Nashville Adds Protected Cycling Routes Across Two Major City Parks

Nashville Metro Parks opened two dedicated beginner cycling loops on July 8 that total 4.2 miles of car-free pavement inside Centennial Park and Shelby Bottoms Greenway.

The additions arrive as summer temperatures climb and more residents look for outdoor activity close to home instead of driving to distant trails. Local wellness programs have tracked a 22 percent rise in family park visits since the start of June, according to Metro Parks attendance logs released this week.

Both loops sit inside neighborhoods already served by existing greenways. Centennial Park’s new 1.8-mile circuit runs along the west side of the Parthenon and connects directly to the 28th Avenue bike lane. Shelby Bottoms adds a 2.4-mile flat segment that starts at the East Bank pedestrian bridge and stays south of the Cumberland River levee, away from through traffic. Bike Walk Nashville has posted updated maps on its site that mark these sections with green beginner symbols.

Where to park and rent

Families can leave cars at the Centennial Park lot off West End Avenue or the free Shelby Bottoms lot off Davidson Street. The Metro Bike Share kiosk at the Centennial Park visitor center charges $3 for a 30-minute ride or $12 for a full day with a child trailer attachment. Helmets are included at no extra charge through a grant from the Tennessee Department of Health that runs until September 30.

Metro Parks recorded 1,450 bike rentals at these two kiosks during the first week of July, up from 920 the same week last year. The agency also added four new bike-repair stands along the Shelby Bottoms loop, each stocked with basic tools and air pumps.

Practical steps for first rides

Riders should start at the Centennial Park loop, which stays inside the park fence and has only one small hill near the bandshell. From there, families can cross into the Shelby Bottoms extension via the pedestrian bridge once they feel comfortable with longer distances. Metro Parks advises checking the daily heat index on its website before heading out and carrying at least one water bottle per rider.

Trail counters at both sites will stay active through Labor Day so planners can decide whether to keep the loops open year-round or add lighting for evening use. Updated route maps and a list of nearby restrooms are available at nashville.gov/parks under the greenways tab.