Nashville is known more for its music than its natural wonders, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spend a day in the great Middle Tennessee outdoors. Each one of these activities or day trips will run you only a couple hours on your weekend, and are bound to be worth it. Enjoy the beautiful nature in Nashville, friends! How many have you crossed off your list…?

10. A most underrated lake, a necessary visit.
Center Hill Lake, Tennessee, USA
Steven Conry - Flickr
Center Hill Lake is one of the best nature spots in Nashville. At only an hour from the city, this gorgeous place is a great way to spend your summertime weekends. It's known for its fishing, so make sure to bring your bait and a pole!
9. Have you ever hiked to an aboveground cave...?
Youtube
The Lost Cave is located in Sparta, Tennessee, and it's as mysterious as it is supposedly lost. Slip through a crack in Ol' Rocky Top's surface and enjoy some low-key spelunking. We have all the details about one of this mysterious nature in Nashville.
8. Nashville's most unique park is also one of the most overlooked.
Bells Bend, Nashville, TN, USA
jcbonbon - Flickr
Bells Bend is one of the most overlooked Nashville nature attractions, unfortunately so. A beautiful oasis tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Music City, this is where you need to visit if you're trying to take a quiet walk or find a bit of inner peace.
7. The most beautiful sight to see - underground.
The Lost Sea Adventure, 140 Lost Sea Rd, Sweetwater, TN 37874, USA
The Lost Sea Adventure - Facebook
The Lost Sea is known across the globe for its underground beauty. The lake is located - well, underneath - Sweetwater, Tennessee, and is a great addition to any summer, or life, bucket list. Take the glass bottomed boat tour, for one of the greatest nature things to do in Nashville - it's 100% worth it.
6. There's nothing like an afternoon on a lazy river!
Foggy Bottom Canoe and Kayak Rental, 1270 US-70, Kingston Springs, TN 37082, USA
Foggy Bottom Canoe - Facebook
Take a spin on the Harpeth River, not quite lazy at the heart of it but you sure can make it feel like a low-key afternoon. Just grab an inner tube and float away with your family, to be picked up down the river. We can show you how to enjoy one of the best Nashville nature attractions!.

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5. If you're in need of a glorious campground - we found it.
J Percy Priest Dam, Hermitage, TN 37076, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
If you're looking for some relaxing nature in Nashville, camping is a great option. We scouted out the best state parks and campsites for you and your ever-adventurous family.
4. Spend a couple of hours driving around our most picturesque backroads.
Meghan O'Brien for OIYS
Just a couple of hours on a Nashville backroad and you'll feel rejuvenated and whole again. Roll the windows down, sip some sweet tea and relax, while looking at all this beautiful nature in Nashville.
3. Take a leisurely ride along one of our stunning bike trails.
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Cycling is highly underrated in Nashville, with such a low number of good bike lanes and a traffic infrastructure that makes it just a bit difficult. Rent a bike at Two Rivers or bring your own to Peeler Park, and enjoy riding along one of the best Nashville nature attractions.
2. Make your way underground for a visually stunning concert.
Cumberland Caverns Road, Cumberland Caverns Rd, Tennessee 37110, USA
Eli Christman - Flickr
Visit one of the best nature spots in Nashville for a concert at Cumberland Caverns. It's not only magical to the ear, but to the eye. You don't get to have this kind of experience anywhere else, you know.
1. We have a handful of hikes you HAVE to do in Nashville - each is more beautiful than the last.
Derek Bruff/Flickr
And, of course, one of the best nature things to do in Nashville for the most outdoorsy, hiking. We have five that are the absolute best in the city - but we'll let you decide. Happy hiking!

There is so much nature in Nashville to enjoy! Which adventures made your bucket list?

PS: Make sure to check out The Riverboat Cruise In Tennessee You Never Knew Existed.

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More to Explore

Nature In Nashville

Libby Monson | June 15, 2022

Does Nashville have any natural wonders?

There are some stunning Nashville nature attractions that are worth a visit. The Sewanee Natural Bridge is only ninety minutes from the city. This natural sandstone arch is 25 feet high and 50 feet long and was created by a giant sinkhole. You can see this fascinating piece of Tennessee's natural history at South Cumberland State Park.

Are there any short and sweet hikes in Nashville?

There are so many fun nature things to do in Nashville, and hiking is a great way to get a little exercise and experience the great outdoors. Just a quick 15-minute drive from Nashville is a short and sweet loop hike that'll take you through a forest and by a lake. The Day Loop Trail is 3.9-miles long. You'll hike along the banks of beautiful Percy Priest Lake. There are a few rocky spots, so plan your footwear accordingly.

Are there any waterfall hikes near Nashville?

When the weather gets warm, finding a hike with a little water feature is great. Cummins Falls is one of the best nature spots in Nashville (or close to Nashville). The Cummins Falls Trail is a lovely 2.1-mile loop trail that'll take you to this thrilling waterfall. This hike is easy enough for adventurous kids, and dogs are allowed on a leash. The best part is the swimming hole below the falls, so plan to get wet!

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