Shelley Mays / The Tennessean Shelley Mays
Cummins Falls State Park near Cookeville features Tennessee?s eighth-largest waterfall. Shelley Mays / File / The Tennessean
RADNOR LAKE STATE PARK
Calling all nature enthusiasts: Radnor Lake State Park is your super-local getaway. With its abundance of wildlife, environmental education programs, and hiking trails, this 1,368-acre park is an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of city life—without ever leaving the city. The park’s 7.75 miles of trails provide an afternoon full of connecting with nature, as it is strictly open to hiking, photography, and wildlife observation. (Pets, jogging, and bicycles are permitted on the park’s Otter Creek Road trail.) A wide variety of wildlife and plants make this park especially unique, including owls, herons, waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles, mink, and otter, as well as stunning wildflowers, mosses, ferns, and vines. Don’t miss the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center for an up-close observational experience. All of it adds up to an immersive nature adventure, right here in Music City. (tnstateparks.com/parks/radnor-lake)
CUMMINS FALLS STATE PARK
In the mood to add a new adventure to the mix? An easy ninety-minute drive to Cookeville will get you out to Cummins Falls State Park, where chasing waterfalls is the name of the game—the park is home to Tennessee’s eighth largest waterfall at a whopping seventy-five feet high. This rugged 282-acre park has been a favorite swimming hole for more than 100 years. Cummins Falls offers several hiking trails ranging from moderate to difficult—be sure to wear sturdy shoes that will carry you through varied natural trail surfaces including water crossings, boulders and other obstacles. The park is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., with the gorge area closing at 5 p.m. Get an early start so you have plenty of time to take in the breathtaking views—it’s the perfect day trip adventure. (tnstateparks.com/parks/cummins-falls)
OLD HICKORY BEACH
Nashville might technically be landlocked, but a trip to Old Hickory Beach will give you that glorious, sand-between-your-toes-feeling. With shoreline views of Old Hickory Lake, this spot serves as a haven for beach lovers. The sandy beach includes a designated swimming area—great for beating that scorching Tennessee heat. If you’re a boat owner, spend a long afternoon cruising the lake or casting a line. Take a lunch break in the shade at the beach’s picnic area, or take the kids to check out the playground. You might even catch a glimpse of some local wildlife, as the beach is known for migratory songbirds, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and more. Or, if you’re in the mood to hike, head over to the 1.1-mile Old Hickory Lake Nature Trail. (old-hickory-lake.org/old-hickory-beach)
BURGESS FALLS STATE PARK
Just under an hour and a half, it’s an easy drive to Burgess Falls State Park, located on the Falling Water River. This park radiates natural beauty, but its most popular attraction is the falls themselves; there are four that reach 250 feet in elevation. The last of these falls is perhaps the most breathtaking, as it cascades more than 130 feet into the gorge below. If you’re looking for some activities to accompany these spectacular views, Burgess Falls has you covered. Fishing is popular, either below the dam or at the main waterfall along the bank; there’s also a fishing pier. Or, hike right past the waterfalls on the moderately strenuous River Trail/Service Road Loop if you’re in the mood for a challenge. The half-mile Ridge Top Trail is also scenic, with views of Falling Water River’s main canyon. And if you’ve come to relax, you can enjoy lunch at the park’s spacious covered pavilion, equipped with grills and a perfect river view. (tnstateparks.com/parks/burgess-falls)
PERCY AND EDWIN WARNER PARKS
Just nine miles from downtown sits 3,200 acres of stunning wooded hills, sprawling meadows, and streams—better known as the Warner Parks. With a nature center, picnic areas, a dog park, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, an equestrian center and horse trails, cross-country running courses, golf courses, and endless scenic overlooks, it’s no wonder nearly a million people visit these parks every year. Go for the seventeen miles of multi-use trails where you can take in all of the area’s summer beauty. In addition to hiking trails, there are twenty miles of paved roadway, good for running and bike rides. Oh, and did we mention that the parks are also home to the annual Iroquois Steeplechase? With so much to see and do there really is something for everyone. (nashville.gov)