Escape From The Crowds By Visiting One Of These 5 State Parks Near Nashville
There’s no better way to experience Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau than to spend time out and about in its grand natural beauty. The state is known for its craggy mountains to the east and the stunning shallows of the Mississippi River to the west, but Middle Tennessee is truly something else. Experience the beautiful topography of the mid-state with these Nashville-area parks. Each of them seems to be more extraordinary than the next! As spring fades towards summer, it seems as if a day trip is in order.
As always, dear readers, if you have a recommendation on how best to experience these parks, make sure to leave your thoughts in the comments!
*In light of the recent Nashville tornadoes, please make sure to check the hours of operation for each park before visiting*
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Cedars of Lebanon State Park can be found in Wilson County, Tennessee, and it operates as a park of the Cedars of Lebanon State Forest. It's been a state park since 1955, and continues to operate with 117 campsites and 1,139 acres of space. There are cabins as well as sites for rent, and locals love to wander the lush hiking trails on cool springtime afternoons.
Bicentennial Mall State Park is located just outside of Nashville, Tennessee's bustling downtown metropolis, and offers an 11-acre urban park experience that's flush with natural beauty and historical significance. You'll find a 200-foot granite map of the state as well as a World War II Memorial, and the Walkway of Counties shows off native plant species from all over the state.
Harpeth River State Park has nine river access sites throughout the park, which spans 40 river miles. It's a popular spot for folks looking to indulge in an afternoon spent fishing, hiking, canoeing or kayaking, and the Harpeth River itself is a great spot for beginners and advanced paddlers alike. Water-centric activities are most popular in the park, but it's also a great place for hiking and bird watching.
Radnor Lake is open from 6 a.m. to 20 minutes after sunset every day of the year, and has a series of hiking trails and the fantastic Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center available for the use of all visitors. The almost 1,400 acre park is a protected natural area, and has 7.75 miles of trail of hiking, walking and bird watching. The Otter Creek Road Trail is great for folks with pets and those looking to jog or cycle.
Long Hunter State Park is made up of four different sections, including Sellars Farm, Couchville, Baker's Grove, and Bryant Grove. Each of them make up the 2,600 acres park that boasts a 5.5 mile hiking trail along the lakeshore and a self-guided arboretum. Long Hunter has backcountry camping opportunities, and great community events!
You can find out more about Tennessee’s state park system with a visit to the “Find a Park” option on their official website.
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.
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