Radnor Lake
1160 Otter Creek Rd.; radnorlake.org
Steven S. Harman / Tennessean
Whether you’re looking to hike or bike the park’s six miles of trails, or sign up for a canoe tour, Radnor offers some truly stunning scenery, not to mention wildlife and wildflower sightings galore.
Shelby Bottoms
1900 Shelby Bottoms Greenway, 615-862-8539; nashville.gov
Samuel M. Simpkins / Tennessean
With a park, nature center, an off-leash dog park, golfing and more, Shelby Bottoms has it all. And it’s only a few minutes from Downtown Nashville.
Percy and Edwin Warner Parks
Head to West Nashville for some of the city’s most beautiful hiking trails. With 3,200 acres of beautiful wooded hills, open meadows, and bubbling streams, and nearly 17 miles of hiking trails, Edwin and Percy Warner are the largest municipally administered parks in the state.
Centennial Park
2500 West End Ave., 615-862-8400; nashville.gov
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean
This urban oasis is a perfect spot for morning runs, laying out, or pop-up concerts, right in the middle of town.
Cummins Falls
390 Cummins Falls Ln., Cookeville; tnstateparks/parks/cummins-falls
If you’re looking to make a day trip out of your hike, hop in the car and head to Cummins Falls. This 75-foot-tall waterfall (one of the largest in the state) is located in Jackson County—just a few hours from Nashville. But dress accordingly: This is a true hike and includes a bit of climbing, a bit of swimming, and some serious ground to cover. But the view is worth every bit of it.