Posted in Nashville
February 27, 2017
10 Amazing Natural Wonders Hiding In Plain Sight Around Nashville — No Hiking Required
Nashville has exploded in recent years, pummeling the locals with rush hour traffic and long waits for breakfast at the local diner. We’ve decided to pull away from the crazy of the everyday city and remember why we fell in love with Nashville, remember why this town is a gem in Tennessee’s crown. And the best way to do that is find a beautiful place we can enjoy with NO HIKING. C’mon, guys – this ain’t Chattanooga.
Okay, alright - people planted the gardens at Cheekwood. The highly guarded secret is out. We still placed it on the list because of the sheer magnificence of the gardens and the seasonal splashes of color. The 55-acre property has ample room for a lovely afternoon walk, so there are no hikes here!
Drive the Natchez Trace Parkway for a stunning look at the beauty along backwoods Tennessee byways. At just under 500 miles long, the Natchez Trace runs straight through to Mississippi, so you can road trip it as far or as long as you want.
This central Tennessee reservoir has turned into quite the spot for Nashvillians. You can hike if you want to, but there are even spots to drive up and simply take in the view. This is one beautiful vista that deserves an accolade.
Yes, you can hike here - but you can also show up and have a picnic and chase your littles around the gorgeous, forested park. Located in Burns, Tennessee, the almost 4,000 acre park can be found at 1020 Jackson Hill Road.
Fort Negley is the largest inland fort in the United States, and was used during the breadth of the Civil War. We love it for its forested green pathways and, of course, the stunning and historic fort. The views of the city go unbeaten!
Two Rivers gives you the opportunity to cross the Cumberland at a leisurely pace, enjoying the view in a way you haven't been able to see this way before. Walk along the waterway, ride a bike onto the Shelby Park Greenway - it's up to you. The river is waiting.
Shelby Bottoms is truly what makes East Nashville special. Really. It's not the coffee shops or the thrift stores, it's the expansive greenway that runs along the Cumberland, playing host to little league baseball games and leisurely afternoon walks. Try to catch a view of the river at sunset - it's lovely.
Peeler Park is one of the most underrated natural areas in Nashville. Located at the bleeding end of Neely's Bend, this gorgeous piece of Madison has horseback riding trails, a boat ramp into the Cumberland and walking trails for DAYS.
Radnor is the perfect place for those of you that live on the south side of the town. It's a perfect loop if you're looking to walk around the whole of the lake, or you can pitch up at the nature center on a rocking chair and simply enjoy the view. Just look at it - this is a GOOD view.
You can park at the overlook at Fall Creek Falls for a view of this beautiful stunner. Located in the largest recreation area in the state, the falls are some of the most popular in Tennessee. We'd recommend visiting - well. Anytime. It's beautiful frozen or thick with summer, so come when you can and leave your hiking boots at home.
How many of these places have you visited? Are you glad there’s no hiking involved..? Because we are.
If you’re still curious how to get away from the city – without really getting away – check out our annual Tennessee cornbread festival!
