Nashville to Nature: Great State Park Trips

If you’re not ready to take head out of the city, let nature come to you – at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Downtown Nashville. Enjoy a sunny stroll through this 11-acre (4.5ha) urban park, while surrounded by gorgeous city views. Bicentennial Capitol Mall is also home to a World War II Memorial, a 200ft (61m) map of Tennessee and other historical sites that attract travelers looking to soak up some Tennessee history, as well as some warm Southern rays. Recommended by local insider Chaney Curd

For a quick getawa with jaw-dropping scenery and outdoor activities for all ages, visit the shores of Chickamauga Lake, where you’ll find the 353-acre (143ha) Booker T Washington State Park. A water enthusiast’s dream, this state park offers boat rentals and year-round fishing, as well as challenging bike trails and leisurely hiking paths. The mountain bike trails, which wind around 6mi (10km) of sparkling lakes and unspoiled nature, are some of the area’s top under-the-radar attractions. Recommended by local insider Chaney Curd

If you long for a day traversing the great outdoors but want to be back in the city for supper, Montgomery Bell State Park is the perfect spot. It’s close enough to Nashville that you don’t have to change accommodations, and the park offers serene biking and hiking trails, as well as fishing, kayaking and an 18-hole golf course. If you do want to spend the weekend tackling the park’s 19mi (31km) of trails, you’ll find a campground, modern cabins and hotel-style accommodations onsite. Recommended by local insider Erica Commisso

Just 15mi (24km) from Downtown Nashville lies a unique 1,700-acre (688ha) natural sanctuary of protected rugged wilderness that is far enough away to drown out any sounds of traffic. Wind around stunning waterfalls, steep ridges and canyons until you reach the top of the Western Highland Rim, where you can snap some envious Instagram-worthy pics. After hiking the 5mi (8km) of steep trails, through peaceful forests and diverse flora and fauna, you’ve definitely earned that hearty helping of Southern eats at your favorite Nashville joint. Recommended by local insider Erica Commisso