There is something about being surrounded by trees, flowers, streams, and the quiet sounds of wildlife that grounds me. Now that my son has joined cub scouts, we have traversed many hiking trails over the past year and it has been such a joy, not only to watch him discover his love of adventure, but to reignite my own!
We should feel so lucky to live in an area that offers both the conveniences of a big city and the opportunity for a good outdoor adventure. Read on for some of the top recommended areas for hiking in and around Nashville. And if we’ve missed one of your favorites, leave us a comment! Happy hiking!
Click on the links below for more information about the trails. Be sure to research the trail thoroughly beforehand. Confirm skill levels required for each trail.
Nashville’s BEST Family-Friendly Hiking Trails
Beaman Park Nature Center Ashland City
Bledsoe Creek State Park Gallatin
Burch Reserve Trail Nashville
Cedars of Lebanon State Park Lebanon
Edgar Evins State Park Silver Point
Edwin Warner Park Nashville
Fall Creek Falls State Park Spencer
Harpeth River State Park Kingston Springs
Henry Horton State Park Chapel Hill
Long Hunter State Park Hermitage
Montgomery Bell State Park Burns
Percy Warner Park Nashville
Radnor Lake State Park Nashville
Ridgetop Trail Nashville
Rock Island State Park Rock Island
Shelby Bottoms Greenway and East Loop Trail Nashville
Virgin Falls Trail Sparta
Warner Woods Trail Nashville
Wilderness Station Murfreesboro
Hiking Tips:
- Be sure to plan ahead and choose your trail wisely — especially if you have littles. Bring plenty of snacks and water no matter the weather. Keep extra water in the car.
- Great choices for trail snacks are nuts, protein bars, fresh/dried fruit, and sandwiches.
- Scavenger hunts are a great way to engage younger children along the trail! Keep in mind that it is generally frowned upon to bring items from the trail home with you.
- Assign roles to kids such as marker finder, line leader, animal-spotter, etc.
- Don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray.
- Make sure to have a first aid kit on hand or in the car.
- For a longer or more strenuous hike, make sure someone in your group has a whistle and a flashlight. You probably will not need them, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Toilet paper is never a bad idea, unless you’re feeling—ahem—adventurous. Just stay away from the poison ivy!
- Leave the phone in your pocket and fully engage with your family and your surroundings.
- Keep extra clothes or towels in the car if there is water on the trail or it has recently rained.
- Don’t rush your kids! Allow them to explore and develop a love for the outdoors. Increasing the pace will come with time and repeated exposure.
