Best Greenways

Posted by Jenni Barnett on Monday, May 23rd, 2022 at 2:38pm.

As Tennesseans, we love the gorgeous natural landscapes our state is famous for. Greenways offer residents and visitors flat, usually paved paths that wind through verdant trees, lush meadows, alongside rivers or creeks, and often link these beautiful spaces with neighborhoods, parks, schools, and more extensive hiking trails. Whether you’re searching for a place to ride your bike, push your baby in a stroller, train for a marathon, or do some bird watching, our picks for the best greenways in Middle TN have the path that’s perfect for your needs.


Shelby Bottoms Greenway
1900 Davidson St | Nashville

Shelby Bottoms Greenway extends through 950 acres of forests, wetlands, meadows, and streams nestled against the Cumberland River. Located just five miles east of Nashville’s downtown, this greenway’s combination of paved and unpaved pathways are ideal for biking, relaxing walks, and offering young children the opportunity to interact with nature. 

The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center welcomes visitors until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Start your visit here to learn more about the plants and animals that share the greenway, the history of this region, view cultural and natural exhibits, photography installations, and peruse the center’s library.


Dry Branch Storm Water Basin
7001 Moore's Lane | Franklin

Dry Branch Storm Water Basin is situated at the northern-most part of Franklin. The greenway offers visitors an easy trail through 6 acres of rustic landscapes. Favorite activities for this greenway include bird watching, strolls, and observation of the area’s native plants and trees. Please note that this is a rustic trail that offers no restrooms or water fountains.


Stones River Greenway
3734 Bell Rd | Nashville

The Stones River Greenway extends through a 10-mile linear park that links the Shelby Bottoms Greenway and the sprawling J. Percy Priest Lake. Start at the 700-foot Cumberland Pedestrian suspension bridge, then head into a tunnel that takes visitors under Briley Parkway. Take a moment to enjoy the Bridging of Two Rivers mural before you pass by the Stones River, historic landmarks, lush meadows, and thick deciduous woods. Cross the 1,500-foot wooden boardwalk and you’ll reach Two Rivers Park and Golf Course, Stones River Bend Park, Heartland Park, and Ravenwood Park. At the greenway’s end, you’ll find a huge 2-acre dog park on the lake’s shores.


Greenway Searcy
1208 Searcy St | Murfreesboro

Exit your car at Greenway Searcy, head onto the paved walkway, and you’ll find a beautiful waterfall less than a minute later. This greenway offers a short walk by the Stones River, perfect for bird watching, aquatic life observation, jogging, and dog walking. Children love exploring nature from the safety of the trail, while more adventurous bikers and runners can link with other trailheads and complete up to five miles.


Richland Creek Greenway
230 Kenner Avenue N | Nashville

Richland Creek Greenway is nearly three miles of easy trail located just outside Nashville’s urban center, connecting Sylvan Park and Cherokee Park with entertainment, schools, and shopping centers. The paved pathway stays within the city, heading over bridges, beneath overpasses, and hugs McCabe golf course nearly all along the route.

This popular trail is beloved by runners, dog walkers, and families with young children. Cyclists may find it challenging to find a clear path through the others who are present enjoying the greenway.


Drakes Creek Greenway
120 E Main St | Hendersonville

Drakes Creek Greenway has two pathways: one is dedicated to cyclists; the other is reserved for everyone else. This nearly four mile trail is popular for trail running, bird watching, dog walking, and children who love to play at the playground situated beside the trail. The greenway connects Memorial Park, Drakes Creek Park Athletic Complex, and Veterans Park, and offers access to athletic fields, restaurants, and shopping for the residents of the neighborhoods located along the greenway.


Harpeth River Greenway
7820 Coley Davis Road | Nashville

The Harpeth River Greenway’s four disconnected, winding trails are over eight miles long, completely paved, and quite flat. This series of trails are perfect for biking, running, and walking large or working-breed dogs who require extra exercise. As the name suggests, the greenway hugs the famously stunning Harpeth River, which makes it an ideal opportunity for bird watching and nature observation.


Maryland Farms Greenway
5101 Maryland Way | Brentwood 

The Maryland Farms Greenway Trail is lined with pavers and connects the Maryland Farms YMCA to Powell Park. Workers from the office buildings along the trail often head out for a walk during their breaks, while residents take advantage of the greenway’s convenient access to the parks located on either end. Pedestrians, cyclists, and dog walkers will find this trail suits them equally well, and the 10-foot-wide trail permits easy passing for all.


Mill Creek Greenway
Sunnywood Dr | Antioch

The Mill Creek Greenway is the name for Blue Hole Road and Ezell Park, though they are two disconnected segments. Blue Hole Road is a nearly two-mile-long loop that winds around Antioch Park’s woods from its origin at the Antioch Community Center. The Ezell Park trail is 1.25 miles long, originating in the park and hugging the creek until it ends near McGavock Pike. 


Peeler Park Greenway
2043 Neelys Bend Road | Madison

Like Millcreek Greenway, the Peeler Park Greenway is also nearly 2 miles of trail that loops through the woods of Peeler Park. Unpaved horse trails run alongside the paved pedestrian pathway, though it’s worth noting that only horses are permitted on the horse trail, and equestrians may not ride on the paved greenway. Bird watching and other nature observation is a popular activity along with walking, running, skating, and dog walking.


Did your favorite greenway make our list? Please let us know in the comments below. We hope you continue to enjoy the immense natural beauty of Middle Tennessee from the greenway you love best.

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