The One Loop Trail In Nashville That's Perfect For A Short Day Hike, No Matter What Time Of Year

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 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.

Heidi Marsh Garren - AllTrails

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.

Alex Maskovyak - AllTrails

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.

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Rachel Michaud - AllTrails

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.

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Glenn LaTerre - AllTrails

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.

Benjamin Koetter - AllTrails

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.

Benjamin Koetter - AllTrails

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.

Adrienne Zeiler - AllTrails

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!