Tennessee
Nature|National & State Parks

The One Covered Bridge Hike Near Nashville That Will Charm You Beyond Words

David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, offers hiking, swimming, camping, and covered bridge spotting.

Published Jun 4, 2019

Written by 

Meghan Kraft

Tennessee is a beautiful state, struck through with all sorts of natural areas, state and national parks. With so many places to go, it's hard to choose just one! David Crockett State Park located in Lawrenceburg tends to be an oft-forgotten hot spot, great for hiking, swimming, camping...and covered bridge spotting. If you're looking for a hidden bit of summer charm, we've found it!

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David Crockett State Park - Facebook

David Crockett State Park is located roughly ninety minutes from Nashville, a quick drive to a true natural oasis. Music City may be surrounded by a handful of beautiful parks and rivers, but David Crockett State Park remains the first ever state park in Tennessee that was funded entirely by citizens of the state.

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David Crockett State Park - Instagram

The park is open all year 'round, from 7 a.m. until dark. It's been lauded by locals and tourists alike as a destination state park, boasting free admission and high ratings on websites such as Yelp and TripAdvisor.

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Brent Moore - Flickr

The park honors Tennessee-born hero, David Crockett, best known for his naturalist reputation in the south and final stand at the Alamo in 1836. You'll find an honorary memorial placed where the former childhood cabin of Crockett once stood, right on the banks of the Nolichucky River.

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Brent Moore - Flickr

The park boasts gorgeous views of Crockett Falls and Shoal Creek, with more than eight miles of hiking trails crisscrossing the natural space. Wander over the covered bridge, or maybe rent a cabin near Lindsey Lake.

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IIP - Flickr

Since the park is open all year, you'll have the chance to experience it during the brilliant foliage of fall and the more tempered beauty of wintertime. Of course, it's the summer that brings the lush greenery to Tennessee...

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David Crockett State Park - Facebook

...and it paints the entire state in beautiful colors.

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David Crockett State Park - Instagram

Come hike or camp, fall in love once again with the beauty of your great state. Wander the covered bridge or go swimming, fishing or birding. There's no end to activity at David Crockett State Park! Address: 1400 W Gaines Street, Lawrenceburg, TN, 38464

Looking to learn more about Tennesse? Check out the history of this tiny town on the western side of the state!

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Nature|National & State Parks

Few People Know The Highest Point In Nashville Is In Radnor Lake State Park

Radnor Lake is the highest point in Nashville, offering stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities.

Updated Jun 20, 2023

Written by 

Meghan Kraft

Looking for the highest point in Nashville? The city is known for its location in the midst of the expansive Cumberland Plateau. If you are wondering, “are there mountains in Nashville”, the answer is no but there are mountains near Nashville. It’s a city of hills, not mountains, though the rolling expanse of the countryside makes up for the lack of mountains in our city with stunning fields of rustling grass. Since the elevation of Nashville is full of highs and lows, most folks aren’t too concerned about where the absolute highest point in the city is. But us? We went looking, and we found it tucked away in one of the most popular natural spots in the city: Radnor Lake.

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Matt Lucas/Google

Radnor Lake State Natural Area is also known as Radnor Lake State Park. This natural attraction in Nashville serves as a popular spot for folks in and around the area to get out in nature.

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Stefanie Brynen - GoogleMaps

It's located in the Oak Hill section of Nashville, and takes up 1,332 acres of stunning natural space. Locals find themselves wandering clearly marked hiking trails through the woods, attending educational events at the community center, and simply indulging in the beauty of the space.

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Agnes Kerchner - GoogleMaps

Most folks don't know, however, that Radnor Lake State Park is also where you'll find the highest point in Nashville.

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PeakBagger

You see that little red circle? It marks Nashville's grandest peak, which is a simple swell of land in a nature preserve. Pretty fascinating, don't you think? It's interesting to think about how simple and hidden away such an important aspect of the city's topography actually is.

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Michael Hicks - Flickr

If you're looking to experience the park for yourself, then you may just want to wander along more than five miles of trails or go on an intimate bird watching expedition with a local Meetup group.

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Michael Hicks - Flickr

This natural attraction in Nashville is famed for a reason, and it's highly photogenic. You can take a photo like this for yourself along the trail!

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Michael Hicks - Flickr

The highest point in Nashville is hidden in a beautiful place, friends. Wander it to your heart's content every day of the week.

Read more about Radnor Lake State Park to help plan out your visit here. Also, discover more about Radnor Lake by going on this hike with YouTuber OdiMystic.

https://youtu.be/TKWOJoa_sSo

What's your favorite natural attraction in the city of Nashville? Tell us in the comments!

Wondering what you can do outside during your visit? Check out this list of things to do outdoors in Nashville.

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Nature|National & State Parks

Explore Nashville’s Famed Natural Beauty At This Underrated State Park

Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area offers a secluded natural experience with rare flowers near Nashville.

Published Jul 13, 2022

Written by 

Meghan Kraft

Nashville is known for its pretty location right in the heart of Tennessee's mid-state, but its prettiest enclaves tend to be overlooked in light of the city's multiple large parks and natural areas. Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area is located just beyond Antioch, a Nashville suburb, and it is a great place to experience a field of one of the nation's close-to-extinct flower populations. If you're seeking exquisite seclusion, then you don't have to look beyond Couchville Cedar Glade. Bring your kids, bring your dog, and prepare for a natural respite at this hidden park in Nashville.

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Jessica Barnes - AllTrails

Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area consists of 140 acres of well-preserved local beauty in the greater Nashville, Tennessee area. The natural expanse borders Long Hunter State Park and straddles both Wilson and Davidson Counties.

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Nina Shaver - AllTrails

Not many locals know about the Couchville Cedar Glade, mainly because it is swiftly overshadowed by popular spots like Percy Priest and even Centennial Park, Nashville's popular gathering space in West End.

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Jennifer Moore - AllTrails

The Couchville Cedar Glade does have a reputation, though, one that tips toward a floral theme. The area is known to encourage one of the largest populations of Tennessee coneflower. There are many rare plants that live in the Cedar Glade, including shagbark hickories and post oak trees.

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Lori Wildman - AllTrails

The area initially was protected by the Nature Conservancy of Tennessee back in 1994, and the next year it was designated as a state natural area. Supplementary land was eventually added to the area to encourage the continued growth of the Tennessee coneflower.

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Rachel Michaud - AllTrails

There are not many hiking opportunities in the area, mainly because Long Hunter State Park consists of more nearby land suited to meandering walks through nature. The Couchville Cedar Glade Natural Area Loop is an easy hike at just under a mile long, and it's great for kids!

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Solamen Silva - AllTrails

Have you ever been to Couchville Cedar Glade Natural Area? Have you heard of this park before? This Nashville park is one of the city's best local treasures, and you won't find it overrun with visitors. Flowers, however, will most likely be everywhere.

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You can learn more about this hidden park in Nashville on the Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area official website.

Keep reading to learn about even more state parks (seven of them) near Nashville!

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