The View From This Little-Known Greenway In Nashville Is Almost Too Beautiful For Words
By Meghan Kraft|Published February 27, 2022
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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.
There’s something magic about Music City, with its neon-ensconced downtown and the burgeoning businesses that dot its outer suburbs, but every once in a while, you want to experience the beauty of the city without the busyness of its man-made structures. Stones River Greenway is located just a hot second outside of Nashville’s main drag, and the city-protected natural space has some of the most easily accessible and beautiful views in town. If you’re looking for an easy hiking route with a spectacular view, you just found it.
The Stones River Greenway stretches just over 10 miles in full, and it is a popular multi-use trail amongst families and active locals. The meager 219-foot elevation gain makes Stones River Greenway a favorite for the whole family, and you should note that the route is partially paved and wheelchair accessible.
The Greenway begins at Stewarts Ferry Park and ends at the J. Percy Priest Dam, and if you travel the full stretch of it, you’ll have views of downtown from the Cumberland Pedestrian Bridge as well as a picturesque shot of the dam. Keep your eyes peeled for small animals that make their home in the trees along the route. Some folks report seeing a peacock!
The hike gleans its name from the river it follows, hence the moniker "Stones River Greenway." A large portion of the trail runs parallel to the river, and since you can access the greenway all year round it’s perfect for peeking autumn colors and summertime greenery.
You can extend your hike by connecting to the Shelby Bottoms Greenway in East Nashville. There are bike rental stations along the trail, so if you’d rather ride than walk the entire way, we’d recommend renting by the half-hour.
The out-and-back structure of the trail makes it easy for you to create your own adventure. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and you may just run into groups of bird watchers along the way. The asphalt paving makes the trail a favorite amongst inline skate enthusiasts as well. Where else can you get a view like this on your roller skates?
Visitors rave about the stunning views you can see right from the trail. You don’t have to hike high into the mountains or out in the wilderness to enjoy the natural beauty of Nashville. No, Stones River Greenway is just a fifteen-minute drive from the heart of the city’s downtown.
There’s nothing quite like a hike for the entire family, and Stones River Greenway is one of the best in Music City. Whether you’re seeking to run through the beauty of nature or perhaps a family day out and about, this riverfront walk is well worth the effort.
What a beautiful place to spend the day. Make sure you plan your trip ahead of time and check the weather, but the experience is bound to be wonderful for the entire family.
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