The city of Nashville, Tennessee is known for its live music venues and the dreamers found playing their guitars on the streets. It's known for decadent eateries, for diners that stay open late, and restaurants that serve upscale takes on southern favorites. What most folks don't consider when they first think of the city, however, are its vibrant natural surroundings. Whether you live in the city or are visiting, make sure you get outside to one of these five greenways in Nashville for a beautiful day full of fresh air and light.
1. Stones River Greenway
Stones River Greenway is 8-miles in full, and the multi-use trail funs all the way from the Cumberland River to Percy Priest. It's known for its ease of access, and the paved experience is perfect for young children, runners, and cyclists.
2. Richland Creek Greenway
Richland Creek Greenway is a loop trail that connects the western Nashville neighborhoods of Sylvan Park and Cherokee Park. It loops around McCabe Park and features a historical marker that honors the lives lost in the Great Trail Wreck of 1918 at Dutchman's Curve. It features a paved trail and is easily accessible.
3. Harpeth River Greenway
Harpeth River Greenway is actually made up of four disconnected trails that run along the Harpeth River. The multi-use trails as a conglomerate make up the greenway itself, but the most popular is perhaps the Riverwalk that takes hikers and cyclists on a beautiful stretch of water-adjacent trail.
Peeler Park Greenway
Peeler Park Greenway is tucked away in Madison, a northern suburb of the city. The loop itself is only 2.7 miles long and is paved in its entirety. Note that Peeler Park also hosts a series of equestrian trails, if that's what you're looking for.
5. Shelby Bottoms Greenway
The Shelby Bottoms Greenway is perhaps the most popular greenway in Nashville and can be found in the 820-acre park that runs adjacent to the Cumberland River in the hip East Nashville area. The multi-use trail is paved, and the park itself offers a whole series of educational opportunities at its community center.
Bonus: Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge
The Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge is actually a part of the Stones River Greenway and spans 745-feet above the Cumberland River. It's best traveled on foot or by bike, and the bridge links the Stones River Trailhead with Shelby Bottoms with its 0.3-mile stretch. It's a great place to watch the sunset, too!
Hungry after your walk through the wilderness? We've found some of the best fast food in Nashville, and it's bound to whet your whistle.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!