Things To Do Outside In And Around Nashville Tennessee

While Nashville is world famous for its toe-tapping, guitar-strumming country music, this southern belle has a lot more to offer than just award-winning entertainment. If you’re looking for a place that boasts sun, family fun and the great outdoors, check out these open-air getaways in and around Nashville as recommended by our local insiders.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Bridge
Who doesn’t want to go off the beaten path to discover some of the cool, lesser-known areas of a city? If this speaks to your wandering soul, be sure to check out Natchez Trace Parkway. Named one of America’s Best Drives, Natchez Trace Parkway is 444mi (708km) long and spans three states; however, you don’t have to tackle all 444mi (708km) to get a dose of Nashville’s scenic beauty. Hike, bike, horseback ride or simply take a relaxing drive through thousands of years of American history (and don’t forget your camera). Recommended by local insider Chaney Curd

Natural Feature
Made famous by the eastern red cedar trees discovered by early American settlers, Cedars of Lebanon State Forest Natural Area is a 1,139-acre (461-hectare) park nestled in the 10,000-acre (4,047-hectare) state forest within the state’s Inner Central Basin. If you’re looking to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Cedars of Lebanon will help you recharge with miles of hiking trails through forests, glades and vibrant wildlife. Perfect your swing at the 18-hole disc golf course, paddle glade-covered rivers or rent a tent and enjoy a night of stargazing. Recommended by local insider Chaney Curd

Jack Daniel’s Distillery tour

Distillery

When you’re on vacation five o’clock rolls around quickly, and if you have a hankering for a refreshing libation you’ve come to the right place. Only a 90-minute drive from Nashville lies the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery. No matter whether you are a whiskey novice or connoisseur, the distillery offers a variety of tours to quench your knowledge and your thirst. After the Flight of Jack Daniel’s tour, unwind with samples, tastings and flights of the distillery’s famous whiskeys. Before you leave, head over to the Lynchburg Hardware & General Store to snag some fun vacation souvenirs. Recommended by local insider Erica Commisso

Canoeing on Harpeth River State Park

Park

Make a splash in your next Nashville vacation by spending a day canoeing on the majestic Harpeth River. This hidden gem is popular with both locals and visitors, and rewards with over 40mi (64km) of crystalline waters, ideal fishing and hiking spots and historical and archaeological sites. Enjoy a day floating or paddling down miles of peaceful waters or traipsing through wildflower-laden hiking trails. If you’re planning to rent a canoe or kayak make sure to make your reservation in advance, as spots fill up quickly with people looking to beat the summer heat. Recommended by local insider Erica Commisso

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.