These 7 Trails And Waterfalls Near Nashville Are The Perfect Way To Experience Stunning Natural Beauty
By Meghan Kraft|Published July 21, 2021
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Meghan Kraft
Author
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.
Nashville is a beautiful place to visit if you’re looking for a fabulous new restaurant or maybe a night out on the town, but too often tourists find themselves schlepping Broadway for far too long and missing out on the natural beauty that surrounds the slick of the city. We’ve put together seven trails and even a waterfall (!) for you to explore while you’re in Nashville, and if you’re a native? You may just find your favorite spot listed here. If not, make sure you leave a few local tips and tricks in the comments. There’s nothing quite like learning from each other, don’t you think?
The Day Loop Trail in Long Hunter State Park is a loop hike that runs almost four miles in length. It's a well-trafficked loop that runs right along the lake and is great for hiking and running. You can visit throughout the year, and it's a great spot if you need a crisp winter jog or perhaps even a hike right within the city limits.
The Cumberland River Greenway is an out-and-back trail that runs right through the middle of Nashville, Tennessee. It's a city-bound trek that is used mainly for running, walking, and cycling, and is great for trekking year-round.
Harpeth Woods Trail is well-trafficked in the Warner Parks for its slight elevation gain and loop route. The 2.5-mile trail is kid-friendly and great for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and dogs are welcome on a leash.
The hike to Cummins Falls is well-known outside of Nashville and is the closest place you'll find a waterfall to the capital city. The three-mile out-and-back route is near Bloomington Springs and will take you straight to the stunning Cummins Falls and the swimming hole at its base.
5. Stone River Greenway - Hermitage Public Use Area
Stones River Greenway is an out-and-back trail that can be found right in the heart of Nashville, and the kid-friendly hike is great for nature trips and walking dogs on a leash. Bring your bike, and keep in mind that you'll be bordering the river for the majority of your hike.
6. Mossy Ridge and Harpeth Woods Loops - Percy Warner Park
The Mossy Ridge and Harpeth Woods Loops can be found in Percy Warner Park, and together they make up almost nine miles of prime hiking space. The moderate trail gains almost 1,400-feet in elevation, so keep that in mind as you wander through some of the lushest and most beautiful landscapes in Nashville proper.
If you're looking to find a stunning view on a short trail in Nashville, there's nowhere better than the Fort Negley Walking Trail. The one-mile trail only gains 78 feet in elevation, and the loop structure makes it easy for folks of all ages to visit and explore. Plus, that view of downtown? Absolutely stunning.
