The best cycling routes in Wilson County

The Peeler Park loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience through a pastoral landscape, winding along the Cumberland River. You'll pedal through quiet woodlands and open fields on a flat, paved asphalt surface, making it an easy 5.6-mile (9.0 km) ride. Keep an eye out for deer, hawks, and even bald eagles as you enjoy the scenic views and tranquil atmosphere of this Nashville gem.

Planning your visit to Peeler Park is simple, with convenient parking available directly within the park. This easy route, with only 97 feet (30 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 31 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a quick, leisurely outing. It's an ideal choice for beginner cycling routes or family-friendly Peeler Park cycling routes.

Peeler Park is often hailed as a hidden gem in Nashville, providing a peaceful escape that feels far removed from city life. Beyond the cycling greenway, the park's history as a working farm adds to its rural charm, and it's a known spot for birdwatching and fishing along the Cumberland River.

The Shelby Bottoms Greenway – Sevier Lake loop from Hermitage offers a refreshing touring cycling experience, guiding you through a vibrant urban oasis. You'll pedal along mostly paved paths, enjoying varied scenery that includes the Cumberland River, dense bottomland forests, and open fields, with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife. This moderate 30.2-mile (48.7 km) route, with its 1241 feet (378 metres) of elevation gain, provides a substantial ride that typically takes around 2 hours and 59 minutes, making it a great option for those seeking a longer outing.

Starting your journey from Hermitage, you'll connect to the extensive Shelby Bottoms Greenway system, which includes access to the tranquil Sevier Lake. The main trailhead at the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center offers convenient amenities like restrooms and educational exhibits, making it an ideal starting point. While the greenway itself is known for its accessibility, this particular loop offers a moderate challenge, perfect for cyclists looking to push a bit further. Consider this route if you're exploring beginner touring cycling routes Nashville has to offer, but are ready for a longer distance.

What makes this route truly special is its ability to transport you from the city bustle into a natural floodplain preserve, rich in ecological diversity. The greenway's connection to the Stones River Greenway via a pedestrian bridge expands your cycling possibilities, forming part of the larger Music City Bikeway network. You'll also pass through the unique Cornelia Fort Air Park, a former airfield now repurposed for recreation, adding an interesting historical layer to your ride.

The Stones River Greenway near I-40 in Hermitage offers a delightful touring cycling experience, balancing scenic beauty with varied terrain. This easy 9.0-mile (14.5 km) loop, with 319 feet (97 metres) of elevation gain, largely parallels the Stones River, guiding you through lush greenery, hardwood forests, and unique cedar glades. You'll enjoy views of beautiful limestone and may even spot wildlife like deer, all on a primarily paved, multi-use path that takes about 56 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is easy, with multiple trailheads and convenient parking options, such as those near Kohl's and the YMCA in Hermitage. While the route is generally smooth, be aware that some older sections might have asphalt cracks from tree roots. It's also important to note that a previously popular boardwalk section was indefinitely closed for safety as of September 2024, so plan accordingly.

This section of the Stones River Greenway is a key part of Nashville's extensive greenway system, known for its picturesque scenery and varied features. You'll encounter historic sites like the Clover Bottom Mansion and Two Rivers Mansion, as well as unique tunnel sections, some adorned with vibrant murals. The trail's shaded portions make it a comfortable ride, even on sunny days, offering a refreshing escape into nature.

If you're seeking a pleasant and scenic touring cycling route near Nashville, the Stones River Greenway cycling routes near Percy Priest Dam offer a fantastic option. This particular loop, the View of the Lake at Sweet Hill, is a 12.2-mile (19.7 km) easy ride with 384 feet (117 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes. You'll pedal along a mostly paved path, enjoying expansive views of J. Percy Priest Lake and the Stones River, with plenty of shaded sections and opportunities to spot wildlife.

To plan your visit, head to the J. Percy Priest Dam, where you'll find convenient parking and restrooms. This popular trail can get busy, especially on nice days, so an early start is often best to avoid the crowds. While the route is rated easy, be aware of a couple of short, steep hills that might challenge your legs, adding a bit of spice to your ride.

This section of the Stones River Greenway is celebrated for its natural beauty, featuring diverse wooded areas, charming wooden bridges, and interesting limestone formations. It's also part of a larger system, connecting to the Shelby Bottoms Greenway, which allows for extended cycling adventures if you wish to explore further. The greenway's infrastructure and natural appeal make it one of Tennessee's best bike trails.