Nashville Outdoor Activities: Best Parks, Trails, and Green Spaces
Nashville gets pigeonholed as a party city, but it has a genuinely excellent outdoor scene. The city and surrounding area have hundreds of miles of trails, two major rivers, multiple state parks within an hour's drive, and a greenway system that ties it all together. Here's where to go.
Percy Warner Park and Edwin Warner Park
The Warner Parks are Nashville's crown jewel of outdoor space — over 3,000 acres of hardwood forest in the southwest part of the city with hiking trails, equestrian paths, and one of the most challenging trail running routes in the region. The 11-mile loop is a serious hike. The easier loop trails are excellent for a morning walk. Free, open year-round.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Shelby Bottoms is 958 acres along the Cumberland River in East Nashville with paved greenway paths and unpaved nature trails. It's flat, accessible, and one of the best places in the city for a morning run or bike ride. The unpaved trails get muddy after rain. Connects to the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge for easy access from downtown.
Radnor Lake State Natural Area
Radnor Lake is a 1,368-acre state natural area in the Brentwood area south of Nashville. The lake itself is the centerpiece — ringed by trails with excellent wildlife viewing (great blue herons, white-tailed deer, and various raptors are common sightings). Parking fills up fast on weekend mornings. Get there before 8am or after 4pm.
Cumberland River Greenway
The Cumberland River Greenway runs along the waterfront through downtown Nashville and continues in both directions. The downtown portion is excellent for a flat walk with skyline views. The greenway connects several neighborhoods and is one of the most used recreational corridors in the city.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park in Midtown is Nashville's most visited urban park — 132 acres with a lake, walking paths, the Parthenon replica, and regular outdoor events. It's the right park for a casual afternoon walk, not a serious hike.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding the Cumberland
Several outfitters offer kayak and paddleboard rentals on the Cumberland River for a different view of the Nashville skyline. Tip-a-Canoe operates nearby. The river is calm through the city and makes for an easy 2-3 hour paddle. Go on a weekday morning for the best experience.
Day Trips: Fall Creek Falls and Natchez Trace
Within two hours of Nashville you have two of the best outdoor destinations in the Southeast. Fall Creek Falls State Park (2 hours east) has the highest waterfall east of the Rockies and excellent hiking. The Natchez Trace Parkway (30 minutes southwest) is a 444-mile scenic road with dozens of trailheads and historic sites.
Refuel at the Rental After a Day Outside
After a morning at Percy Warner or an afternoon on the greenway, come back to a stocked fridge. Music City Weekend Co. fills your Airbnb with water, sports drinks, snacks, and anything your group needs to refuel. Shop the full catalog at musiccityweekend.co/shop, or learn more about Nashville grocery delivery and fridge stocking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nashville have good hiking?
Yes. Percy Warner Park and Edwin Warner Park offer serious trail options within city limits. Radnor Lake is excellent for a more natural experience close to the city. Within two hours, Fall Creek Falls State Park and the Natchez Trace offer some of the best hiking in the Southeast.
What is the best park in Nashville?
Percy Warner Park is the best park in Nashville for hiking and trail running. Centennial Park is the best urban park for a casual walk. Radnor Lake is the best option for wildlife and a natural environment close to the city.
Can you kayak or paddleboard in Nashville?
Yes. The Cumberland River runs through downtown Nashville and several outfitters offer kayak and paddleboard rentals. The experience includes views of the Nashville skyline from the water. Conditions vary — check with local outfitters for current conditions and rental availability.
What outdoor activities are free in Nashville?
Percy Warner Park, Shelby Bottoms, the Cumberland River Greenway, and Centennial Park are all free. Radnor Lake charges a small parking fee on weekends. The greenway network throughout Nashville is free and accessible year-round.