Running & Cycling in Nashville: Best Routes & Trails
Nashville’s rolling terrain, growing greenway system, and mild climate create excellent conditions for runners and cyclists. Music City’s fitness culture has grown alongside its population, with expanding trail infrastructure connecting neighborhoods across the metro.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Area is Nashville’s premier running and cycling destination. The 5-mile paved greenway winds through 810 acres of wetlands, fields, and bottomland forest along the Cumberland River. The flat terrain and natural setting provide a peaceful escape from the urban environment. The greenway connects to the Cumberland River Greenway, extending the route toward downtown.
The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center provides educational programs, and the trail’s proximity to East Nashville makes it easily accessible from some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
Stones River Greenway
The Stones River Greenway runs approximately 10 miles from Percy Priest Dam through Donelson and Hermitage. The trail follows the Stones River through parks, historic sites, and natural areas. It’s one of the longer continuous paved trails in the metro and provides a less crowded alternative to more urban routes.
Warner Parks
Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, connected by a series of roads and trails, offer over 3,000 acres of forested hills with 20-plus miles of trails. These parks provide Nashville’s best hill training, with challenging elevation changes through mature hardwood forest. The Warner Parks are essential for trail runners and mountain bikers seeking off-road experiences.
The Natchez Trace Parkway, accessible from the parks, extends the cycling options with a scenic, limited-access road popular with road cyclists.
Music City Bikeway
Nashville’s ongoing investment in cycling infrastructure includes the Music City Bikeway, a developing network of protected bike lanes, greenways, and shared-use paths connecting neighborhoods. The system is still expanding but has made cycling more viable in the urban core.
Harpeth River Greenway (Franklin)
South of Nashville, the Harpeth River Greenway in Franklin provides a beautiful paved trail along the Harpeth River. The route passes through natural areas and connects to Franklin’s downtown, making it popular with residents of the southern suburbs.
Major Events
The Nashville Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon is the city’s marquee running event, drawing thousands of participants through the streets of Music City. The Nashville Half Marathon and numerous 5K/10K races fill the calendar year-round. The Harpeth River Ride is a popular cycling event.
Tips for Nashville Runners and Cyclists
Nashville’s terrain is hilly—embrace it for strength training or seek the greenways for flat options. Summer heat and humidity are significant from June through September; early morning runs are essential. The mild fall and spring seasons offer ideal running weather. Cycling in Nashville requires awareness of traffic; greenways are safer than road riding in many areas.
Explore free outdoor activities for additional recreation options.