7 Secret Scenic Hikes Around Nashville That Almost Nobody Knows About
Some of the best hikes in Nashville are pretty popular. If you’ve been to Nashville any time recently, or if you live here, you know that the city is only getting busier and busier by the day. While we love that Nashville is so popular, it can be harder and harder to find that serene spot close to the city where you can re-connect with nature and just get away from it all. While some of the more popular spots may be crazy crowded, these 7 scenic hikes in Nashville are just what you’ve been looking for. They’re secluded, they’re beautiful, and they’re far from the crowds.
Looping around the University of the South atop the Cumberland Plateau, the Perimeter Trail offers stunning views from the plateau's bluffs along its 20-mile loop. Learn more about Sewanee, then plan your next visit there.
Located just north of Nashville, Beaman Park is significantly less crowded than the Warner Parks or Radnor Lake, but it offers equally stunning views. The Ridgetop trail goes 1.5 miles out and back up and down the ridge, giving great views of the creek below. So if you live in Nashville, file this trail under: hiking trails near me.
3. Bledsoe Creek State Park
Bledsoe Creek State Park, 400 Zieglers Fort Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066, USA
Located on the banks of Old Hickory Lake about 45 minutes northeast of Nashville, Bledsoe Creek State Park is the perfect place to get away from the city and enjoy some nature. The park offers nearly five miles of trails, many of which are even handicap-accessible. So with some of the most kid-friendly hikes around Nashville, you will want to check this one out with the whole family.
Another one of Nashville's sleeper hits, Bells Bend offers 6 miles of trails along the banks of the Cumberland. Many of the trails are like the one pictured here, meaning this is a great spot to feel like you're truly connecting with nature. Check out more about one of the best easy hikes in Nashville.
Arguably the most underrated park in Nashville, Peeler Park is kept quiet by its somewhat secluded location. Once you get there, though, you won't be disappointed. The park features 4 miles of paved trails right on the banks of the Cumberland. This is one of the best hikes in Nashville for a peaceful escape, so head over there today.
6. Hidden Lake Loop
Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake, 7851 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
Near the Narrows of the Harpeth, this lesser-known trail may not look like much when you start out on it, but the end result is worth it. The trail cuts through fields before looping around a beautiful and secluded lake. The trail is only a few miles round trip, so this is a great option for hikers with little time. Learn more about the Hidden Lake Loop, then pencil in your next visit.
7. Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Cedars of Lebanon State Park, 328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090, USA
Located just south of Lebanon, this state park is often overlooked by Nashvillians, but it's one that you shouldn't pass up easily. The park offers 8 miles of trails through some of the most beautiful and unique ecology you'll find anywhere in the world. Read more about Cedars of Lebanon State Park, and then pay it a visit.
Be sure to hit the trail at one of the best hikes in Nashville. Looking for more remote places where you can escape the city? Try out this small town that’s full of adventure.
Address: Perimeter Trail, Sewanee, TN, USA
Address: Beaman Park Trail, Nashville, TN 37015, USA
Address: Bledsoe Creek State Park, 400 Zieglers Fort Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066, USA
Address: Bells Bend, Nashville, TN, USA
Address: Peeler Park Greenway, Nashville, TN 37115, USA
Address: Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake, 7851 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
Address: Cedars of Lebanon State Park, 328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Nashville
April 28, 2022
Jessica Bohl
What are some kid-friendly hikes around Nashville?
There are some really fantastic kid-friendly hikes around Nashville. Two of the best trails for families with small kids can be found in Edwin Warner Park. The Nature Loop is just under ¾ of a mile. The trail has a small creek that flows along it, and there is even a nature book accompanying the trail that kids will love. The Hungry Hawk Trail is a wooded half-mile out-and-back trail that is also perfect for the kiddos. So go check out these trails today.
What are some easy hikes in Nashville?
There are many easy hikes in Nashville that are perfect for beginners or those just looking for a quick escape to nature. The Percy Warner Paved Trail is just under 6-miles and is a great looped path. It’s perfect for leashed dogs, stroller walks, and even biking. Go spend a weekend morning here. You won’t be disappointed.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Nashville?
One of the best waterfall hikes in Nashville or the surrounding area is Foster Falls. Located in South Cumberland State Park, which is just a 90-minute drive from Nashville, this make the perfect day trip. Foster Falls is a 60-foot waterfall surrounded by bucolic forest. Grab your calendar and plan your visit today.
Address: Perimeter Trail, Sewanee, TN, USA
Address: Beaman Park Trail, Nashville, TN 37015, USA
Address: Bledsoe Creek State Park, 400 Zieglers Fort Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066, USA
Address: Bells Bend, Nashville, TN, USA
Address: Peeler Park Greenway, Nashville, TN 37115, USA
Address: Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake, 7851 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
Address: Cedars of Lebanon State Park, 328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090, 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.
