Montgomery Bell State Park is located near Dickson, Tennessee. It's roughly forty-five minutes from the heart of Nashville, making this an easy trek out to the middle of nowhere. Kind of. No matter how close you are to the nearest interstate, the state park is usually cast to the side to make way for spots like Radnor Lake or Percy Priest. No longer! Check out this little known hike near Nashville for an amazing adventure.
The park is actually named after Montgomery Bell, the industrialist. He was the one who founded a nearby ironworks factory in the year 1804. It was actually the largest ironworks spot west of the Alleghenies, and was actually the spot where the cannonballs for Andrew Jackson's army were produced during the War of 1812.
Camping is allowed if you make your way down the overnight train, and you're able to pitch up on one of the 121 campsites. So - you can take a hike and camp there, too!
Still looking for a walk on the wild side? Check out these fun and surprising things you had no idea you could do in Nashville. They're great for a weekend hangout with family!
The city of Nashville has all sorts of fun, urban opportunities within the ring of its downtown and Midtown neighborhoods. But it’s just outside the city that you’ll find the natural wilderness, and one of the best day hikes near Nashville, that the state of Tennessee is known for. In Long Hunter State Park, just a fifteen-minute drive from the city center, you’ll find an almost four-mile trail that’s become a must-visit for locals. Escape the hustle and bustle of Nashville and enjoy some much-needed quality time with nature along Tennessee’s Day Loop Trail.
The Day Loop Trail is a 3.9-mile trail that operates as a loop trail, which means you will end the hike exactly where you began it. The route runs along Percy Priest Lake, so you can expect forested vegetation on one side and the beauty of the water on the other as you make your trek.
You’ll want to make sure that you stick to the trail while you hike. It is well maintained by Long Hunter State Park, and it is clearly marked along the entire loop trail. The area is well-forested and ripe with unknown vegetation and wildlife. You need to take every opportunity to stay safe, so make sure you don't leave designated areas. We are willing to bet that after trekking this beautiful Nashville loop hike you too will fall in love with this peaceful spot.
Be prepared for rocky sections of the hike as well as a few scenic bluffs that overlook the lake. Wear proper footwear for a stony and sometimes muddy trail, and keep an eye on the path as you make your way through the mature oak-hickory forest. If you have been searching for "The best trails near me" then make sure you put this one on your list.
Along the way, you’ll be privy to stony outcroppings, distinctive rock formations, and even a few sinkholes. Make sure you bring your camera! The hike follows the shore of Percy Priest Lake and runs alongside two park campsites, so you may run into a few other hikers while you’re on your journey.
You’ll want to keep in mind that the Day Loop Trail shares a beginning point with the Volunteer Trail and will break off on its own after a half-mile. You’ll park at the Bakers Grove Area and follow a well-marked trail that leads you into the forest. Check signs consistently as you hike to make sure you don’t get lost. The Day Loop Trail is marked by orange blazes on the signposts.
The route has gotten more popular over the last few years, so make sure you come early to get a parking spot. The hiking trail is excellent for bird watching and trail running as well, and you’ll find that the Day Loop Trail is open through every season.
Have you hiked the Day Loop Trail in Long Hunter State Park? Do you think you will be visiting sometime soon? It’s beautiful no matter the time of year, just make it a point to wear the correct clothes and bring proper footwear.
You can find out more about the Day Loop Trail on AllTrails and you can also learn more about Long Hunter State Park and its hiking trails on the official Tennessee State Park website. There are all sorts of opportunities to get outside here in the Nashville area, and you don't want to miss them!
For more day hikes near Nashville make sure to check out the trail and fascinating ecosystem of Cedars of Lebanon State Park.
For another great hike on the eastern side of the state check out the Raven Rock Trail in Roan Mountain State Park, you can learn more about that hike by watching this OnlyInYourState video below:
It's that time of year again, folks. The trees are exploding in vibrant shades of green, flowers are blooming, and the relentless pollen of Middle Tennessee is once again assaulting our sinuses. Okay, so the last one isn't nearly as fun as the others, but we still love getting out in the beauty of Middle Tennessee nonetheless! If you don't have a ton of time, we've got the perfect options for you to get on a short hike and still experience the natural beauty that's all around us. Here are some of the most beautiful hikes near Nashville for coming lovely days:
This is certainly a favorite when it comes to Nashville hiking trails and is located in what is collectively known as The Warner Parks, a spot just outside of the city in Belle Meade. The entire trail is a 5-mile loop, but there are plenty of spurs and out-and-back opportunities if you want to make it quicker.
Radnor Lake State Park is one of Nashville's favorite oases, an idyllic setting right in the middle of the city. The Lake Trail loops around the water with access points on both sides of the lake, making a beautiful and easy 2+ mile loop.
3. Narrows of the Harpeth, Hidden Lake Double Loop
The Narrows of the Harpeth are known for their great kayaking and massive rock bluffs overlooking the water, but there's a lesser-known trail in the park that leads to a secluded and forested lake. It's just over a mile out to the lake, making this a great short hike.
The Deerwood Arboretum is one of the most overlooked opportunities for hiking around Nashville. The Brentwood park has a few paved trails that are short but are the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy nature, even on a quick lunch break.
5. Montgomery Bell State Park, Jim Bailey Nature Trail
Located about 45 minutes west of downtown Nashville, Montgomery Bell has all kinds of options for outdoor enthusiasts. From short 1-mile trails like the Jim Bailey Nature Trail to long overnight camping trails, this park highlights everything beautiful about Middle Tennessee.
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6. Long Hunter State Park, Couchville Lake Loop Trail
Long Hunter State Park sits right on the shores of Percy Priest Lake, but it feels like such a tranquil retreat from the city. The Couchville Lake Loop Trail is a short loop to the smaller lake, but the nicest part is that it's paved. There are also long trails at the park that hug the shores of Percy Priest, offering some incredible views.
Just a short drive north of the city to Gallatin will take you to Bledsoe Creek State Park, one of the most overlooked in the area. The park has beautiful lakefront views, including the Shoreline Trail that hugs the water for over a mile.
Do you agree that these are some of the most beautiful hikes near Nashville that are quick and easy? Do you have other hiking trails near Nashville that didn't make the list? Be sure to let us know in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you! Regardless of which hike is your favorite, before you hit the trails, check out AllTrails+ for plenty of helpful trail tips and maps.
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If you're looking for outdoor opportunities closer to the city, check out this historic bridge downtown with a fascinating history.
