You don’t have to step too far outside Nashville’s city lights to find a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Hiking trails with skyline views, serene lakes, and expansive parks are all within reach from downtown. And with a reasonably temperate climate, Nashville is an inviting city for residents and visitors to embrace the outdoors year-round. Here are some of the top natural getaways that provide a refreshing contrast to the city’s vibrant energy.
1. Centennial Park
Highlights:
- Parthenon replica
- Walking trails
- Lake Watauga
- Open spaces for picnicking
- Dog park
- One-mile paved trail
Centennial Park is located in the heart of Nashville, just a short drive from downtown and near the Vanderbilt University campus. Conveniently situated between West End and Charlotte Avenues, it is easily accessible from the surrounding neighborhoods and popular areas like Midtown.
As Nashville’s most iconic park, Centennial Park blends open green spaces with historical features, including the full-scale replica of the Parthenon. The park offers a unique mix of culture and nature, paved walking trails ideal for strollers and bikes, beautiful gardens, and a tranquil lake. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon stroll, a family picnic, or a fun day out with your furry friends at the dog park–it’s truly a fantastic destination for the whole family.
2. Warner Parks (Percy and Edwin Warner)
Highlights:
- Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails
- Scenic overlooks
- Golf course
Warner Parks, comprising Percy Warner Park and Edwin Warner Park, are located about 9 miles southwest of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Together, they cover approximately 3,200 acres of rolling hills, forests, and scenic views. The parks are easily accessible via Vaughn Road and include extensive trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park also features several scenic overlooks, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside, making it a perfect spot for photography and or simply enjoying the vistas.
Additionally, Percy Warner Park is home to the popular Warner Park Golf Course, which offers a challenging layout for golfers of all skill levels.
3. Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Highlights:
- Multi-use trails, some paved
- Biking
- River views
- Wildlife viewing
- Nature center with educational activities
Stretching along the Cumberland River in East Nashville, Shelby Bottoms Greenway offers a peaceful retreat with more than five miles of paved and unpaved trails. Ideal for walking, running, and cycling, the greenway is surrounded by lush greenery and offers regular wildlife sightings. The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center also provides educational programs, making this a great spot for families looking to learn more about Nashville’s natural landscape.
4. Radnor Lake State Park
Highlights:
- Scenic lake
- Hiking
- Bird watching and wildlife viewing
- Ranger-led educational programs and nature walks
Just outside of Nashville on Granny White Pike, Radnor Lake State Park is a designated wildlife refuge, so it is especially popular among bird watchers and photographers. Visitors often spot deer, a variety of birds, and other animals along the trails. Ranger-led nature walks, which include canoe floats, wildflower walks, and astronomy hikes, give visitors a chance to learn about the area’s natural environment.
5. Cumberland River Greenway and Cumberland Park
Highlights:
- Scenic urban trail along the river
- Access to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and Riverfront Park
- Pedestrian bridges
- Park with splash pad and play equipment for children
- Outdoor amphitheater
Located between the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge, Cumberland Park is a family-friendly gem offering a splash pad and play features, climbing walls, and open sand spaces. It also includes an outdoor amphitheater for approximately 1,200 people, which hosts events throughout the year.
The Cumberland River Greenway is a scenic urban trail that runs alongside the river. It connects several of Nashville’s parks, including Cumberland Park, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, and Riverfront Park. The greenway features paths for walking, running, and biking while showcasing stunning skyline vistas along the river.
6. Long Hunter State Park
Highlights:
- Hiking
- Water sports, boating, fishing, and swimming in Percy Priest Lake
- Camping
Located on Percy Priest Lake in East Nashville, Long Hunter State Park has it all. The park provides several boat ramps for easy access, and the lake’s expansive waters are ideal for water sports: waterskiing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and more. There are also designated swimming areas where families can enjoy a refreshing dip on warm days. And for those who love to fish, the park’s fishing spots are renowned for bass and catfish.
In addition to lake activities, Long Hunter State Park offers well-maintained campsites. With opportunities for both tent camping and RVs, the park is a fantastic choice for those looking to connect with nature.
With a diverse landscape that includes mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes, Tennessee is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. And you don’t have to travel far from downtown Nashville to experience it. These parks are conveniently located throughout the area, providing easy access to nature and allowing Nashville veterans and their families to enjoy outdoor activities without straying far from urban amenities.
