7 Best Nashville Hikes Within an hour of the City

Nashville has no shortage of sights to see. The hustle-and-bustle of city life is undoubtedly attractive but sometimes it’s nice to take a refreshing step back and enjoy nature. Luckily, there are plenty of areas around Nashville to reset your clock before you jump back into traffic. Whether you’re in town for the weekend or here for life, these getaways are a great way to spend an afternoon. Sure, you could drive all the way to the Smokies, but you don’t need to go that far for beautiful scenes. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to get some nature therapy that are all within an hour’s drive of the city center.

1. Radnor Lake

Radnor Lake provides everything you could want in a quick getaway from the city. It’s located just a half hour outside of Nashville. With nine trails to choose from, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs. It offers the 1.65 mile Ganier Ridge Trail. This hike is a bit more strenuous. It also offers the 0.20 mile Dam Walkway Trail. This hike is on the easier side and is ADA accessible. Abundant wildlife and beautiful lake views make Radnor Lake a great place to spend a day. The variety in trails and opportunities to lose yourself in the park will leave you wanting to return.

2. Mossy Ridge Trail

Mossy Ridge Trail is located within Percy Warner Park just outside of Nashville. It is a very popular trail which might make for some heavy traffic at peak times, but that’s because the heavily-wooded trail is such a delight. Feel free to bring along your canine friends but just be sure they are leashed at all times. There are some slight hills and plenty of trails which makes it a popular destination for joggers.

 

Would you rather do your sightseeing while seated? Check out Tommy’s Tours today!

 

3. Edwin Warner Loop

Located within the same park system as the Mossy Ridge Trail, the Edwin Warner Loop is another 2.5 miles on which you can bring your leashed dog. This wooded loop features river views and is appropriate for all skill levels. Bring your friends for a refreshing stroll through the trees.

4. Montgomery Bell Trail

This 10.4 mile trail features moderate-level trails through the woods and over creeks. This one is a bit longer, but comes with an added option depending on how nature-eccentric you’re feeling: you can set up camp on the trail and stay the night (after registering with the Park Office, of course).

5. Narrows of the Harpeth

This short out-and-back trail features a beautiful tunnel waterfall? What is a tunnel waterfall, you may be asking? Picture if a cliffside had a mouth with water running out of it. It’s quite a sight. It’s a fairly short trail at 1.1 miles which will free you up to explore the Bluff Overlook Trail which is located in the same park.

6. Ridge Top Trail

Located in Beamon Park, this trail is just outside of the Nashville city limits. Clocking in at 3.9 miles, this out-and-back trail give you plenty of time to enjoy the quiet countryside. The trail follows along, as the name suggests, the top of a ridge that offers beautiful views of the surrounding forest. Open year-round, this is a great option to get some fresh air any time. Feel free to bring your furry friends, as this is another pet-friendly trail.

7. Hidden Lake Double Loop

The area which now hosts the Hidden Lake Double Loop was actually first used as working quarry. Eventually, it was bought out and used as a public lake until World War II. It now offers a 1.9 mile loop which now supplies as much beauty as it does history. The views of the water are just as pleasant as the views of the stretching countryside. Don’t miss out on one of the area’s best-kept secrets.

These parks and trails will be sure to get you ready to see everything Nashville has to offer. Head out and take in the sights before you head back to town and let Tommy show you all the best places in town. What could be a better way to get the full story of Nashville than seeing everything the city has to offer both inside and outside its central areas? Enjoy the hikes in Nashville before enjoying all the other wonderful aspects of the city.

 

Give Tommy ‘s Tours a call when you’re ready to come back to civilization.