For a city being known for its music culture and good eats (best hot chicken you’ll eat in the U.S), Nashville continues to grow not only in population but with an expanding number of running paths. That being said, many Nashvillians are starting to take advantage of the wide variety of running trails in the city.
Running through Nashville’s famous ‘Music Row,’ to the heights of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, these trails will not only allow you to get more than just a good sweat in, you’ll also sightsee what Nashville has to offer. If you prefer the city’s urban paths or the more offroad, au natural trails, we’ll be your guide with a list of Nashville’s best and most scenic running paths!
CUMBERLAND RIVER GREENWAY
The Cumberland River Greenway is a lush contrast to the endless party of downtown and Broadway, and the 3.5 miles of riverside path feature scenic overlooks of the Cumberland and the Nashville skyline. Make your way to the part of the greenway known as the MetroCenter Levee Greenway that begins at Ted Rhodes Park and weaves around the city on the west bank. Then, cross the Shelby Avenue Pedestrian Bridge to continue onto the East Bank Greenway and take a break in the scenic Cumberland Park right on the riverfront.
CENTENNIAL PARK
Centennial Park is one of Nashville’s premier parks. Located on West End and 25th Avenue North, the 132-acre features: the iconic Parthenon, a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, the Centennial Art Center, historical monuments, an arts activity center, a beautiful sunken garden, a band shell, an events shelter, sand volleyball courts, dog park, and an exercise trail. Thousands of people visit the park each year to visit the museum, see exhibits, attend festivals, and just enjoy the beauty of the park.
RICHLAND CREEK GREENWAY
- Location: Sylvan Park
- Length: 5.25 miles
- Trail End Points: McCabe Park
The Richland Creek Greenway is an over 5 mile multi-use trail that connects the neighborhoods of Sylvan Park and Cherokee Park with the shopping centers, entertainment areas and schools along White Bridge Pike via three access spurs. The greenway makes nearly a complete loop around McCabe Park, and a 1-mile portion of it follows the railroad tracks between White Bridge Pike and Cherokee Road.
STONES RIVER GREENWAY
- Location: East Nashville
- Length: 10.2 miles
- Trail End Points: Shelby Park to Percy Priest Dam
Ten-mile paved trail system connecting Shelby Bottoms to Percy Priest Lake and linking to the YMCA on Lebanon Road, Heartland Park, and Two Rivers Park along the way.
SHELBY BOTTOMS GREENWAY
Shelby Bottoms Greenway is a beautiful, paved trail with impressive views of the Cumberland River. As you run along the river, keep your eye out for Spot Opryland’s General Jackson Riverboat. The trail is nearly 4 miles one-way, with quarter-mile markers. The Nature Center is a 15 minute drive East of the city, with plenty of parking. The northern terminus of the trail is just south of Opryland.