There are several places in the Memphis area for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to hike and engage in other activities in the great outdoors. Here are four places to explore this summer!
Herb Parsons Lake Trails
140 Herb Parsons Way, Collierville, TN 38017 • (901) 286-0515
Herb Parsons Lake Trail is north of Collierville and has six-mile-long trails along the lake. The path can be narrow at some spots, but it’s well worth the view at the end.
- Length of hike: 6 miles
- Pets allowed: Dogs
- Open: Year-round. Trails open a half-hour before sunrise and close a half-hour after sunset.
- Other activities: Hiking, boating, fishing, and archery
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
910 Riddick Rd., Millington, TN 38053 • (901) 876-5215
In Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park (also known as Shelby Forest), one can find elevation on Chickasaw Bluff Trail, Woodland Trail, Pioneer Springs and Horse Trails. 13 miles north of Memphis, this state park includes over 12,000 acres bordering the Mississippi River. The longest loop — the Horse Trail route (which is open to horses and hikers) — is along a bluff overlooking 100-acre Poplar Tree Lake. Trail maps are available at the visitor center. In addition to hiking, the park offers a 36-hole disc golf course, 49 campsites and six two-bedroom cabins for rent.
- Length of hike: Chickasaw Bluff (3.5 miles one-way), Pioneer Springs (2.5 miles one-way), Woodland (3.1 miles loop), Horse (8 miles loops)
- Pets allowed: Dogs, horses (on Horse Trails)
- Open: Year-round. The visitor center is open daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The nature center is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Horse Trails are closed during wet and inclement weather.
- Other activities: Biking, boating, camping, disc golf, fishing, and horseback riding
Take in this view after you do a hike! Image: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Stanky Creek Trail
5760 Yale Rd., Memphis, TN 38135 • (901) 385-6400
If you’re looking for an accessible, shorter trail with beautiful wildflowers, consider walking the paths at Stanky Creek Trail. Its trails are perfect when you just need a quick getaway from being stuck at home.
- Length of hike: The Blue Trail (2 miles), The Yellow Trail (2.2 miles), The White Trail (6.5 miles)
- Pets allowed: Dogs
- Open: Year-round, 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Other activities: Biking and running
RELATED: A Guide to Memphis’ Parks and Green Spaces
T.O. Fuller State Park
1500 Mitchell Rd. • (901) 543-7581
The four-mile Discovery Trail loop at T.O. Fuller State Park offers picturesque views of the village and wetlands. Besides hiking, the 1,000-acre park also allows for birding and swimming in the Olympic-size pool from the Friday before Memorial Day until Labor Day.
- Length of hike: Discovery Trail (4 miles)
- Pets allowed: Dogs
- Open: Year-round
- Other activities: Birding, camping, swimming
Besides hiking, there are 1,000-acres of park you can discover! Image: T.O. Fuller State Park
Now, get out there and enjoy the beautiful nature Memphis have to offer!
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