Nashville may be known around the world for live music, legendary venues, and an unforgettable food scene, but Music City also offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
From scenic hiking trails and urban greenways to kayaking, biking, and relaxing in some of the city's most recognizable parks, Nashville makes it easy to add fresh air and outdoor adventure to your weekend itinerary.
Whether you're planning a family getaway, a couples' trip, or an active weekend with friends, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Nashville to enjoy between visits to restaurants, attractions, and live music venues.
Here's how to experience a more active side of Music City.
1. Explore the Trails at Warner Parks
For visitors looking to escape the energy of downtown without traveling far from Nashville, Warner Parks offer an excellent outdoor option.
The Warner Parks system includes Percy Warner Park and Edwin Warner Park, with wooded landscapes, scenic overlooks, and multiple hiking opportunities.
Metro Nashville Parks lists nine hiking trails across Warner Park, totaling approximately 12 miles of trails. That makes the area a great choice whether you're looking for a short walk or a longer outdoor adventure.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and leave yourself enough time to enjoy the scenery.
For an active weekend, a morning hike at Warner Parks can be a refreshing contrast to an evening spent enjoying Nashville's live music scene.
2. Walk or Bike Nashville's Greenways
Nashville's greenway system offers another easy way to experience the city outdoors.
The network includes paved, off-street trails that connect parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas. Nashville's Greenways Network includes more than 99 miles of paved multi-use trails, along with hiking, mountain biking, and paddling routes.
Walking or biking a greenway can be an especially good option for visitors who want to stay active without committing to a full hiking excursion.
Choose a route that fits your schedule and enjoy a few hours outside before heading back into the city for lunch or sightseeing.
3. Spend the Day at Shelby Bottoms
Shelby Bottoms is a great choice for travelers who want outdoor recreation with convenient access to Nashville.
The park and greenway area includes paved paths, hiking trails, and opportunities to enjoy the natural landscape along the Cumberland River.
Metro Parks describes Shelby Bottoms as a large floodplain preserve with relatively flat multi-use paths and additional hiking trails, making it suitable for walking, running, biking, and family-friendly outdoor exploration.
It's an excellent choice for visitors who want an active morning without heading too far outside the city.
4. Go Hiking at Beaman Park
Looking for a more nature-focused adventure?
Beaman Park offers a different side of Nashville, with rugged terrain, wooded areas, streams, and trails through the Highland Rim landscape.
The park offers three hiking trails totaling more than 14 miles, giving visitors options for different experience levels and amounts of time.
Beaman Park is a great option for travelers who enjoy hiking and want to experience more of Middle Tennessee's natural beauty during their Nashville trip.
5. Enjoy a Walk Around Centennial Park
Not every outdoor activity needs to be a major adventure.
Centennial Park offers a relaxed way to enjoy fresh air while visiting one of Nashville's best-known landmarks.
Take a walk around the park, enjoy the open green space, and see the iconic Parthenon replica.
Centennial Park is particularly convenient for visitors who want to combine outdoor sightseeing with other activities around the city.
Before your visit, check current park information, as Nashville's Parks Department periodically announces maintenance and renovation updates for facilities and attractions.
6. Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Nashville's outdoor opportunities extend to the water.
The city's parks and recreation system provides access to rivers and water-based recreation, while Nashville's wider trail network includes blueways designed for paddling.
Kayaking or canoeing can be a fun addition to an active weekend, particularly during warmer months.
For families and first-time paddlers, consider looking for guided outings or beginner-friendly options. Nashville's Outdoor Recreation program also offers programming designed for a variety of experience levels, including families and groups.
Remember to check weather and water conditions before planning a paddling trip.
7. Take a Scenic Bike Ride
Cycling is another great way to explore Nashville while staying active.
The city's network of greenways and bike routes gives visitors opportunities to enjoy everything from relaxed rides through parks to longer outdoor adventures.
Nashville's Parks system notes that the broader trail network supports biking and other outdoor recreation, and bike rental options are available around parts of the city.
A bike ride can also be an enjoyable way to explore different neighborhoods while seeing more of the city than you might on foot.
If you're visiting during a busy weekend, plan your route before heading out and follow all local trail and road safety guidelines.
8. Discover Nashville's Natural Areas
One of the most surprising things about Nashville is how quickly you can move from a busy city environment to forests, hills, streams, and open green spaces.
Metro Nashville Parks oversees thousands of acres of natural areas throughout the region, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation.
For visitors planning an active weekend, exploring one of these natural areas can be a great way to experience a quieter side of Music City.
It's also an excellent option for families looking to balance indoor attractions and downtown sightseeing with time outside.
9. Take the Family Outside for an Active Afternoon
Nashville offers plenty of ways for families to enjoy the outdoors together.
A family-friendly outdoor day could include a walk along a greenway, a visit to a park, a picnic, or an easy nature trail.
Metro Nashville Parks offers a wide range of parks, greenways, trails, playgrounds, and outdoor programming, giving families plenty of options depending on their children's ages and interests.
For a family weekend, you don't have to fill every hour with major attractions. Sometimes an afternoon spent outside can be the perfect break between sightseeing and dinner.
10. Combine Outdoor Adventure With Nashville's Music and Food
One of the best things about an active Nashville weekend is that you don't have to choose between outdoor recreation and the experiences the city is famous for.
Start your morning with a hike.
Spend the afternoon biking or exploring a park.
Then head into the city for dinner and live music.
Nashville's mix of urban entertainment and nearby outdoor recreation makes it easy to create an itinerary with a little bit of everything. The city's official tourism resources highlight opportunities ranging from hiking and biking to paddling and other outdoor experiences throughout Music City.
How to Plan an Active Weekend in Nashville
The best outdoor itinerary depends on how much adventure you want to include in your trip.
If you prefer a relaxed weekend, add a park or greenway walk between major attractions.
If you want to stay active, plan a morning hike, bike ride, or paddling experience.
Families may want to alternate bigger attractions with simpler outdoor activities, giving everyone time to recharge.
Don't Over-Schedule
Nashville has plenty to see, and it's easy to fill every hour of your trip.
Instead, choose one or two major outdoor experiences and leave room for spontaneous plans.
Check Conditions Before You Go
Weather can affect hiking, biking, and water activities.
Check the forecast and any current park or trail notices before leaving your hotel. Nashville's parks also provide updated information about closures and facility conditions.
Dress for the Activity
Comfortable shoes are essential for an active weekend.
Depending on your plans, you may also want to bring:
- Lightweight clothing
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Sun protection
- A reusable water bottle
- A light jacket or extra layer
- A small backpack for outdoor activities
A Sample Outdoor Weekend Itinerary in Nashville
Want to include several outdoor activities in one trip?
Here's one way to plan your weekend.
Friday
Arrive in Nashville → Check in → Explore a nearby neighborhood → Walk outdoors → Enjoy dinner and live music.
Saturday
Breakfast → Morning hike at Warner Parks or Beaman Park → Lunch → Explore Centennial Park or another outdoor attraction → Relax → Dinner and evening entertainment.
Sunday
Breakfast → Bike or walk a Nashville greenway → Explore Shelby Bottoms → Brunch → Head to Nashville International Airport for departure.
This type of itinerary gives you time to experience Nashville's famous entertainment while still making the most of the city's outdoor spaces.
Where to Stay for an Active Nashville Weekend
After a full day of hiking, walking, biking, sightseeing, and exploring Music City, having a comfortable place to relax can make all the difference.
GLo Best Western Nashville Airport West offers a convenient home base for travelers visiting Nashville. Located near Nashville International Airport, the hotel is a practical option for weekend travelers who want an easy arrival and departure while remaining within convenient reach of downtown and many of Nashville's attractions.
The hotel offers comfortable accommodations for couples, families, groups, and business travelers.
After spending the day exploring Nashville's parks, trails, greenways, and neighborhoods, you can return to a comfortable room and recharge before your next adventure.
Ready to Explore Nashville Outdoors?
Music City is known for its legendary music scene, but an active weekend reveals another side of the destination.
Hike through wooded trails. Walk or bike along Nashville's greenways. Spend time near the Cumberland River. Explore parks and natural areas. Then finish the day with great food and live music.
Whether you're planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway with friends, or a couples' trip, adding outdoor activities to your itinerary can help you experience more of Nashville.
When you're ready to plan your trip, GLo Best Western Nashville Airport West offers a comfortable and convenient place to stay near Nashville International Airport.
Book your Nashville stay, get outside, and discover an active side of Music City.