7 Lesser-Known State Parks Around Nashville That Will Absolutely Amaze You
Tennessee state parks are some of the prettiest in the nation, with our mountains to the east and expansive fields and wetlands to the west. Still, it seems all the attention is focused on a stark few: Fall Creek Falls. Cummins Falls. We get it. We see you both – you’re amazing. But these seven lesser-known state parks around Nashville make for a beautiful Saturday afternoon out on the town – er, country – and we can’t wait to explore them all.
1. Henry Horton State Park
Henry Horton State Park, 4209 Nashville Hwy, Chapel Hill, TN 37034, USA
This is one of the greatest overlooked spots in the state for camping in a tent or RV. The park was constructed in the 1960s, and is located on the property of former Tennessee governor, Henry Horton. You can still see the remains of an old bridge and mill along the Wilhoite Mill Trail, a little bit of history. You can learn more on the official Tennessee State Parks website.
2. Montgomery Bell State Park
Montgomery Bell State Park, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA
You can wander the lakeside and go golfing, visit a log cabin replica and a chapel, all within the confines of the expansive Montgomery Bell State Park, Known as one of the best places to camp amongst locals, we'd recommend you pitch a tent and stay awhile.
3. Stones River National Battlefield
Stones River National Battlefield, 3501 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA
With 169 acres to roam, it's always a shock that Bledsoe Creek State Park stays so serene. Never too busy, you can traverse historic land that once served as prime hunting ground for Tennessee's Native American people. It's quite an amazing hike!
6. Harpeth River State Park
Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake, 7851 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
Known colloquially as, "Bicentennial Park," this is one of Nashville's unsung gems. Located right in the heart of downtown, you can enjoy a free splash pad for the kids in the summertime and the Nashville Farmers Market year-round.
This state park is a little more well-known, but it’s still fabulous. What are your favorite state parks in Tennessee? Tell us about them in the comments!
Address: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243, USA
Address: Bledsoe Creek State Park, 400 Zieglers Fort Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066, USA
Address: Cedars of Lebanon State Park, 328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090, USA
Address: Stones River National Battlefield, 3501 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA
Address: Henry Horton State Park, 4209 Nashville Hwy, Chapel Hill, TN 37034, USA
Address: Montgomery Bell State Park, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA
Address: Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake, 7851 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks in Nashville
February 22, 2022
Tori Jane
Where can I find the best hiking around Nashville?
Nashville is a wonderful state for hiking year-round, and it has plenty of lovely trails on which to do so. The “best” ones are definitely subjective, though some do tend to be quite a bit more popular than others. Among our favorite hiking trails around Nashville is the incredible hike to Cummins Falls, which you can find near Cookeville. It’s the 8th-largest waterfall in the state and very much worth the adventure! Other hikes nearby Nashville are, unsurprisingly, also waterfall-centric (and why wouldn’t they be? Waterfalls are amazing.); some of our favorites include the mind-blowing hike to Ozone Falls, which is a 110-foot waterfall that’ll blow your mind with its beauty, and Stillhouse Falls, which is more gentle but still ridiculously awe-inspiring to behold. Hoping to stay dry? Check out the amazing hikes in places like Harpeth River State Park and Welch’s Point.
What are some fun things to do outside in Nashville?
Nashville is a great place to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. It’s nearby tons of parks – both state and local/city – and home to tons of awesome hikes and miles of trails. There is plenty to do and see; you’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you should decide to visit for just a weekend. For example, you’ll want to check out the amazing vineyards (we do have those) like Arrington Vineyards, which you’ll find near south Nashville; wine country in Tennessee is totally a thing, and we love it. Visit the Creekwood Botanical Garden for a date night/afternoon option, or visit parks like Centennial Park, which is downtown. Nashville is home to an urban state park, too – the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, which is a must-do for history buffs. Need some more ideas? Check out this ultimate bucket list for Tennessee nature lovers.
Address: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243, USA
Address: Bledsoe Creek State Park, 400 Zieglers Fort Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066, USA
Address: Cedars of Lebanon State Park, 328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090, USA
Address: Stones River National Battlefield, 3501 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, USA
Address: Henry Horton State Park, 4209 Nashville Hwy, Chapel Hill, TN 37034, USA
Address: Montgomery Bell State Park, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA
Address: Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake, 7851 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
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Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
