These 8 Underrated Hiking Trails Near Nashville Are Begging For You To Explore Them
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Meghan Kraft
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Tennessee is known for its breathtaking beauty, and nowhere is that more evident than right here in the heart of Middle Tennessee. The Nashville area seems to have more hiking opportunities than you can shake a stick at, but it can be exhausting trying to find parking at Radnor Lake. So, we’ve devised a list of some of the more underrated (and quieter) hiking trails in and around the city that will allow you to reconnect with nature without having to worry about the crowds.
The Stones River National Battlefield is about a half of an hour's drive from downtown Nashville, but this is definitely one of the more historic hikes you'll find in the city. The 3-mile loop around the perimeter and through the fields will highlight the history of the 1862 battle and even features some canons!
On the border between Alabama and Tennessee, the Walls of Jericho seem to be something out of a fantasy tale. The walls rise up out of the forest, making the nearly seven mile trail absolutely breathtaking. You can access it via trailheads in Alabama or Tennessee, but of course, we prefer the Tennessee side.
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The Warner Parks are one of the most beautiful and least appreciated parks in the entire city. Sprawling across some of the most picturesque hills you'll find anywhere, Percy Warner Park features the Mossy Ridge Loop, a five mile trail that showcases the best of the park.
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Just north of the city, you'll find another little-trafficked park: Beaman Park. The park's Ridgetop Trail is just under 4 miles but is a great out-and-back for anybody looking to stretch their legs.
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By far Nashville's most under-appreciated park is Madison's Peeler Park, located at the tip of isolated Neely's Bend. It can take a while to get to, but those who make the trek will find the park to be completely worth the drive. The greenway is just under 4 miles and winds through the park as it hugs a bend in the Cumberland River.
A couple of hours outside the city, Big South Fork is a great day trip option for folks looking to experience the great outdoors. The Honey Creek Loop offers stunning views of the river as well as some incredible, towering rock formations. It's about four miles long in total and even features a waterfall!
Burgess Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the entire state, and the trail to get there is just as stunning as the falls themselves. While this trail is only a mile long, they payout is spectacular.
If you're looking for a waterfall that is less crowded than Burgess or Cummins Falls, check out the 1.5-mile Eagle Trail in Rock Island State Park. This trail will take you past multiple waterfalls along the Caney Fork River in one of the most picturesque gorges in the state, and it's only an hour and 40 minutes outside of Nashville.
Cool off after your hike through the Tennessee summertime by visiting this incredible popsicle shop right here in Nashville.
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