Nashville, TN is a great destination for runners, with nearly 80 miles of trails along the Cumberland River connecting the city's parks and trails. The iconic Warner Parks, managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation of the Nashville Metropolitan Area, are two of the largest city-managed parks in Tennessee. Together, they encompass more than 3,100 acres of forest and field, 14 miles from downtown Nashville. Percy Warner Park is Tennessee's beauty at its best. One of the most popular ways to explore this park is to start at the entrance of Belle Meade and run up the iconic stone steps of Warner Park.
This is a great option for those looking for a scenic route for their longer runs or a place to run a bit on trails. Percy Warner offers several paved and primitive trails, with a trail that connects it to Edwin Warner Park. If you visit both parks, you have a total of 12 miles of trail options. If you're looking for an extra challenge, the steps of the Tennessee State Capitol are another favorite among city runners. There are steps that go up the left and right sides of the Capitol, as well as well-equipped stairs to go down the back of the building.
So if you're looking for a good way to exercise (that also has a beautiful view), the Capitol Staircase is your ideal spot. And if you feel like running a little longer, you can always go to the Bicentennial Shopping Center and walk past the Farmers' Market for a panoramic view of the city. A particularly beautiful route starts at Belmont Blvd and goes up Music Row, circling around the statue of Music at the end. Crossing the downtown pedestrian bridge and crossing Riverfront Park is also popular among Nashville runners. East Nasty Running Club meets every Wednesday at 6 a.m.
and 6 p.m. on the corner of 11th Street and Holly. Just north of Nashville, there are green trails in Hendersonville, White House and Springfield. The city has been working hard over the past few years to considerably improve the Riverfront Park area, making it one of the most beautiful places to go for a run in Nashville. If you're coming from the east side, there's a popular track that starts at Lockeland Springs, crosses the downtown pedestrian bridge before reaching the ring road, and then returns east to Nashville. In Franklin, 32 kilometers south of Nashville, there are charming running parks such as Franklin Greenway and a historic horse farm.
The greenway offers more than 8 kilometers of paved, ADA-accessible trails for hiking, biking, running, skating and wildlife viewing, as well as more than 8 kilometers of primitive trails for more passive activities such as walking, running and exploring nature. He hosts group races on Tuesday nights at Percy Warner Park and on Thursday mornings at the West Side store.
