Nashville to Nature: Great State Park Trips
With world-class music, incredible nightlife and a mouthwatering culinary scene, Nashville is the siren call of all city lovers. However, even the biggest city slickers need time to escape the bustling metropolitan lifestyle and relax, unwind and recharge. Culture Trip’s local insiders recommend their favorite spots for getting back to nature.
1. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Park
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
2. Booker T Washington State Park
Park
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
3. Montgomery Bell State Park
Natural Feature
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
4. Beaman Park
Natural Feature
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
Read Next
Places to Stay
The Best Places to Book Near Centennial Park, Nashville
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels With Jacuzzis and Hot Tubs to Book in Nashville, Tennessee
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels to Book Near Travellers Rest Historic House Museum, Nashville
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels With Balconies to Book in Nashville
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels and B&Bs to Book near Two Rivers Mansion, Nashville
Places to Stay
The Best Historic Hotels to Book in Nashville, Tennessee
Places to Stay
The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Nashville, Tennessee
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels to Book Near Riverwood Mansion, Nashville
Places to Stay
The Most Romantic Hotels to Book in Nashville
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels to Book Near the Nashville Superspeedway
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels to Book Near the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville
See & Do
Everything you need to know before travelling to Nashville
Culture Trip Summer Sale
Save up to $1,395 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
