Nashville is bejewelled with more than 150 beautiful parks and recreational spots. It’s no wonder outdoor opportunities are huge in this metro city. Most of the Nashville parks are open year-round and they offer dozens of activities to explore this summer. Be it city park or state park, Nashville parks are always easy to get in and are popular getaways from the scorching heat of summer. So, here is the list of some of the best parks in Nashville to say goodbye to excess heat of the sun, for at least few hours.
1. Radnor Lake State Park
Radnor Lake State Nature Area, popularly known as Radnor Lake State Park, is a large 1,368-acre nature preserve, locating 11 miles away from the downtown Nashville. Home to native wildlife, there is great opportunity to encounter bobcats, white-tailed deer, coyote, muskrat, beavers, mink and some other species in this outdoor destination.
With camping, hunting and picnicking prohibited, the state’s first Natural Area is not allowed to visit and explore after dusk as it’s a day use area only.
Spend your day through hiking miles of trails that range from easy to moderate level. Plus, huge birdwatching opportunity includes encountering several duck species, and many waterfowl. To watch some exhibits, the Visitor’s Center is the perfect place that displays interesting exhibits. It’s located in the entrance to Radnor Lake.
Address: 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220
2. Cumberland Park
This riverfront action-packed park is bustling with an innovative play space, an amphitheater and splash areas, making Cumberland Park a perfect family-friendly play park in this summer. Opened in April, 2012, the park is open daily, from dawn till 11 pm.
Filled with Nashville’s rich riverfront history, get ready to explore the cultural history and contemporary life of the city. Multiple events and performances are scheduled frequently in this downtown outdoor space. Attending any of these family-friendly attractions is a nice way to celebrate a summer day with your crew.
To get more fun, walking the scenic trail or engaging with the rock-climbing wall, are always open option. At dusk, sunset behind the Nashville Skyline will offer one of the best spectacular views.
Address: 592 S 1st St, Nashville, TN 37213
3. Montgomery Bell State Park
Though this natural oasis is located in Burns, Tennessee, it needs only 40-minute drive from the downtown Nashville. Spanning 3,782 acres area, Montgomery Bell was built in the time during the Great Depression.
The year-round open state park is boasting some amazing and engaging activities for all age groups. Camping, hiking, boating, are just few among them. Literally, there is never lack of fun-filled activities in this outdoor space for any visitor.
The 20 miles of mountain biking trails are explored by many enthusiasts. Also, Lake Acorn and Lake Woodhaven are the best places in the park among fish lovers. Active anglers won’t miss this opportunity. Moreover, Lake Acorn offers a nice beach with swimming opportunities.
Address: 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029
4. Beaman Park Nature Center
The 1,678-acre Beaman Park Nature Center is Nashville’s gateway to the Highland Rim Forest. Located approximately 15 miles from downtown Nashville, this nature land is the perfect place for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
With strict prohibition for camping, hunting and fishing, the significant natural area provides scenic hiking trails, a nature center and a public parking. Furthermore, leashed dogs can be your mate when exploring the trails.
The nature center is a great place to start the journey in the park and it offers multiple environmental programs along with some workshops and recreation programs. Your crew will surely have great outdoor activities to explore along with some outdoor relaxation in this impressive Nashville landscape.
Address: 5911 Old Hickory Blvd, Ashland City, TN 37015
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5. Burgess Falls State Park
Burgess Falls State Park is located in Sparta, TN, almost 81 miles from Nashville. The 350-acre state park and nature area is best known for offering stunning views of natural oasis and three bewitching waterfalls.
The year-round open park offers 1.5-mile loop trail that provides stunning views of Burgess Falls. Moreover, Little Falls and Middle Falls are also visible when completing the trail. The park is open daily from 8 am till 30 minutes before sunset.
So, get ready to explore the hiking trails and don’t forget to carry a basket packed with your favorite foods to enjoy a nice picnic in this natural landscape. Though fishing opportunity is huge here, hunting and camping are not permitted in this Tennessee state park.
Address: 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583
6. Percy and Edwin Warner Parks
Percy Warner Park and Edwin Warner Park are two popular public parks in Nashville, Tennessee, situated adjacent to each other and are collectively known as Warner Parks. The two parks cover 2,684 acres area and are packed with tons of activities.
With well-kept hiking trails, the parks also have nice walking, running and biking trails. Visitors can also enjoy two golf courses. The larger one is Percy Warner Park and it includes 10 miles of equestrian paths along with scenic hiking trails.
So, whenever you are looking for an escape from your stressful lifestyle and into serenity, the Warner Parks are perfect options. The scenic lands are just 9 miles from downtown Nashville.
Address: 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221
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7. Sevier Park
This city park has been a great recreational spot among many local families, including kids and other groups. The 20-acre picturesque park offerings include a nice walking trail, a community center, playgrounds, picnic tables, lawns, a small creek and large green space for enjoying nature within the city.
Situated at the south end of 12South district, the highlight of the park includes the historic Sunnyside Mansion. Built in 1852, the antebellum architecture is sitting in the middle of the Sevier Park. Step inside and collect some interesting information about the mansion.
Address: 3021 Lealand Ln, Nashville, TN 37204
8. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Located in downtown Nashville, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, commonly known as Bicentennial Mall, is a linear state park encompassing 19 acres of city land. Being one of the most visited Tennessee state parks, Bicentennial Mall received more than 2.5 million visitors, annually.
Multiple festivals, events, concerts are frequently observed and are lined up throughout the year in this park. Tulip poplars, the state tree of Tennessee, are shown both sides of this park.
With its offerings of dozens of activities and convenient location, making Bicentennial State Park a beautiful green space to enjoy this summer with near and dear ones.
Address: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
9. Centennial Park
Located just two miles west of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, the 132-acre Centennial Park can be a perfect place for taking a nice and peaceful afternoon or evening walk. Boasting with 1-mile walking loop, the convenient location of this city park makes it home to multiple festivals and fairs that are line up on a daily basis.
Originally, a farmland that was used by some of the earliest Nashvillians, Centennial Park was opened as an urban park in 1903. The biggest touristic attraction of the park includes the Parthenon replica, the original one is in Athens, Greece.
Other attractions in the park include a recreation center, and Lake Watauga (an artificial lake). Also, there is a dog park inside the Centennial Park where your pet can enjoy large open space to play and run under open space and greener land.
Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
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10. Old Hickory Beach
Sitting along the shoreline of Old Hickory Lake, Old Hickory Beach offers a great swimming beach, a playground for kids, a large group picnic shelter, and boat ramps. Boat fishing is quite popular here, and anglers can go with catfish, bass or crappie fishing.
Kids’ favorite activities include birdwatching and encountering native wildlife. Common bird species include migratory songbirds, waterfowl, wading birds and blue herons, while wildlife include white-tailed deer, wild turkey and rabbits.
Hiking and camping are other fun-packed activities to enjoy in this popular outdoor destination.
Address: 876 Burnett Rd, Old Hickory, TN 37138
11. Bledsoe Creek State Park
This state park in Sumner County, TN, is 36.8 miles from Nashville. Consisting of 169 acres area, the recreational park offers multiple hiking trails, camping, boating and fishing opportunities, along with environmental programs happening throughout the year.
The natural setting and peaceful environment of Bledsoe Creek State Park will surely help you making the most of these fleeting summer days.
Also, inside the park, there are playground areas, picnic shelters, a 77-site campground and a wedding venue as well. Furthermore, the park is boasting a designated wildlife observation deck in the day use picnic area on Raccoon Creek Lane.
So, enjoy your day trip in this natural oasis while enjoying and exploring these various fun-packed activities and attractions.
Address: 400 Zieglers Fort Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066
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12. Harpeth River State Park
The best activity Harpeth River State Park provides is a super easy riverside hike with some stunning natural views. This family-friendly Tennessee state park also allows pets to come and enjoy the open space.
In the scenic river, fishing, swimming, paddling all are allowed. To get a short escape from the hustle and bustle, sightseeing and birdwatching are great options to do in Harpeth River State Park with your close people.
Address: 1254 Narrows of the Harpeth Rd, Kingston Springs, TN 37082
13. Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is one of the two archaeological parks of Tennessee. Encompassing 876 acres of area, the historic space attracts both locals and visitors, and the historic masterpiece of the park includes the site 40CF1, the Old Stone Fort.
Near the park entrance, the Old Stone Fort Museum displays several exhibits related to the fort’s history. Also, the gift shop is a nice place to collect souvenir from this day trip. The hiking trails are good enough to explore the thick greenery of this historic Native American site.
Address: 732 Stone Fort Dr, Manchester, TN 37355
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FAQs
1. How many parks are in Nashville Tennessee?
Nashville, Tennessee, boasts a variety of parks that are encompassing over 12,000 acres of the metro city. There are more than 150 greenways and parks available in Nashville.
2. How many state parks are in Nashville Tennessee?
There are 57 state parks in Nashville. For their convenient locations, year-round recreational opportunities, and serenity, these state parks receive millions of visitors each year.
3. What animals are in Radnor Lake State Park?
Wildlife observation is some of the best activity in Radnor Lake State Park. The most common wildlife that nature enthusiasts encounter in this outdoor space include owls, waterfowl, herons, bobcats, white-tailed deer and some other species as well.
