The city of Nashville has all sorts of fun, urban opportunities within the ring of its downtown and Midtown neighborhoods. But it’s just outside the city that you’ll find the natural wilderness, and one of the best day hikes near Nashville, that the state of Tennessee is known for. In Long Hunter State Park, just a fifteen-minute drive from the city center, you’ll find an almost four-mile trail that’s become a must-visit for locals. Escape the hustle and bustle of Nashville and enjoy some much-needed quality time with nature along Tennessee’s Day Loop Trail.

The Day Loop Trail is a 3.9-mile trail that operates as a loop trail, which means you will end the hike exactly where you began it. The route runs along Percy Priest Lake, so you can expect forested vegetation on one side and the beauty of the water on the other as you make your trek.

You’ll want to make sure that you stick to the trail while you hike. It is well maintained by Long Hunter State Park, and it is clearly marked along the entire loop trail. The area is well-forested and ripe with unknown vegetation and wildlife. You need to take every opportunity to stay safe, so make sure you don't leave designated areas. We are willing to bet that after trekking this beautiful Nashville loop hike you too will fall in love with this peaceful spot.

Be prepared for rocky sections of the hike as well as a few scenic bluffs that overlook the lake. Wear proper footwear for a stony and sometimes muddy trail, and keep an eye on the path as you make your way through the mature oak-hickory forest. If you have been searching for "The best trails near me" then make sure you put this one on your list.

Along the way, you’ll be privy to stony outcroppings, distinctive rock formations, and even a few sinkholes. Make sure you bring your camera! The hike follows the shore of Percy Priest Lake and runs alongside two park campsites, so you may run into a few other hikers while you’re on your journey.

You’ll want to keep in mind that the Day Loop Trail shares a beginning point with the Volunteer Trail and will break off on its own after a half-mile. You’ll park at the Bakers Grove Area and follow a well-marked trail that leads you into the forest. Check signs consistently as you hike to make sure you don’t get lost. The Day Loop Trail is marked by orange blazes on the signposts.

The route has gotten more popular over the last few years, so make sure you come early to get a parking spot. The hiking trail is excellent for bird watching and trail running as well, and you’ll find that the Day Loop Trail is open through every season.

Have you hiked the Day Loop Trail in Long Hunter State Park? Do you think you will be visiting sometime soon? It’s beautiful no matter the time of year, just make it a point to wear the correct clothes and bring proper footwear.

You can find out more about the Day Loop Trail on AllTrails and you can also learn more about Long Hunter State Park and its hiking trails on the official Tennessee State Park website. There are all sorts of opportunities to get outside here in the Nashville area, and you don't want to miss them!

For more day hikes near Nashville make sure to check out the trail and fascinating ecosystem of Cedars of Lebanon State Park.

For another great hike on the eastern side of the state check out the Raven Rock Trail in Roan Mountain State Park, you can learn more about that hike by watching this OnlyInYourState video below: