If you call Nashville home then you are well aware that nothing beats the warm and golden autumn trees and perfectly crisp air. And there’s no better way to enjoy our quintessential fall scenery than by bike.
We’ve put together a simple list of beautiful trails that capture the best of Nashville’s outdoors. Here are 5 cycling trails to see the city on wheels.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Located in East Nashville, Shelby Bottoms Greenway is a 4.5-mile trail that runs along the Cumberland River. Additional spur trails can increase the mileage to 6.4 miles. Journey through both forest and along the river, while getting sneak peeks of the Nashville skyline. To make the trail even longer, the northern end of the greenway connects to Stones River Greenway at the J. Percy Priest dam.
Harpeth River Greenway
The Harpeth River Greenway in West Nashville is a series of disconnected, multi-use trails that run along the Harpeth River. When combined, the greenway is 9.2 miles of paved road. Two trailheads are located inside Edwin Warner Park, continuing for 8.6 miles featuring a boardwalk overlooking the river. The trail then resumes for a 0.6 mile loop at the Harpeth Youth Soccer Association.
Percy Warner Park Loop
Featuring beautiful wild flowers and dense forest, the Percy Warner Paved Trail is a 6.1-mile loop with a lot of hilly terrain, but with a nice overlook and lots of shade. The trail is estimated to be in the moderately steep (5-8%) grade category. If you’re looking for a cardio workout with some incline, this is the trail for you.
Stones River Greenway
For a long, paved cycling trail, head to Stones River Greenway. This 10-mile trail passes by Alta Lake, Heartland River, and the Cumberland River. The greenway connects Shelby Bottoms to Percy Priest Trailhead and dog park. It also links Heartland Park, Heartland River access, the Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge and Two Rivers Park along the way.
Natchez Trace Parkway
While the Natchez Trace Parkway spans 444 miles, commemorating the ancient trail used by animals and people that connected portions of the Mississippi River to the salt licks in central Tennessee, anyone in Nashville can cycle the portion of the trail that spans between Nashville and Franklin. Access the trailhead from Highway 100 at The Loveless Cafe and head southwest for about 15 miles to Leiper’s Fork. For a full day ride, bike out and back and enjoy the fall foliage.
Love cycling? Where do you ride your bike in Nashville? Share with us any trails we missed!