explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
National & State Parks

7 Amazing State Parks Around Nashville That Will Blow You Away

Discover seven amazing state parks near Nashville perfect for day trip adventures.

Updated Feb 11, 2022

Written by 

Meghan Kraft

If you're outdoorsy in any way, then you probably have an entire list of state parks around your home city. But if you're in Nashville? You have to crack a couple city lines to get to the best of the best. Luckily, those of us who call Nashville home are fortunate enough to be able to visit numerous amazing Tennessee state parks. We put together the following list of seven amazing state parks near Nashville that are perfect for day trip adventures, and we challenge you to visit each and every one of these superlative sites!

1. Henry Horton State Park

alt
Michael Hicks / Flickr

Located in Chapel Hill, the park has been active since the early 1960s, giving hikers and nature enthusiasts a place to get away for over half a century.

advertisement

2. Montgomery Bell State Park

alt
Mark Spangler / Flickr

Located 758 feet above sea level, Montgomery Bell is a heaven on earth that stretches nearly 4,000 acres perfect for exploration.

3. Dunbar Cave State Park

alt
Joe Mohovits / Flickr

The Dunbar Cave stretches over eight miles into the ground, making it the 280th in the world depth-wise and prompted the creation of a 110-acre park in Clarksville.

4. Cedars of Lebanon State Park

alt
Brian Stansberry / Wikimedia

Located about 30 minutes outside of the city, Cedars of Lebanon State Park is perfect if you're looking to get away for a hot second, find a cheap wedding venue, or simply take in a natural wonderland that feels far away from the city.

advertisement

5. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

alt
Thegreenj / Wikimedia

Located downtown, you'll find expansive grounds for summer pickup games, with the Farmer's Market bordering one edge and the new Sounds stadium on the other. We simply adore this Tennessee state park!

6. Long Hunter State Park

alt
Brian Stansberry / Wikimedia

This is where you'll find Percy Priest, one of the best lake stops in the city. Long Hunter offers stunning views and picturesque spots for any kind of picture your mantel is craving. Have you visited Long Hunter State Park before?

7. Harpeth River State Park

alt
Lexi Boudreau/Google Local

The gorgeous Harpeth

River State Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the state, offering a solid river view, wildlife, and a rush of trees.

Dang, that last shot gets us. Absolutely stunning. What are your favorite state parks to visit near Nashville, Tennessee? Do you have a spot that you think should have made the list? Share your picks with us in the comments below - we love hearing from you!

For more beautiful state parks to visit near Nashville, check out this list of seven under-appreciated spots you're sure to love.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

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.

advertisement
alt
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.

alt
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.

alt
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.

alt
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.

alt
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.

alt
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!

advertisement
alt
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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

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.

advertisement
alt
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.

alt
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.

alt
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.

alt
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.

alt
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!

alt
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.

advertisement

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!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Activities

I Learned to Ski at This One-of-a-Kind Indoor Slope in New Jersey

by Lisa Sammons
on Nov 6
alt
Vacation Rentals

The Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Arkansas is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Melissa Mahoney
on Nov 5
alt
Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Arkansas’ 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Melanie Johnson
on Nov 5
Arkansas Sphinx Trail in Hagarville
Nature

Skip the Crowds: Explore Nevada’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Melissa Mahoney
on Nov 5
alt
Vacation Rentals

The Secluded Airbnb Cabin in New Mexico is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Katie Lawrence
on Nov 5
alt