Best Parks in Nashville
Looking for an outdoor space in Nashville to spend an afternoon or take a walk?
The Nashville metro area contains more than 120 parks and greenways encompassing over 12,000 acres. Attractions range from small neighborhood parks to large expanses of lawn that host outdoor concerts and cultural festivals. Nature trails enable you to explore the indigenous flora and fauna. These urban oases offer a range of amenities, including public art, memorials, picnic shelters and playground equipment. Many parks in Nashville are dog friendly.
Downtown Nashville
CENTENNIAL PARK
One of the city’s premier urban green spaces, the fully accessible, 132-acre Centennial Park is the setting for the iconic Parthenon. There is a scenic lake, nature trails and historic monuments as well as a dog park. The park’s band shell hosts outdoor concerts and festivals.
Operating Hours: Dawn to 11 p.m.
CUMBERLAND PARK
Located across the river from downtown Nashville, Cumberland Park is an interactive play space featuring a splash zone, rock climbing wall and a small amphitheater. A nature trail winds through an area that attracts butterflies.
Operating Hours: Dawn to 11 p.m.
FORT NEGLEY PARK
The site of the largest inland fort constructed during the Civil War, Fort Negley Park is an outdoor recreation venue. Located approximately two miles south of downtown, the attraction has a visitor center with interactive exhibits, great views of the city skyline and trails for walking leashed dogs.
Operating Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
RIVERFRONT PARK
Situated on the west bank of the Cumberland River in downtown, Riverfront Park is the city’s favorite venue for outdoor festivals, concerts and other special events. The expansive lawn provides wonderful views of the river while you picnic.
Operating Hours: Dawn to 11 p.m.
FANNIE MAE DEES PARK
Colloquially known as Dragon Park for its eponymous mosaic sculpture, this urban green space includes a fort and playground. This park is located in the Hillsboro-West End neighborhood. The popular park is wheelchair accessible and has plenty of shade trees.
Operating Hours: 24 hours
South Nashville
SEVIER PARK
Located in the 12 South neighborhood, this 20-acre park offers a convenient setting for the perfect picnic. Fun and lively Sevier Park features a small playground and pathways along a creek in the shadow of antebellum Sunnyside Mansion.
Operating Hours: 24 hours
RADNOR LAKE STATE PARK
The 1200-acre preserve is home to a wide range of wildlife, including beavers, deer, turtles and more than 240 species of birds. Hikers enjoy a network of scenic trails. The park is accessible to strollers, wheelchairs and dog walkers.
Operating Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
EDWIN AND PERCY WARNER PARKS
These two nature areas encompass over 3,100 acres of fields, forests, and recreational areas. Located nine miles from downtown, they include hiking, biking and riding trails as well as scenic roadways and overlooks. There is a dog park and several picnic shelters.
Operating Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
East Nashville
SHELBY PARK
Situated on the bank of the Cumberland River east of downtown, the park offers ball fields, golf courses and boat ramps. Along with a dog park, there is a small pond and a network of nature trails. The park encompasses over 800 acres of woods and wetlands that are a prime birding area.
TWO RIVERS PARK
Home to the historic Two Rivers Mansion, the 374-acre green space also includes a wave pool, skate park and golf course. Open dawn to dusk, the park contains more recreational activities than any other park in the city. There is also an off-leash dog park.
Parks in Nashville enable you to enjoy fresh air and beautiful green spaces. When visiting the Music City, be sure to include these amazing recreational and nature areas on your itinerary.
