Nashville, TN is primarily known for its country music scene, especially at the legendary Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. Folks travel from far and wide to hear honky-tonk lyrics and to get a glimpse inside the famed Johnny Cash Museum.
Most visitors to Nashville focus mainly on the music, performers and history of this spectacular city. And there is definitely a lot to see and hear in the capitol of Tennessee.
But there is also much to see outside of the city as well. Did you know that there are 7 State Parks within and around Nashville? These beautiful parks have trails for sightseeing, hiking, picnicking, camping and many more activities.
Map of State Parks Near Nashville
Here is a map of the Tennessee state parks covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Nashville, TN
Here is a look at each of the state parks near Nashville along with a few details for each and their maps. Pick one or two to visit for a day or make a reservation and spend some quality time relaxing and taking in the serene nature that Tennessee has to offer.
1. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
This small urban park is located at on James Robertson Pkwy just North of the Capitol Building in downtown Nashville. It was opened in 1996 and dedicated for Tennessee’s 200th Anniversary.
Stop by the Visitor Center and Gift Shop to learn more about the history of this fascinating state. And then check out the 200-foot granite map of the state, the World War II Memorial, the 95-Bell Carillon, the Pathway of History and the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains. As well as the many plants and flowers native to this region.
Location: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
2. Long Hunter State Park
This state park, located in Nashville, is on the eastern shores of Percy Priest Lake and has four access points: Couchville, Baker’s Grove, Bryant Grove and Sellars Farm.
You’ll find 20 miles of hiking trails here inside this 2600-acre preserve where you can also fish, kayak and camp. Campsites are open year round but know that they are primitive and there isn’t any access to bathrooms, showers or electricity. And there is a 6-mile hike to a few of the campsites because they are located inland and on the edge of the lake.
Stop by the Visitor Center and Gift Shop for maps, souvenirs, apparel and to learn more about the Native American archeological site also located here.
Location: 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076
3. Radnor Lake State Park
This scenic trail system consists of 5 miles of unpaved paths through the woods and around the lake for spectacular views of nature and wildlife year round.
There are 8 hiking trails here ranging from easy to difficult depending upon the flatness of the terrain or the parts with hills. You’ll find a map of the complete trail system as well as exhibits and a gift shop inside of the Visitor Center.
The Barbara J Mapp Aviary Education Center is also located here and offers educational programs on the environment and birds in particular. They have several birds of prey onsite including a great horned owl and a bald eagle.
Location: 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220
4. Harpeth River State Park
This park was originally created to connect several state historic, natural and archeological sites along the Harpeth River. Today there are 9 river access sites that are open year round.
Spend a relaxing day here hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking or canoeing. But please be aware of the no trespassing signs while on the river, as much of the land around the river is privately owned.
And be sure to check out these other points of access to this beautiful historical river:
Narrows of the Harpeth is located just off of Cedar Hill Rd and offers an ideal spot for picnicking as well as boating, fishing and hiking.
Montgomery Bell’s Pattison Forge was once located here. All that’s left is a 100 yard tunnel that was built through the rock by Montgomery Bell. It is considered to be one of the oldest man-made tunnels dating all the way back to 1818.
Location: 7851 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221
5. Cedars of Lebanon State Park
If you’re looking for a scenic drive and perhaps an overnight stay at a campground you’ll find what you’re looking for at this state park, located just 40 minutes outside of Nashville. This 1,139-acre park was built between 1925 and 1949 and became a state park in 1955.
The park was named for the eastern red cedar trees that resembled the forests in Mount Lebanon on the Mediterranean Sea.
There are 117 campsites here with picnic tables, grills and electric and water hookups. Plus there are additional tent campsites as well as a modern lodge that is open year round and has room for up to 80 people to sleep comfortably.
Location: 328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090
6. Montgomery Bell State Park
This large state park, located just 40 minutes west of Nashville, has it all: camping, hiking, boating, fishing, swimming and golfing! And they are open year round.
There are 3 lakes here plus 19 miles of trails to explore. Stay for a night or longer in one of their 8 modern cabins, at one of their 94 campsites or inside their fully renovated 117 room lodge on Lake Acorn.
The Lodge also has a restaurant and bar that is open to the public and a 6,000 foot event space. Check out the Clubhouse at Par 72 and enjoy a snack on their outside patio. And don’t forget to take a peek at the museum located inside the park office and see all of the local artifacts on display there.
Location: 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029
7. Henry Horton State Park
Another great place to spend a night and enjoy all that mother nature has to offer! This park is a little further away than the others at about an hour’s drive from Nashville.
It’s located on the estate of former Governor Henry Horton and is on Duck River where there are remnants of a historic mill and bridge.
Many options available here for staying overnight and it really just depends upon your preferences. You can choose to stay in one of their 8 cabins, 56 RV campsites, 10 tent campsites, 9 primitive campsites or 3 backcountry campsites.
The Lodge Henry Horton has a restaurant and lounge that is open to the public as well as many large conference/meeting spaces to accommodate large gatherings. And there’s also an 18-hole golf course located here!
Location: 4209 Nashville Hwy, Chapel Hill, TN 37034
Conclusion
Whether you’re living in Nashville or just visiting you’re sure to enjoy a day or two taking in some scenic views of this beautiful state. Start with the closest park and work your way down the list. You won’t be disappointed!
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