Nashville is most definitely a river town, and it makes the most of its Cumberland River ties with some pretty great bridges. You really can’t get around the city without crossing at least one – or two- of them. It’s our neat pedestrian bridges that we find to be the best, though – these Nashville bridges encourage you to take in a bit of the beauty of the outdoors without the musty drudgery of a car. Plus, HELLO romantic date ideas!

1. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, Nashville, TN 37201, USA
Willowpix/Getty
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, originally the Sparkman Street Bridge and later the Shelby Street Bridge, was closed to vehicular traffic in 1998 and reopened as a pedestrian bridge in 2003. The bridge is named after local journalist and civil rights advocate, John Seigenthaler, who once physically stopped a man from committing suicide off the bridge.

Fun fact: Big & Rich shot the entire music video for "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" on this bridge, although it was pretty iconic even before that! This bridge is gorgeous both day and night.

2. Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge

Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge, Nashville, TN, USA
RainbowWrasse/TripAdvisor
Opened in 2008, this is one of the more popular bridges in Nashville for running and bike riding, even for those who live outside the city. It connects Shelby Bottoms to Two Rivers Park (and the greenway system all the way out to Percy Priest Dam). While there are a number of pedestrian bridges in Nashville that allow both vehicles and foot traffic, only pedestrians are allowed on this 745-foot bridge.

3. Cumberland Bypass Bridge

Cumberland Bypass Bridge, Nashville, TN, USA
Derek Whitney/Getty
Open to train traffic only, the old Louisville & Nashville Railroad was built as a spur of the main line in order to bypass downtown's Union Station.

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4. Cumberland River Swing Bridge

cmh2315fl/Flickr
Not to be confused with the Swinging Bridge at Cumberland Mountain State Park, the current version of this bridge was built in 1931, and, like the Bypass Bridge, is only open to train traffic. No foot traffic - really truly. Don't. It's illegal. It was originally built in 1858 as a covered bridge, and was modified and fortified for the Battle of Nashville in 1864 but was burned by Confederate forces.

Check out the videos below to see the "swing" in action, as well as the bridge in real-time use!



5. Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge

Derek Broussard/Getty
Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge, Gateway Bridge, Nashville, TN 37213, USA
halbergman/Getty
This solidly travelled bridge was completed in 2004 to handle the traffic no longer traveling on the Shelby Street Bridge (now the Pedestrian Bridge). It has 6 lanes of traffic and sidewalks. LED lights were added in 2015 to light up the bridge for special events and holidays. It is able to handle six lanes of traffic and also boasts sidewalks. In the second photo, you'll notice it's incredibly close to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge!

With fifteen bridges spanning the Cumberland in the Nashville area, this is just a small smattering of the coolest bridges in Nashville –  not to mention in the state. But seriously, they’re the most fun. We’re just not for that overpass life here!

Are you an architecture aficionado enchanted by these bridges in Nashville, TN? Are there any overlooked bridges in the city we should have mentioned?

Well, if you’re ready for something ELSE to ogle, this iconic hotel boasts some incredibly photo-worthy architecture of its own, plus a fascinating history and luxurious rooms to boot.

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More to Explore

Nashville Bridges

Sara Dager | June 17, 2022

Are there any swinging bridges in Nashville? 

This particular swinging bridge is a little outside of Nashville, but more than worth the trek if you are a bit of a thrill seeker.

The Falls Creek suspension bridge is another option. This one hangs over a large gorge and provides stunning views of the Fall Creek Falls State Park from every angle. Besides the falls, this stunning bridge and the views from it are the most photographed things in the park! The bridge does move under your feet, and it may be a little nerve-wracking for those of us who are not the biggest fans of heights, but we think this might be the perfect chance to conquer your fears!

Does Nashville have any natural wonders? 

Despite its nature as a busy city, there are many natural wonders in Nashville proper as well as just outside of the city to admire if you find yourself wanting to escape all of the hustle and bustle of the city.

You'll definitely want to make a stop at the Lost Sea, the largest underground lake in America, where you'll feel like you're in an adventure movie as you admire the perfectly clear blue waters. Or if you are more of a landlubber, then you will surely be enchanted by the 30-plus caves at Cumberland Caverns.

Are there any canopy walks in Nashville?

You'll have to step just outside of the city for this one-of-a-kind canopy walk experience, but it is definitely worthy of the travel time. The Nashville West Adventureworks Aerial Adventure Park is the perfect spot for the whole family, especially if you have some daredevils amongst the crowd. You can zipline through the trees for a breathtaking view of the nature surrounding you. This Nashville nature adventure is a blast, but perhaps one you want to do on an empty stomach!

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