Enjoy the fresh outdoors with activities like hiking and kayaking. Within the surrounding areas of Nashville, many state parks, lakes, and rivers offer must-try hiking and kayaking adventures. Here are Nashville Guru’s top places to hike and kayak near Nashville.
Where to Hike in and around Nashville
Radnor Lake State Park
Radnor Lake State Park is located in the Oak Hill area of Nashville. The 1,368-acre park is day-use only and includes 7.75 miles of trails for hiking. Pets, jogging, and bicycles are only allowed on the Otter Creek Road trail.
Cummins Falls State Park
Cummins Falls State Park is a 306-acre park located nine miles north of Cookeville, Tennessee, about 1.5 hours outside of Music City. Cummins Falls is 75 feet high and is Tennessee’s eighth-largest waterfall in the volume of water. Visiting the waterfall will require strenuous hiking, climbing rocks, walking over slippery rocks, and wading through water. In order to reach the waterfall, there are two trails; one trail is 1.0 miles and the other is 1.5 miles.
Montgomery Bell State Park
Montgomery Bell State Park is located only 40 minutes from Downtown Nashville. The 3,850-acre park features three lakes that are perfect for swimming. There are seven hiking trails ranging from 0.55 miles to 10.25 miles. The state park also includes a golf course, restaurant, cabins, and more.
Harpeth River State Park
Harpeth River State Park is located in Kingston Springs, Tennessee. The park is linear along 40 miles of river. There are three areas within Harpeth River State Park for hiking, including Narrows of the Harpeth, Gossett Tract, and Hidden Lake. Designated hiking trails begin at 0.25 miles.
Long Hunter State Park
Long Hunter State Park is located within Davidson County and Rutherford County. The 2,600-acre park has four sections: Couchville, Baker’s Grove, Bryant Grove, and Sellars Farm. There are nine designated hiking trails ranging from 0.3 miles to 8.7 miles. Additional activities at the park include boating and swimming on J. Percy Priest Lake, biking, and fishing.
Where to Kayak in and around Nashville
Cumberland Kayak
Cumberland Kayak features a 1.5-hour kayaking route called the Nashville Skyline Paddle. This is a self-guided 3-mile paddle down the Cumberland River that features an unhindered view of the Nashville skyline. The cost is $49 per person.
River Queen Voyages
River Queen Voyages offers kayaking, pedal kayaks, pedal pontoons, and scavenger hunts. There are self-guided and guided kayak trips. The Skyline route is their most booked kayak trip that offers stunning city views along the riverwalk in Downtown Nashville. Prices vary based on route selected, activity, and group size.
Foggy Bottom Canoe and Kayak Rental
Foggy Bottom Canoe and Kayak Rental has some of the best rentals and experiences on the Harpeth River. The Harpeth River is a Class 1 river, therefore, it is slow-moving with a few mild rapids which is great for kayaking. Transportation to and from the river will be provided.
Big Willie’s Action Sports
Big Willie’s Action Sports offers a Nashville Skyline self-guided kayak experience down the Cumberland River with amazing city views. Safety equipment, tour photos, complimentary water, and sunscreen will be provided. The cost is $45 per person.
Broken Paddle Outfitters
Broken Paddle Outfitters, located 15 minutes from Downtown Nashville, provides daily canoe, kayak, and tube rentals on the Harpeth River. For $50, you can rent a single kayak, which includes all essentials, a life jacket, and shuttle service to your starting point. After that, you‘ll float back to your designated takeout location while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the river.
Get Up & Go Kayaking
Get Up & Go Kayaking offers a variety of kayak tours at Old Hickory Lake for ages 3 and up. Their tours range from 2.5 to 3 hours and include chances to see wildlife, rock cliffs, and even a waterfall. They also offer a Glow Kayak Tour and private experiences for up to 5 people. Prices start at $59 per person.
Also See:
