Nashville Trails

Vanderbilt cross country has several options to help those looking for some fresh-air exercise

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Under Tennessee’s stay-at-home order, you are allowed to exercise outside, and many hiking trails remain open for this purpose as long as you maintain a safe six-foot distance when you see others on the trails.

Sophomore Lucas Mowery of Vanderbilt men’s cross country’s has several options to help with those looking for some fresh-air exercise. Remember to check the Nashville Parks and Recreation website for the availability of each park.

Vanderbilt University Athletics - Official Athletics Website

Shelby Bottoms Park 
• Park at the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center.
• Shelby is awesome because it offers both dirt trails and concrete paths. There is an abandoned airfield to explore and riverside paths that will go for miles.

Cumberland River Trail
• Park at Ted Rhodes Golf Course for easiest access.

Vanderbilt University Athletics - Official Athletics Website

Percy Warner Park
• Park at the end of Belle Meade Boulevard near Percy Warner Golf Course.
• Hilly yet beautiful trails. There are many different loops and tons of dirt/concrete to explore. Easily my favorite place to run anywhere near Nashville.

Stones River Greenway
• Park at Stones River Greenway Trailhead.
• Ironically this is the very end of the trail that you start in Shelby Bottoms. Well worth the extra five minutes in my opinion.

Vanderbilt University Athletics - Official Athletics Website

Ashland City Trail
• Park at The Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail in Ashland City.
• Long and flat concrete with lots of cool bridges over the water.

Bells Bend
• Park at bells bend outdoor center
• Grassy trails in big open fields. Beautiful but no coverage/shade so it can get hot.

Vanderbilt University Athletics - Official Athletics Website