7 Under-Appreciated State Parks Near Nashville You’re Sure To Love

Tennessee is rife with natural beauty; it's found in our cities and down our country roads and along our rivers, serene and bursting with wildlife. Sometimes, though, being so inundated in beauty may make us a bit blind to what is right in front of us. We've found seven state parks around Nashville that are great to visit, no matter the time of year - they deserve a little attention!

1. Edgar Evins State Park

Edgar Evins is located on Center Hill Lake, roughly an hour east of Nashville. You can rent condo-style cabins if you're looking for a vacation, and there are more than 12 miles of hiking trails if you're more into the call of nature. You can visit their famed butterfly garden as well, with more than 35 species of butterflies and 30 of native Tennessee plant life. It's an amazing park for stargazers, too.

2. Cedars of Lebanon State Park

Cedars of Lebanon clocks in with 900 acres worth of forested land, spotted with over 100 campsites perfect for the nature enthusiast. Wander more than 8 miles of trails or even plan a wedding on the premises - it's gorgeous enough for it! Due to the uniqueness of the environment, there are actually 19 plants that grow in the park that don't grow anywhere else in the world. That's pretty neat, if you ask us. Learn more about this region in this article.

3. Port Royal State Park

Located in Adams, Tennessee, Port Royal State Historic Park covers twenty-six miles of historic area between Montgomery and Robertson Counties. The covered bridge you see above crosses the Red River, and you can utilize the day-use park for picnicking, hiking, fishing and canoeing. It makes a great day trip destination, too.

4. Long Hunter State Park

Long Hunter State Park became a recognized park in 1974 and consists of four main areas within the park, Couchville, Baker’s Grove, Bryant Grove and Sellars Farm. It has more than 20 miles of hiking trails and two boat ramps leading to J. Percy Priest Lake. Long Hunter State Park is also a place where the sunrise is pure magic.

5. Henry Horton State Park

Constructed in 1960, the state park was actually built on the property of former governor Henry Horton. Located out near Columbia, there are multiple campsites and you can fish in the wildly diverse Duck River. The Buford Ellington Championship Golf Course is also located on the property. It's known as one of the most challenging places to swing a club in the south! Learn more on the official Tennessee State Parks website.

6. Harpeth River State Park

Covering over forty river miles, the Harpeth River State Park stretches out along the waterfront and delves back into the forested Tennessee wilds. It's most popular for water sports like kayaking and canoeing, but you can also make your way through the foliage on one of their many hiking trails. This state park is perfect for a daycation!

7. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park was built in 1996, honoring Tennessee's bicentennial. You'll most likely notice the looming Capitol overlooking the park towards the south, and you'll also have the chance to wander the WWII memorial and see the full Carillon bell tower. Get all the details in this article!

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