Top Walking Trails Rated by Distance and Difficulty

Nashville has 190 miles of trails, according to the Nashville Parks and Recreation department, with the longest trail being the 26-mile Cumberland River Greenway.

With the summer heat in full swing, many Nashvillians are looking for ways to stay active while also beating the heat. Walking is a great way to get some exercise while also enjoying the city's natural beauty. Nashville's outdoor fitness culture is thriving, with many residents taking advantage of the city's numerous parks and green spaces to stay active. The city's parks and recreation department offers a variety of programs and facilities to support outdoor fitness, including walking trails, bike paths, and fitness classes.

Locally, some of the most popular walking trails can be found in places like Percy Warner Park, Edwin Warner Park, and Shelby Bottoms Greenway. The Warner Parks, located on Old Hickory Boulevard, offer over 20 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Shelby Bottoms Greenway, which runs along the Cumberland River, offers a 5-mile trail that is perfect for a leisurely walk or a more intense run. The Nashville Parks Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the city's parks and recreation department, offers a variety of resources and guides to help residents navigate the city's trail system.

Trail Ratings and Statistics

According to data from the Nashville Parks and Recreation department, the most popular walking trails in the city are the Cumberland River Greenway, with over 250,000 visitors per year, and the Warner Parks trails, with over 150,000 visitors per year. The cost to use these trails is free, although some parking areas may require a fee. The city's trail system is also supported by a number of local businesses and organizations, including the Nashville Running Company, which offers guided runs and walking tours of the city's trails. As of 2025, the city had invested over $10 million in trail development and maintenance, with plans to add an additional 50 miles of trails over the next 5 years.

For those looking to get started with walking, the city offers a number of resources and programs to support outdoor fitness. The Nashville Parks and Recreation department offers a variety of fitness classes, including walking and hiking groups, and the city's trail system is well-marked and easy to navigate. Additionally, many local fitness studios and gyms offer walking and hiking classes, such as the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, which offers a variety of outdoor fitness classes, including walking and hiking groups. With its extensive network of trails and green spaces, Nashville is a great place to get outside and get active, and with a little planning and preparation, residents can enjoy the city's natural beauty while also improving their physical and mental health.