Several standout trails provide excellent hiking experiences in and around Nashville. Within the city, Radnor Lake State Park offers peaceful, mostly easy lakeside loops with wildlife viewing and well-maintained paths. Percy Warner and Edwin Warner Parks feature an extensive network of forested trails, including the popular Mossy Ridge and Warner Woods trails, which range from moderate to challenging. Nearby, Beaman Park on the northwest side of Nashville provides more rugged, less crowded routes with creek crossings and elevation changes. For a short drive, Long Hunter State Park at J. Percy Priest Lake offers scenic shoreline trails, while Montgomery Bell State Park west of Nashville features longer day-hike options and more remote-feeling terrain. Together, these areas cover a wide range of difficulty levels and landscapes suitable for most hikers.

Selecting an appropriate trail starts with reviewing distance, elevation gain, and terrain. Beginners and families may prefer flatter, well-marked paths such as the Lake Trail at Radnor Lake, the easier loops at Edwin Warner Park, or paved greenways that follow the Cumberland River and neighborhood corridors. Intermediate hikers can look for 3–5 mile loops with rolling hills, like the Mossy Ridge Trail in Percy Warner or moderate routes in Long Hunter State Park. More experienced hikers might seek longer distances, steeper climbs, and uneven surfaces found in Beaman Park or the backcountry-style trails in Montgomery Bell State Park. Checking recent trail reviews, posted maps at trailheads, and official park websites helps confirm current conditions and difficulty before you commit to a route.

Reliable trail information is available from several official and community sources. Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation provides maps and descriptions for Warner Parks, Beaman Park, Shelby Bottoms, and other city-managed areas on its website and at visitor centers. Tennessee State Parks offers downloadable maps, trail descriptions, and updates for Radnor Lake, Long Hunter, and Montgomery Bell on the state parks portal. For additional detail, popular hiking and outdoor platforms host GPS tracks, elevation profiles, photos, and user reviews that can help you evaluate current trail conditions. Local outdoor retailers, nature centers, and visitor centers within the parks often carry printed maps and can answer questions about closures, parking, and seasonal considerations, which is especially helpful if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Nashville’s hiking season is generally strong from late fall through spring, when temperatures are cooler and humidity is lower. Autumn offers colorful foliage in the Warner Parks, Beaman Park, and Radnor Lake, while late winter and early spring provide clearer views through the trees and early wildflowers. Summer can be hot and humid, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are usually most comfortable, especially on exposed or strenuous trails. Weekdays and early weekend mornings tend to be less crowded at popular destinations like Radnor Lake and Percy Warner. Checking sunrise and sunset times, as well as park operating hours, helps you plan enough daylight for your hike and avoid being on the trail after closing time.

Safe and responsible hiking in Nashville begins with understanding local rules and preparing appropriately. Most parks require visitors to stay on marked trails, observe posted signs, and respect wildlife viewing distances, especially at protected areas like Radnor Lake where pets and off-trail access are restricted. Carry plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear suitable for rocky or muddy sections, and bring a map or offline navigation tool, since mobile reception can be inconsistent in some valleys and wooded areas. Check weather forecasts for heat, thunderstorms, or icy conditions, and avoid hiking during severe weather or after heavy rain when trails may be slick. Many areas have leash requirements for dogs and designated hours for trail use, so review park regulations in advance. Let someone know your plans for longer hikes, and pack basic essentials such as a small first-aid kit, sun protection, and a light source if you may be out near dusk.