The best walks and hikes in Cheatham County

The North Fork Laurel Woods Trail offers a delightful journey through varied forest scenery, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll wander through dense hardwood and pine trees, with the path gently descending into valleys to cross streams before climbing back to ridges. The area around Long Hollow Creek is especially picturesque, featuring beautiful switchbacks that add to the trail's charm. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and local wildlife, particularly if you visit during spring or summer. This route provides a refreshing escape into nature without demanding too much effort.

Starting at the Highland Trailhead, you'll find convenient parking, a picnic area, and trail maps to help you get oriented. The trail is generally accessible throughout the year, and there are no permits or fees required, making it an easy choice for a spontaneous adventure. It's a great option for families or anyone looking for a straightforward hike, and you can complete it in either direction. Consider visiting in the morning for cooler temperatures and a quieter experience.

This segment is part of the larger Laurel Woods Trail system within Beaman Park, known for its lush forest environment. While the broader system includes longer, more moderate sections, the North Fork portion is specifically designed to be easy and family-friendly. The trail's gentle 154 feet (47 metres) of elevation gain over 3.0 miles (4.8 km) makes it suitable for beginners, typically taking about 1 hour and 17 minutes. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Davidson County.

Wander along the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail and discover a peaceful escape just outside Nashville. This easy 0.8-mile (1.4 km) hiking route, with only 7 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain, guides you past impressive limestone bluffs and offers beautiful views of the river, especially in spring and fall. You'll find yourself on a mostly flat path, a mix of paved and hard-packed gravel sections, making it a pleasant 20-minute stroll for nearly everyone.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is well-maintained and features comfort stations and shaded picnic areas. It's a popular spot, so you might share the path with other walkers, cyclists, and dog owners. The trail is dog friendly, provided your furry friend stays on a leash, making it a great option for a family outing.

This trail is a segment of the historic Tennessee Central Railway, transformed into a "rails-to-trails" path, blending natural beauty with a touch of history. Keep an eye out for plant identification signs and, if you're lucky, you might spot eagles or pelicans, especially during winter. It's a fantastic example of how old infrastructure can be repurposed for accessible outdoor recreation.

The Eagle Pass section of the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail offers a delightful, easygoing journey along a converted rail bed, providing continuous views of the Cumberland River. You'll wander past impressive limestone bluffs, picturesque wetlands, and lively streams, with the chance to see vibrant wildflowers and dogwood blooms in spring. Keep an eye out for historic railroad trestle bridges, like the large one spanning Sycamore Creek, which offers expansive vistas, and you might even spot eagles or winter pelicans.

This 2.7-mile (4.4 km) hiking route is rated easy, with a minimal 20 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes just over 1 hour and 5 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for a relaxed outing or a family-friendly adventure. For optimal river viewing and wildlife spotting, consider visiting in the spring or fall when the tree canopy is less dense.

This trail is a segment of the broader Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail, repurposing old Tennessee Central Railroad beds for recreational use. Its historical significance, combined with the ecological importance of the Cumberland River and its diverse wildlife, makes it a unique natural feature in the Cheatham County area. It's a perfect spot for beginner hiking in Tennessee.

Hike the easy 0.4-mile Bluff Trail in Harpeth River State Park, offering scenic views and a gentle 48-foot elevation gain.

Embark on the Hidden Lake and Ridge Loop, an easy hiking route that promises pleasant natural surroundings for a relaxing outing. This trail guides you past the serene Hidden Lake, a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the water's calm. You will also follow sections along the Harpeth River, where you can take in scenic views and watch for local wildlife. The entire loop covers 2.5 miles (4.0 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 101 feet (31 metres), making it accessible for most. You can comfortably complete this hike in about 1 hour and 2 minutes, offering a quick escape into nature.

Planning your visit to the Hidden Lake and Ridge Loop is straightforward. The trailhead is conveniently located within Harpeth River State Park, where parking is typically available for visitors. This trail is generally accessible year-round, so you can enjoy it in any season. Before heading out, it is always a good idea to check the park's official website for any specific alerts or seasonal information that might affect your trip.

This loop is a family-friendly option, suitable for all ages, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely day outdoors. The route's gentle terrain and clear path ensure a comfortable experience for everyone. Its location within Harpeth River State Park means you are also close to other natural attractions and trails if you wish to extend your adventure. Consider this trail for a peaceful escape into the natural beauty of the area.

The Laurel Woods Trail offers a deep dive into Beaman Park's backcountry, winding through lush hardwood and pine forests that burst with wildflowers and vibrant fall foliage. You'll experience a recurring pattern of descending to cross streams, like the scenic Creek in Beaman Park, before climbing back up to ridges, providing a dynamic and engaging journey through varied terrain.

Planning your visit to this challenging route is straightforward, as it's just 25 minutes from downtown Nashville. The trail is dog-friendly, welcoming your furry friends to join the adventure. While the full 12.3-mile (19.8 km) loop is a difficult undertaking with 1119 feet (341 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 5 hours and 27 minutes, shorter options are available, including a 6-mile loop utilizing the Shortcut Trail.

Opened in October 2020, the Laurel Woods Trail is a relatively new addition to Beaman Park, providing access to previously inaccessible areas and expanding the park's hiking offerings. Its design, with repeating ascents and descents, makes it a notable option for those seeking a substantial workout and a true immersion in nature, distinguishing it from other trails in the Nashville-Davidson area.

Hike the 13.3-mile Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail near Ashland City, Tennessee, offering river views, historic bridges, and wildlife.

The Creek in Beaman Park loop offers a refreshing escape into nature, winding through the diverse ecosystems of the Western Highland Rim. You'll traverse thick hardwood forests, follow the meandering Henry Creek, and encounter unique limestone outcroppings. The trail provides a sense of solitude and a chance to spot local wildlife, especially vibrant wildflowers if you visit in spring.

This moderate 7.3-mile (11.8 km) hike involves 680 feet (207 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 3 hours and 15 minutes. Parking is available at Beaman Park, which serves as the trailhead. The park is accessible year-round, but spring is particularly beautiful for the blooming wildflowers; consider an early start to beat any crowds.

Beaman Park is a significant natural sanctuary near Nashville, known for its diverse plant communities, including rare hillside barrens and post oak woodlands. It's home to a rare shortleaf pine population and the state-listed Eggert's sunflower. This trail is a popular choice for those seeking a substantial yet manageable outdoor adventure with rich natural features.