hikes. Dogs and trail running are not allowed.  There is a small lake along with a forest setting. We heard turkeys while here. The elevation change seems easier while going clockwise.

Amenities: Port a Potty at trailhead

7. Mossy Ridge trail at Percy Warner Park

Located 16 miles from downtown I really only include this for those wanting a “real” hike. One that feels slightly challenging. Mossy Ridge 4.5 miles and was harder than I had expected but does have some nice scenery. There is the Betsy Ross Cabin remnants and the Dripping Springs section can be rather slick.

Amenities: Restrooms at most trailheads

Which will you choose now that you know the top places to hike in Nashville?

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