When it comes to connecting with nature, nothing quite matches the peace and perspective of a good hike. Nashville offers an appealing mix of woodlands, lakesides, and greenways, many of which are gentle on the knees yet generous with scenery and amenities.
Let’s get to it.
Radnor Lake State Park
Set your sights on Radnor Lake State Park for a standout Nashville-area hike. The lake sits at the center, surrounded by looping trails that deliver leafy views at every turn. For a gentle stroll, try the flat Dam Walkway or the easy Lake Trail; in spring, wildflowers line the path, and in winter, you’ll catch serene water vistas. If you want moderate terrain, the South Cove Trail weaves through quiet woods and offers manageable elevation without feeling like a workout. For a more challenging climb, tackle the Ganier Ridge Trail with its rocky footing, ridge-top outlooks, and prime birdwatching spots. Leashed dogs are allowed on the paved Otter Creek Road but not on the natural trails, which helps protect wildlife.
Arriving early is key since the parking lots fill fast on weekends. There are two free lots, ADA access, and benches at all the right spots. The visitor center has clean restrooms and water fountains. Whether you’re looking for comfort or scenery, this park delivers at any pace.
Warner Parks
Just outside Nashville, Warner Parks offers over 15 miles of maintained trails winding through classic Tennessee hardwood forest. Gentle greenways are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, while routes like Mossy Ridge present hilly, root-covered loops that challenge regular hikers without requiring special gear. You’ll pass through shaded woodland, cross bubbling creeks, and catch occasional views of the Nashville skyline. Wildlife sightings are common, including deer and songbirds along the way. Benches at scenic overlooks invite a break or quick snack.
Parking here is free and plentiful, and restrooms are within easy reach. Leashed dogs are welcome, with water stations and waste bags available at trailheads. Weekends can get busy, especially on weekend mornings, but midweek or late afternoons are much quieter. Spring through fall offer the best conditions, as winter can bring muddy or icy spots. For anyone who values clean facilities, varied terrain, and lively natural scenery, Warner Parks ticks all the boxes.
Warner Park Nature Center
Warner Park Nature Center brings forest charm just minutes from Nashville’s city limits. Over a dozen distinct trails fan out from the center, offering everything from shaded woodland strolls to rolling hill loops. In spring, wildflowers brighten the paths, and you’ll pass historic stone remnants as well as open meadows. The paved multi-use loop is ideal for wheelchairs and strollers, while primitive trails dive into quieter hardwood sections.
Amenities include free parking, clean restrooms, and picnic benches, plus printed maps at the welcoming Nature Center. Dogs on leash are allowed, and staff clearly care for this space, keeping trails in great shape and well-marked. You’re unlikely to feel crowded except on weekend mornings. For visitors who appreciate low-key hikes, bird blinds, self-guiding booklets, and plenty of benches add thoughtful touches. This nature center delivers a down-to-earth outdoor escape without leaving Davidson County.
Percy Warner Park Allée
At Percy Warner Park, the Allée offers a broad, paved loop that’s easy on joints and suitable for every skill level. Shaded by symmetrical double rows of trees, the path stays cool in summer and leads up to limestone “Allée Steps,” a perfect spot to pause. Along the way you’ll find panoramic views of Belle Meade Boulevard and occasional glimpses of the Nashville skyline.
This route draws a crowd on weekend mornings and at sunrise, so midday or weekday afternoons are ideal for a quieter stroll. Families and stroller users love the smooth, wide path, and wheelchair users can navigate much of it, though some ascents may require a little help. Water bowls for dogs and benches for rest or people-watching are scattered along the loop. With free parking, regular maintenance, and striking fall foliage in October and November, the Allée makes a dependable, scenic walk near the city.
Stones River Greenway Trailhead
For a flat, all-ages route with riverfront scenery, head to the Stones River Greenway Trailhead. The wide, smooth path runs along the river, past limestone outcrops and through hardwood forest. A wooden boardwalk hugs the bank, offering up-close water views, but watch for slick spots after rain. Deer, herons, and the occasional owl make wildlife sightings a real possibility.
Parking at Percy Priest Dam is straightforward, with restrooms, benches, and trail maps at the main entrance. Leashed dogs are welcome on the greenway, and two off-leash areas at the dam and nearby Two Rivers Park provide extra options. Weekends tend to be busiest, so early weekdays or late afternoons work best for space. Spring wildflowers and fall foliage highlight those seasons, and trail updates are posted after heavy rain when the boardwalk may close for repairs. This greenway combines convenience and calm scenery for a solid stroll or ride.
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway
You’ll find Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway offers a relaxed, welcoming vibe and a convenient riverside location. The paved main loop covers just under five miles and stays flat the entire way, so there are no steep hills or tricky footing. Wide, smooth pathways alternate with raised boardwalks, making it ideal for a brisk walk or a gentle stroll. The main loop is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the shifting habitats. One moment you’re alongside the Cumberland River with open water views. The next you’re under mature trees, listening to songbirds. The wetlands section comes alive in spring and fall, when turtles and river otters are easiest to spot.
Facilities include indoor restrooms, free parking and benches at regular intervals. Dogs on leashes are welcome and cleanup stations sit at each trailhead. Weekdays tend to be quieter, while weekends draw more locals. For an easy, scenic retreat without leaving Nashville, this greenway checks all the boxes.
Richland Creek Greenway – McCabe Trailhead
At the McCabe Trailhead, Richland Creek Greenway delivers an easy, versatile walk without sacrificing scenery. The 2.8-mile loop is paved, wide and shaded by mature trees. Gentle grades keep it accessible for strollers or wheelchairs and comfortable for a relaxed stroll.
Turtle Bridge lives up to its name when painted turtles bask on logs. You may also spot deer or songbirds flitting through the undergrowth. The path curves around McCabe Municipal Golf Course, offering open green vistas and a steady sense of calm.
Visitors will find free parking at the trailhead, restrooms and water fountains near the clubhouse. Benches and picnic spots occur at several pull-outs. Weekday mornings are especially peaceful; weekends draw more families and dog walkers. Conditions stay mild from February through November and boardwalks remain mostly dry. If you want a smooth, no-stress walk minutes from downtown, this greenway could become your favorite.
Percy Warner Mountain Bike Trail
Percy Warner Mountain Bike Trail features over a dozen miles of marked loops through mature hardwood forest just outside Nashville. You can follow gentle, beginner-friendly stretches or challenge yourself on technical sections with rocky outcroppings and root tangles. Every loop has its own character.
Look for sweeping overlook views of the city skyline on Ridge Trail and enjoy bursts of spring wildflowers or vibrant fall foliage. Hikers are welcome, though you’ll want to stay alert for bikers, especially on busy weekends. Early weekdays tend to be quieter.
The Riverview trailhead offers shaded picnic tables, a water fountain, dog bowls and modern restrooms. Because of narrow, rough sections and occasional steep climbs, this network isn’t suited for strollers or wheelchairs. Maintenance crews and volunteers keep the trails tidy, but heavy rain can lead to mud closures. For a dog-friendly woodland escape with elevation and one of Nashville’s best urban views, this trail system delivers.
Harpeth River State Park – Hidden Lake
Hidden Lake in Harpeth River State Park offers a knee-friendly trail that leads to bluff-top overlooks above vibrant blue water in a former limestone quarry. The main path runs just over a mile round trip through peaceful woods and open meadows, with a nearby creek adding gentle background sounds.
Along the way, you’ll spot remnants of old stonework from the area’s resort days. A short optional loop around the quarry rim adds broader views and a bit more climbing, though nothing too strenuous. The trail is mostly wide and clear, but rocks, roots and muddy spots appear after rain.
Parking sits close to the trailhead, but spaces are limited. You’ll find a picnic bench at the overlook, though there are no restrooms or water sources. Leashed dogs are welcome and weekday mornings tend to be uncrowded. If you need a short, scenic outing with minimal impact on your knees, Hidden Lake delivers.
Harpeth River State Park – Newsom’s Mill
Newsom’s Mill trail at Harpeth River State Park packs history into a brief stroll. The paved out-and-back path takes less than two minutes before bringing you to the remnants of an 1862 gristmill. Interpretive signs explain the weathered stonework and old machinery set beside the river.
Most of the trail is level and paved, so it’s comfortable for strollers and wheelchairs. A short dirt segment near the mill can be uneven, but it’s brief. The area feels low-key and rarely crowded, making it easy to pause by the water or read the historical markers.
River views extend through clusters of native trees and songbirds are often audible overhead. Leashed dogs are welcome year-round. There are no restrooms or picnic tables, so plan ahead with water and snacks. For a quick dose of nature and local history without a big time commitment, Newsom’s Mill fits the bill.
Anderson Road Fitness Trailhead
At the Anderson Road Fitness Trailhead you’ll find a 1.3-mile paved loop that’s both wide and level, making it ideal for strollers or wheelchairs. The trail winds through shady woods before opening into cedar glades with frequent views of J. Percy Priest Lake. Fitness stations with benches are spaced along the way, so you can rest without missing any of the scenery. Birdwatchers often spot cardinals and chickadees overhead, and curious deer sometimes appear at the trail’s edge.
There aren’t any restrooms on site, but you’ll have access to a small free parking lot plus a gravel overflow area on busier weekends. Early mornings feel especially peaceful, though summer weekends can bring a steady flow of walkers and faster parking fill-up. Leashed dogs are welcome, but watch for ticks in warmer months. With level ground, accessible design, and plenty of nature, this trail provides an easy retreat from city noise and a pleasant dose of waterfront views.
Whitsett Park
Exploring Whitsett Park’s 0.7-mile loop along Mill Creek offers an easy stroll with smooth pavement and minimal elevation change. Mature trees line the path, and you’ll catch glimpses of migrating birds or fish in the creek below. Benches and trash cans are thoughtfully placed, and a nearby playground makes it convenient for grandparents visiting with little ones. Wheelchairs and strollers move along comfortably, and dog-waste bag dispensers are available at regular intervals.
Weekday mornings provide the quietest experience, though spring and fall weekends can draw more visitors. The park stays open year-round, but shade becomes scarce during the hottest summer days, so bring water if you’re sensitive to heat. A small parking lot sits close to the trailhead, but it’s wise not to leave valuables visible in your car. With well-maintained pavement, creekside views, and low crowd levels, Whitsett Park is a solid option for a laid-back outing near Nashville.
