The Best Hiking Trails Around Columbia, TN

Tennessee is full of opportunities to enjoy nature, and one of our favorite ways to do that is by hitting a hiking trail. If you’re local to Columbia, there are plenty of trails that are, quite literally, in your backyard. Here are some hiking trails that you can try in and around Columbia, Tennessee.

Richland Creek Greenway

Located in Davidson County, this asphalt trail stretches five miles between two of Nashville’s neighborhoods, Cherokee Park and Sylvan Park, and almost completely loops around McCabe Park. The trail features a one-mile stretch that follows the railroad tracks between Cherokee Road and White Bridge Pike. For those interested in rail history, you can stop at the trailhead at White Bridge Road to learn about the Great Train Wreck of 1918 that occurred at Dutchman’s Curve. Because of its paved surface, this trail is wheelchair accessible and is perfect for a range of activities, including walking, inline skating, and biking.

Murfreesboro’s Stones River Greenway System

The Murfreesboro’s Stones River Greenway System is made up of 8.5 miles of linear hiking trails that are located in Rutherford County, specifically in the Lytle Creek and Stones River areas. These asphalt-paved trails are 12 feet wide, making them wheelchair accessible and large enough to enjoy bicycling, rollerblading, running, or walking. The system has trailheads with parking lots located at Cannonsburgh, Fortress Rosecrans, Manson Pike, Redoubt Brannon, General Bragg, Broad Street, and Thompson Lane. In fact, the General Bragg trailhead even has a playground and a picnic shelter with several tables. The greenway also features a .25-mile spur that connects several landmarks and exhibits, including Cannonsburgh Village, Redoubt Brannon, Fortress Rosecrans, Artillery Monument, and the Stones River National Battlefield.

Henry Horton State Park

Located along Duck River in Chapel Hill, Tennessee, Henry Horton State Park boasts one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. The park features over 10 miles of hiking trails, allowing you to explore the area’s natural beauty. Aside from hiking, you can also enjoy camping, bird watching, fishing, golfing, skeet shooting, swimming, disc golf, and biking during your visit.

Peeler Park Greenway

Peeler Park Greenway is part of Nashville’s ever-growing system of greenways that connect neighborhoods and points of interest. This paved trail is located in Davidson County and is just under two miles long, making it on the shorter side. It follows the river in Peeler Park, which serves as the trail’s access point. Aside from being wheelchair accessible and perfect for walking, inline skating, and biking, this greenway also features an unpaved trail for horseback riding.

David Crockett State Park

This park spans 1,318 acres in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and features cabins, a restaurant, and a museum dedicated to exploring the details of Crockett’s extraordinary life. David Crockett State Park has roughly 10 miles of both paved and natural hiking trails that vary in difficulty, from easy to moderate. If you’re looking for more than hiking, you can enjoy fishing, boating, biking, swimming, bird watching, camping, and paddling during your visit.

Harpeth River State Park

Kingston Springs, Tennessee is home to a linear park that follows the Harpeth River and spans 40 river miles called Harpeth River State Park. The hiking trails there stretch across several miles and range from easy to more difficult. You can enjoy views of beautiful bluffs, expansive greenery, and meadows filled with wildflowers as you make your way through the winding trails. Boating, bird watching, and fishing are also popular activities at Harpeth River State Park.

Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail

You can’t do much better than the views when visiting Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail, also known as Ashland City Rail-Trail. Six and a half miles of hiking trails take you past wetlands, waterfalls, streams, and the bluffs that line the Cumberland River. Located just 20 minutes northwest of downtown Nashville in Cheatham County, the hiking trail has two adjoining segments that alternate between paved and gravel surfaces. The paved, wheelchair accessible section begins at Trestle Bridge and runs for four miles to Sycamore Harbor at Chapmansboro Road. From there, the trail runs for another 2.5 miles along a compacted gravel surface.

Radnor Lake State Park

Nashville is also home to Radnor Lake State Park, a protected Class II Natural Area that covers 1,332 acres and provides plenty of opportunities to view wildlife and nature despite its proximity to such an urban area. The park has over six miles of trails that are dedicated to wildlife observation, photography, and hiking, and another trail, the Otter Creek Road trail, that allows bicyclists, joggers, and pets. Those with all-terrain wheelchairs can enjoy the Lake Trail with ease.

Montgomery Bell State Park

Just seven miles east of Dickson lies the Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, Tennessee. The park has almost 19 miles of trails that loop around the park that range from easy to moderate. Additionally, there is an overnight trail that stretches 10 miles. While hiking, you can enjoy spotting over 139 species of birds. The park also offers paddling, fishing, golfing, swimming, boating, camping, and biking.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

For those looking for a hike full of history and natural beauty, the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a great option. This 19-acre park is located in the heart of Nashville and features the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains, a Pathway of History, a 95-Bell Carillon, a World War II Memorial, and a 200-foot map of the state carved in granite. The park is also home to a 2,000-seat amphitheater that offers magnificent views of the city’s skyline.

Long Hunter State Park – Couchville Lake Trail

This state park covers 2,600 acres and consists of four different sections: Sellars Farm, Bryant Grove, Baker’s Grove, and Couchville. Long Hunter State Park boasts a number of opportunities for recreational activities, like boating, camping, fishing, and hiking. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, you can choose from a 5.5-mile Volunteer Trail that runs along the lakeshore, or a self-guided, paved arboretum trail. The level of difficulty ranges from easy to more adventurous.

As Tennessee natives, there isn’t much we enjoy more than appreciating this state’s natural beauty. If you’re looking for a vehicle that is as ready for adventure as you are, stop by Stan McNabb Chevrolet of Columbia today, and we’ll help you get off the road and on the trail.