Trail running is becoming increasingly popular across the globe. In fact, according to the American College of Sports Medicine, trail running is now the fastest growing sport in the United States. The popularity of trail running is due to its low impact nature, allowing runners to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about their health.
There are thousands of miles of trails throughout the country, from urban areas to rural ones. Whether you want to go for a leisurely stroll or a challenging race, these trails offer something for everyone. Here’s our list of the best trail running trails in Nashville.
Hermitage Park
Hermitage Park is one of the most beautiful places in Tennessee, and it offers many different activities for visitors. It was originally designed as a botanical garden, but today, it also hosts concerts, festivals, and other events.
The park features several paved paths that allow visitors to explore the park at their own pace. There are also many trails that lead through the woods. These trails can be used for hiking, jogging, biking, and even horseback riding.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is another beautiful place located near downtown Nashville. It features a large lake with lots of picnic tables and pavilions where people can spend time together.
This park also includes a golf course, tennis courts, playgrounds, and more. It’s perfect for families who want to spend time outside while enjoying the fresh air.
Spring Creek Greenway
Spring Creek Greenway is an easy-to-use trail that connects downtown Nashville with the suburbs. It runs along Spring Creek and provides access to numerous parks and recreation centers.
It’s a great way to get exercise and see the city at the same time. You can walk, jog, bike, or ride your rollerblades on this trail.
Belle Meade Plantation
Belle Meade Plantation is a historic plantation located just south of Nashville. Today, it’s home to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site.
Belle Meade Plantation is open year-round and allows visitors to tour the mansion and gardens. The grounds feature several walking and cycling trails that take guests past ponds, streams, and fountains.
Pinson Mounds State Park
Pinson Mounds State Park is a state park located in Middle Tennessee. This park preserves some of the largest archaeological sites found in North America.
Guests can hike the trails to view ancient Native American burial mounds, petroglyphs, and rock art. They can also visit the visitor center to learn more about the history of the site.
Riverfront Walk
Riverfront Walk is a 1.1-mile path that follows the Cumberland River through Downtown Nashville. The path starts at the Public Square and ends at the riverbank.
There are benches placed along the route, so you can sit down and relax while watching the boats pass by.
Belmont Mansion Grounds
Belmont Mansion is a historic house and national landmark located in Nashville, Tennessee. The mansion was constructed in 1855 for John Henry “Commodore” Vanderbilt II, the son of Cornelius Vanderbilt.
The home is now owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The property includes 2 acres of formal gardens, terraced lawns, and woodlands, making it perfect for hiking, trail walking, and bike riding.
Lake Juliette State Park
Lake Juliette State Park is located on the shores of Lake Juliette in Middle Tennessee. This state park is home to many different types of wildlife including deer, wild turkey, raccoons, ducks, geese, turtles, snakes, frogs, fish, and even bald eagles!
If you’re looking for an easy walk around the lake, there are plenty of options available. For example, you can choose between the Lakefront Trail, which is 2.5 miles long, or the Lake View Trail, which is 3.9 miles long. Both trails have paved paths and wooden boardwalks.
Cheatham Hill Nature Reserve
Cheatham Hill is a public nature preserve located in Davidson County, Tennessee. It was established in 1991 with the goal of protecting the land and preserving it for future generations. Visitors come here to enjoy the beautiful scenery, watch birds, and learn about local ecology.
You can access the trailhead by taking I-40 West towards Murfreesboro. Take Exit 8 (Hwy 70) and follow Hwy 70 East until you reach the entrance. Once you arrive, you can either drive up the hill or walk down the hill.
Riverbend Park
Riverbend Park is a public park located in Davidson County, TN. It features two large ponds, a playground, a baseball field, tennis courts, a basketball court, a volleyball court, a walking path, and much more.
This park has three main trails that allow you to experience all that the park has to offer. These trails include the North Pond Trail, South Pond Trail, and the Riverwalk Trail. Each trail has a unique name, but they all lead to the same destination.
Spring Creek Falls
Spring Creek Falls is a waterfall located in Franklin, Tennessee. It is part of the Cumberland Plateau region and is surrounded by forests and fields. The falls are approximately 100 feet tall and are just one of the many attractions found in this park.
To get to the waterfall, head west on Highway 72 toward Lebanon. Continue driving past the intersection with Highway 40 and then turn right onto Old Hickory Boulevard. Follow Old Hickory Boulevard until you see the sign for Spring Creek Falls.
How To Run 2 Miles
Running 2 miles may not seem like much, but it still takes time and effort. So let’s look at how to run 2 miles. You’ll need to build endurance and strength through consistent training.
Start slowly and gradually increase your mileage over time. It can take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months depending on how much running experience you have. If you’re new to the sport, start with shorter distances.
Warming up is an important part of preparing for a run. Before any workout, stretch out your muscles and do some light aerobic exercise. This helps loosen up tight muscles and increases blood flow throughout your body.
The best way to fuel yourself for a long run is by eating small meals every two hours. Try to avoid eating too close to bedtime because this may cause stomach problems.
It’s recommended that you drink plenty of fluids during the long run. Water is essential to keep your body hydrated. Drink as much as you can without feeling bloated.
Final Thoughts
Nashville is a great place to live if you love hiking because there are so many amazing trails to explore. Whether you want to go running or hiking, these trails will provide you with some of the best views and experiences in the area.
