People often say the best thing about Nashville is the combination of a happening downtown scene and the beautiful green spaces less than ten minutes away. They are absolutely right! The parks and nature trails in Nashville are amazing. This guide is intended to help you determine which Nashville parks you should visit—we highlight our favorite urban parks, nature centers, and dog parks.
Urban Parks
Centennial Park
- Neighborhood: West End
- Address: 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
- Size: 132 acres
- Best aspects: 1-mile walking loop and a dog park
Smack dab in the middle of the hustle and bustle of offices, restaurants, and streets, Centennial Park is the perfect place to take a short walk on a lunch break. It is also home to the Parthenon replica, giving people educational benefits, along with a dose of vitamin D. Its convenient location also makes it a prime spot for events and activities. It is home to several festivals, fairs, and music series. On any given weekend, the park is full of music, food, and fun. With all of this activity, it is not the best for wildlife or nature viewing, and finding a secluded, quiet spot free of frisbees or college kids might be a challenge.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Address: 600 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243
- Size: 19 acres
- Best aspects: 2,000-seat amphitheater and 31 “Rivers of Tennessee” fountains
Literally, right in Downtown Nashville, the Capitol building and the honky tonks couldn’t be closer. Bicentennial Park has a ton of Nashville and Tennessee history throughout. The fountains that represent all the state’s rivers are a kid’s favorite cool-down spot in the summer. With all the activities, festivals, food, and music that goes on at Bicentennial Park, shorts and tank tops may outnumber the suits and ties.
Sevier Park
- Neighborhood: 12 South
- Address: 3021 Lealand Lane, Nashville, TN 37204
- Size: 20 acres
- Best aspects: convenient location and perfect picnicking
A small park in a bustling neighborhood, Sevier Park has the best of both worlds. It’s fun and lively, but hardly ever super crowded. With Burger Up nearby, hunger won’t be an issue either. There is a small playground area and a creek down below in the shadow of the pre-Civil War Sunnyside Mansion. Whether you’re looking for a sunny or shaded spot, there is plenty of room to relax, hang out, and set up a picnic.
Fannie Mae Dees Park
- Neighborhood: Hillsboro Village
- Address: 2400 Blakemore Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212
- Best aspect: mosaic dragon sculpture
Commonly referred to by locals as “Dragon Park,” Fannie Mae Dees Park is very small and conveniently located. Just outside of Hillsboro Village, it’s a great place to eat a to-go meal or walk around on your lunch break. The best part about it is the beautiful mosaic dragon sculpture. There are fun areas for kids to play in, but you can also grab a quiet spot under a tree. This is one of those Nashville parks that Nashville-born millennials remember from their early years.
Cumberland Park
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Address: 592 South First Street, Nashville, TN 37213
- Size: 6.5 acres
- Best aspect: outdoor amphitheater for events
Located on the East side of the river, Cumberland Park was completely renovated to become a go-to attraction for Nashvillians. There are many features in this park including an outdoor amphitheater for events, a rock climbing wall, water features, green space for kids to play, and much more.
Nature Centers
Shelby Bottoms
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- Address: 1900 Shelby Bottoms Greenway, Nashville, TN 37206
- Size: 1200+ acres
- Best aspects: dog park and the number of activities available
Shelby Bottoms boasts a park, a nature center, and an off-leash dog park. With more than 1200 acres, be prepared to never get bored, but perhaps lost. This place is huge, and there is a lot to do. If running isn’t your thing, try a hand at golf, baseball, fishing, or even boating. With pavement and trails, bicycling is very popular here, as well as, simply enjoying nature.
Radnor Lake State Park
- Neighborhood: Green Hills
- Address: 1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville, TN 37220
- Size: 1200 acres
- Best aspects: walking trails and wildlife
Radnor Lake is one of the best places for spotting deer, beavers, birds, turtles, and more. With picnicking and running prohibited, wildlife is preserved in this little patch of nature within the city. The park benches face the lake which makes a perfect spot for daydreaming or reading. The hiking and walking trails are well-marked and great for a little escape during your day.
Percy & Edwin Warner Parks
- Neighborhood: Belle Meade
- Address: 50 Vaughn Road, Nashville, TN 37221
- Size: 2,500+ acres
- Best aspects: hiking, cross-country running, and horse trails
Whether you’re seeking beautiful scenic roadways or action-packed raceways, Warner Parks has you covered. Home of the Iroquois Steeplechase, there is a strong equestrian love here. They also hold the state championship for cross-country, several marathons, and golf courses. The Warner Parks have more of a hiking vibe than a walking vibe, so be prepared. Lace up your tennis shoes and get ready for some activity at these extremely popular Nashville parks.
Dog Parks
Fair Park Dog Park
- Hours: dawn to dusk
- Address: Bransford Avenue, Nashville, TN 37204
Warner Dog Park
- Hours: dawn to dusk
- Address: 50 Vaughn Road, Nashville, TN 37221
Shelby Dog Park
- Hours: dawn to dusk
- Address: Shelby Avenue at South 20th Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Two Rivers Dog Park
- Hours: dawn to dusk
- Address: 3150 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
Centennial Dog Park
- Hours: dawn to dusk
- Address: 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
Percy Priest Dam Dog Park
- Hours: dawn to dusk
- Address: 3778 Bell Road, Hermitage, TN 37076
Riverfront Dog Park at Ascend
- Hours: dawn to 11:00pm
- Address: 200 1st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37201
Bridgestone Dog Park
- Address: 6th Avenue South and Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
For more information on Nashville parks, check out the government website.Â
I have just finished reading your article on all of the parks in Nashville. I thought it was very informative and really enjoyed how it was written and all of the pictures made the parks look inviting and a safe and interesting place to visit.
Don’t forget about Two Rivers Dog Park. This dog park is over 7 acres fully fenced in with a walking track that circles the park. This dog park is so big that even on crowded Spring Saturdays it does not feel overrun with dogs like Shelby and Centennial does.