Top 10 Hiking And Trekking Spots In Nashville, Tennessee

hiking in nashville
Irene
Irene 
Published
| 4 min read

Whenever Nashville is mentioned, the first thing that people usually think of is country music. Even though country music was not born in Nashville, the city is responsible for its growth and spread. Most travellers who visit this place come here to explore the country music scene and associated attractions such as the legendary Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry and, of course, Country Music Hall of Fame. What they don’t know is that Nashville has a lot more to offer. The city boasts some fancy restaurants, a lively nightlife scene, and lots of historical attractions. For those who love hiking, Nashville features lots of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. Check out some of the top hiking and trekking spots in Nashville, Tennessee.

1. Burch Reserve Trail

Posted by Kara Bassett on Wednesday, 22 January 2020

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Burch Reserve Trail is a favourite hiking spot here because it boasts beautiful wildflowers. The 3-mi-long (4.8-km) trail is usually busy due to the fact that it is mostly used for nature trips, bird watching, and hiking. This trail is perfect for all skill levels. To get the best out of the reserve trail, it is always advisable to make use of the park from April until September.

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2. Mossy Ridge Trail

Mossy Ridge
Source: Photo by user Michael Hicks used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Located in Percy Warner Park, Mossy Ridge is a 4.5-mi (7.2-km) trail that can turn into a 6-mi (9.6-km) loop if you pass through the Cane Connector trail. The trail is fairly level, with rocky paths and trickling waterfalls. At the trail’s starting point, one can choose to take a totally paved route that is more appropriate for those with strollers or visitors who are wheelchair-bound. Remember that the park is for all to enjoy, so make sure to keep it clean and avoid littering.

Mossy Ridge Trail

Address: Percy Warner Park, 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

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3. Warner Woods Trail

Posted by Jenn D'Angelo Lucovic on Friday, 19 July 2019

If you are in Nashville, Tennessee and you enjoy hiking, you have to check out Warner Woods Trail. This is a 2.8-mi (4.5-km) loop trail that is recommended for hikers who love a challenge. Even though the trail is short, it passes through a heavily wooded and secluded part of Percy Warner Park, giving you the opportunity to spot some wildlife. If you choose to challenge yourself on this trail, be sure to wear comfortable footwear and remember to take breaks along the way. The park is well-marked, clean, and safe. Dogs are permitted on this trail.

Warner Woods Trail

Address: Percy Warner Park, 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

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4. Day Loop Trail


If you are looking for a spot where you can hike in peace, the 4-mi-long (6.4-km) Day Loop Trail was designed just for you. Even though the trail involves a rocky climb, it is relatively easy and highly recommended for average hikers. The first half of the trail runs across Percy Priest Lake, awarding you with a rare, cool breeze. The final half features a beautiful landscape where you can take a little break and spend time gazing at the lake. One thing to watch out for is the fact that the trail gets slippery when it rains. To be safe, postpone your visit if it has recently rained.

Day Loop Trail

Address: Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076, United States

Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)

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5. Harpeth Woods Trail


Are you looking for a hiking spot that will give you a challenge? Try Harpeth Woods Trail, a 2.5-mi long (4-km) loop trail that starts at Edwin Warner Park, goes through parts of Natchez Trace Parkway and loops back to the park. While hiking, you will pass through a thick forest and find yourself in a rock quarry that has been here since the 1930s and 1940s. Bringing a camera along will help you capture the amazing moments you create during this hike. The trail is easy and kid-friendly, so this is an activity even your children will enjoy.

Harpeth Woods Trail

Address: Edwin Warner Park, 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

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6. Edwin Warner Loop


If you are in Nashville, Tennessee and you enjoy hiking or trekking, Edwin Warner Loop is one of those hiking trails that you have to try out. The loop is 2.5 mi (4 km) long and features amazing views, a river, wildflowers and many other natural sights. The path is short and easy, making it perfect for all skill levels. You may bring your dog along, but they should be kept leashed throughout the hike.

Edwin Warner Loop

Address: 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)

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7. South Cove Trail Loop


Another trail you have to try out while you are in Nashville, Tennessee is South Cove Trail Loop. The trail is located in Radnor Lake State Park, and it is a moderately trafficked loop trail that stretches for about 2.5 mi (4 km). In addition to it being perfect for all skill levels, visitors prefer this trail because it offers beautiful nature views. Even though it is mostly used for hiking, it is common to find one or two visitors enjoying bird watching.

South Cove Trail Loop

Address: Radnor Lake State Park, 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)

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8. Radnor Lake South Lake Trail


Radnor Lake State Park offers well-groomed trails with amazing views. One of the famous trails in the park is South Lake Trail. It features wildflowers, stunning views of the lake, a bird sanctuary, and a flat, well-groomed trail making it perfect for all skill levels. The trail is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) long and is normally heavily trafficked, so it is not recommended for those who are looking for a more secluded trail. Given its easy path, this is the trail you want if you are planning to go hiking with your kids.

Radnor Lake South Lake Trail

Address: Radnor Lake State Park, 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)

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9. Ganier Ridge Trail

Home again right now

Posted by Milt Capps on Friday, 14 April 2017

Ganier Ridge Trail is another hiking trail located within Radnor Lake State Park. Like South Lake Trail, this one is also heavily trafficked and is suitable for all skill levels. As you are hiking on the 2.3-mi-long (2.7-km) trail, it common to find people enjoying stunning views of the lake, bird watching, having a picnic, or just enjoying being in nature. Dogs are allowed here, but only on the paved roads and leashes are a must. Given the easy path, this trail is also appropriate for kids. Please note that the parking lot is always full, so it is best if you access the park through other means.

Ganier Ridge Trail

Address: Radnor Lake State Park, 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)

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10. Lake and Ganier Ridge Trail Loop

hiking in nashville | lake and ganier ridge trail loop
Source: instagram

One last trail you have to check out is Lake and Ganier Ridge Trail Loop. This 4.1-mi (6.6-km) trail is located less than 30 minutes away from Brentwood, Tennessee and offers every hiker the opportunity to see amazing wildlife and the lake. Due to the fact that the trail is also used for other activities such as nature walks and bird watching, you will find that the trail is heavily trafficked.

Lake and Ganier Ridge Trail Loop

Address: Radnor Lake State Park, 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)

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Explore the hiking trails that Nashville has to offer

There is no better way to explore nature, keep fit, and clear your mind than by hiking. If you are in Nashville and you are looking for a place where you can go hiking, refer to this list to find the best hiking spot for you.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Irene Mwikali is a graduate student in Kenya who has a passion for travelling and exploring the world. Currently, her love for travel has taken her to several destinations including South Africa,...Read more

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