Nashville is known for a lot of things, but for runners — it’s the hills. After living here for 14 years and running everything from quick greenway jogs to the grueling Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, I’ve tackled nearly every trail and path the city has to offer. Whether you’re lacing up for your first 5k or logging miles for a race, I’ve ranked the best running routes across Nashville by mileage, difficulty, and scenery — so you can find the perfect course for your next run.
(My favorite route is at the bottom!)
9. Cumberland River Greenway
Stretching nearly 12 miles point-to-point, the Cumberland River Greenway offers a scenic, urban run through the heart of Nashville. Starting at Ted Rhodes Golf Course and winding all the way to Cumberland Park, this route is ideal for long-distance runners who want to soak in skyline views and pass landmarks like Nissan Stadium, First Horizon Park, and Public Square.
So why is it ranked ninth? While it’s undeniably scenic, many locals prefer to avoid the downtown crowds. But for visitors or newcomers, it’s a must-run.
Best for: Long runs
8. Richland Creek Greenway
Tucked into the charming neighborhood of Sylvan Park, the Richland Creek Greenway winds past McCabe Golf Course and alongside its namesake creek, offering a peaceful, scenic loop. While the main trail clocks in at just under 3 miles, the addition of trailheads brings it to about 4 miles total.
This greenway is close to my heart — I’ve logged countless miles here, often squeezing in a run before meeting my husband at the driving range or heading to a picnic in the park. I even trained for my first half marathon on this path, weaving in nearby streets lined with historic homes to add distance. But despite its sentimental value, I’ve ranked it eighth — it’s simply not long enough for most distance runners, and looping it multiple times can get repetitive fast.
Best for:Â Intervals and easy/training runs
7. Marcella Vivrette Smith Park & Split Log Greenway
If you’re in Brentwood or Franklin, Marcella Vivrette Smith Park is a hidden gem for trail runners seeking a quiet, challenging route. The park features several primitive trails with varying levels of difficulty, plus access to the paved Split Log Greenway. The Red Trail is a tough one, with a steep climb that’s sure to get your heart pumping. The Blue Trail offers 2.25 miles of mixed terrain — from easy to difficult — while the 2-mile Black Trail combines gentle stretches with some tougher inclines.
While each trail is relatively short on its own, they can easily be combined to create a more robust run. I’ve ranked Smith Park seventh because it’s a bit farther from central Nashville and may not be as convenient for city runners. Still, what it lacks in mileage, it makes up for in solitude, scenery, and some sneaky-good hills.
Best for:Â Trail running
6. Percy Warner Parks
Percy Warner Parks offer a little of everything — from scenic paved loops to rugged wooded trails. Locals flock to the iconic stone steps for a quick, high-intensity workout, while others head into the woods for longer treks. The paved 5.8- and 11.2-mile loops are perfect for road runners. The Warner Woods Trail is scenic for trail runners but a bit on the shorter side at 2.5 miles. My personal favorite? The 4.5-mile Mossy Woods Trail — a primitive path with 830 feet of elevation gain that made me fall in love with trail running.
Percy Warner Parks is ranked sixth — it offers a decent range of mileage and elevation gain, but road runners might be looking for more variety, and trail runners may be seeking even more distance.
Best for:Â Trail running
5. Long Hunter State Park
Long Hunter State Park is hands down one of my favorite spots to run, thanks to the breathtaking lake views that line every trail. It’s the perfect escape from the city, offering peaceful, unpaved terrain with minimal elevation — ideal for anyone looking to enjoy nature without a grueling climb.
So, why isn’t it ranked higher on my list? Personally, I prefer more hills when I’m training. But if you’re easing into trail running, craving a more relaxed route, or simply want to enjoy a scenic, low-stress run, Long Hunter delivers. The Day Loop Trail (4 miles), Volunteer Trail (5.5 miles one way), and Bryant Grove Trail (4 miles one way) each offer something special — and I truly can’t choose a favorite.
Best for:Â Trail running
4. Harpeth River Greenway
Ranked fourth on my list, the Harpeth River Greenway is one of my all-time favorite places to run — and not just because it’s easy on the eyes. This peaceful, paved route winds along the scenic Harpeth River and offers enough mileage (6.4 miles one way) for most training runs, all without the hustle and bustle of busier greenways. It’s rarely crowded, making it a quiet, meditative escape. If you love nature and need a break from city noise, this one’s a must.
Best for:Â Long runs
3. Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Ranked third on my list, the Shelby Bottoms Greenway is a top pick for its accessibility, scenery, and impressive mileage potential — especially for those in marathon training mode. Located in East Nashville, it’s an easy go-to for locals looking to log serious distance. The paved path stretches from Shelby Park through the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and deep into the 950-acre floodplain along the Cumberland River.
This route is primarily flat and ideal for long, steady runs, with peaceful river views and access to unpaved nature trails. Best of all, it connects seamlessly to the Stones River Greenway via the stunning Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge, giving runners what feels like endless miles.
Whether you’re easing into a casual jog or pushing for a personal distance record, Shelby Bottoms has you covered.
Best for:Â Long runs
2. Beaman Park
Tucked into the northwest edge of Davidson County, Beaman Park is a trail runner’s dream — and my pick for the most challenging trail run in Nashville. With rugged terrain, quiet hollows, and steep forested slopes, this 2,300-acre natural area feels worlds away from the city.
The 12.3-mile Laurel Woods Outer Loop packs in over 1,500 feet of elevation gain, but you can take the Shortcut Connector to turn it into a more manageable 6-mile loop. I trained for my first trail race here, and while I’ve questioned my choice of hobbies mid-climb, the solitude, technical trails, and stunning scenery make it worth every step.
Best for: Trail running and elevation
1. Stones River Greenway
Coming in at number one on my list is the Stones River Greenway — and for good reason. This scenic, 10.7-mile stretch offers more than 20 miles of terrain out-and-back, making it a dream for long-distance runners. It winds through Donelson and connects seamlessly to Shelby Bottoms Greenway in East Nashville, offering a quieter, less congested alternative to downtown routes.
The elevation is just right: enough hills to keep things interesting without being brutal. From the Percy Priest Trailhead to the Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge and back, I’ve clocked nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain — a solid challenge, especially if you kick things off with the steep half-mile park entrance for a built-in hill workout.
Along the way, you’ll pass through a string of green spaces, including Two Rivers Park, Heartland Park, Lytle Park, and Ravenwood Park. The route also includes trail access points at Hickory Hill, the Donelson-Hermitage YMCA, and Stewarts Ferry Pike, not to mention great skyline views, lush stretches of shade, and peaceful river scenes. For serious training or casual weekend miles, Stones River Greenway is as good as it gets in Nashville.
Best for:Â Long runs
Happy running!
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