Nashville is a runner’s paradise—whether you’re lacing up for your first 5k or logging miles toward the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, this city offers some of the best places to run in Nashville with trails across Nashville that get you in a rhythm. Growing up here and living in Nashville for over 14 years, I’ve tackled everything from quick jogs to grueling long runs, and I’ve ranked my favorite running spots based on scenery, difficulty, and mileage. From flat greenway paths to challenging hills, this list covers the best running routes for every race goal, and if you’re wondering where to run in Nashville, whether you need a perfect course to get away from rowdy live music joints or push through your next run, let’s explore these incredible running destinations with NashSee!
Where to run in Nashville?
The best places to run in Nashville are Shelby Bottoms Greenway, Stones River Greenway, Harpeth River Greenway, and Beaman Park, offering everything from scenic riverside paths to challenging wilderness trails that’ll transform your running experience!
Nashville’s Top 17 Running Routes Ranked by a Local Who’s Logged Hundreds of Miles Across the City
Having covered hundreds of miles throughout the city while discovering every path from rugged trails to scenic greenways, I am finally presenting my personal rankings of the top Nashville running routes.. As a local runner who knows these paths inside and out, I’m Avery Cole, and I’ve ranked each route based on real experience to help you discover the best places to run in Nashville.
1. Shelby Bottoms Greenway Takes First Place for East Nashville Runners
Shelby Bottoms Greenway is my top pick for running because of its amazing accessibility, beautiful scenery, and impressive mileage that’s perfect for marathon training. The 960-acre Natural area is located in East Nashville next to Shelby Park and is one of five Natural Area Parks in Metro Parks. This easy go-to spot for locals who want to log serious distances starts at 1900 Davidson Street near Shelby Bottoms Nature Center. With about three miles of Cumberland River frontage, this area has bottomland hardwood forests, open fields, wetlands, and streams, creating excellent habitat for birds, amphibians, and deer. Located beside the Cumberland River, this 950-acre floodplain is mostly flat and ideal for steady, long runs featuring peaceful river views. This greenway provides more than 5 miles of paved, ADA accessible trail suited for skating, biking, running, hiking, and wildlife watching, along with entry to primitive trails and unpaved nature trails for walking and discovering nature. Whether you’re easing into casual jog or pushing your personal distance record with almost 3 miles to 10 miles covered, the greenway connects seamlessly to Stones River Greenway through the Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge, giving you endless miles of paved path options. This popular place to run among East Nashville runners offers 5k loop options, another person for motivation, and comfortable route choices through parks with different ton of people at dawn to dusk—making it the ultimate among greenway running trails Nashville has for more important, glorious routes, hiking, biking, running, skating, wildlife watching, and when you run matters most.
2. Stones River Greenway Ranks Second for Marathon Training
Stones River Greenway is my number two pick, offering a scenic 10.7-mile out-and-back paved trail perfect for long-distance runners and marathon training. This quieter, less congested route than downtown routes runs from Donelson through East Nashville, connecting Shelby Bottoms Greenway to Percy Priest Dam with trail access points at Two Rivers Park, Heartland Park, Lytle Park, Ravenwood Park, and Donelson-Hermitage YMCA on Stewarts Ferry Pike. The mostly flat terrain features lush stretches of shade, beautiful river scenes, and skyline views, though there’s elevation with a steep half-mile hill near the park entrance providing 1,000 feet of climbing for hill workout variety. Whether logging weekend miles from Shelby Park or exploring green spaces near Percy Priest Lake, this ranks among the best long running routes Nashville offers. 
3. Cumberland River Greenway Captures Nashville’s Urban Beauty
Cumberland River Greenway offers an undeniably scenic 12 miles winding through the heart of Nashville with stunning skyline views and public art along the paved point-to-point route. Starting from Bicentennial State Park, this must-run trail stretching nearly the entire Downtown area provides multiple access points at Morgan Park, Cumberland Park, Riverfront Park, Public Square, and Fort Nashborough with an ideal trail surface for newcomers and long-distance runners. Locals and visitors love running past landmarks including Nissan Stadium, First Horizon Park, and Ted Rhodes Golf Course, where you can soak in river overlooks while experiencing urban run vibes along 1st Ave in Downtown Nashville. The 3.4 miles closest to downtown offers scenic views of the Cumberland River with spurs connecting various parks, and while downtown crowds gather nearby, this trail lets you avoid congestion—making it one of the top choices for running near downtown Nashville as I’ve placed it third overall.
4. Percy and Edwin Warner Parks Deliver Nashville’s Most Scenic Workouts
Covering more than 3,100 acres of field and forest, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks stand as one of the largest municipally administered parks overseen by the Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation Department, located merely 9 miles from downtown Nashville. Locals absolutely love the iconic stone steps at the Belle Meade Blvd entrance for a quick, high-intensity workout before heading into the woods to explore scenic paved loops and rugged wooded trails—which is why I’ve ranked this spot fourth for running in Nashville.
If you are a road runner, you can challenge yourself on the paved 5.8-mile loops or try the longer 11.2-mile loops. However, trail runners really love the 4.5-mile Mossy Woods Trail because it is a primitive path with 830 feet of elevation gain. This specific trail is my personal favorite and is what made me fall in love with running. If you want something a bit shorter, the Warner Woods Trail is only 2.5 miles, which gives you a decent range of different mileage and elevation options.
Located in the area of Belle Meade, these parks have so much more to offer. You can find stunning overlooks along the scenic roadways, or explore the many hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and horse trails near the equestrian center. There is also a Nature Center, picnic shelters, a dog park, cross country courses, golf courses, and large athletic fields.. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a historical community resource, the parks feature 15 miles road and 11 miles dirt trail that connect to Harpeth River Greenway, offering more variety and more distance for longer treks on both paved and dirt trails.
5. Centennial Park Gives You a Perfect One Mile Loop in West End
Centennial Park is a great spot for a quick run with its easy 1 mile paved loop around Lake Watauga. Located at 2500 West End Avenue in Downtown Nashville between West End and 25th Avenue North, this 132-acre space ranks fifth on my list as one of the city’s premier parks and home to the iconic Parthenon with beautiful scenery throughout. The park features a walking trail and exercise trail alongside the Centennial Art Center, historical monuments, dog park, sunken garden, band shell, events shelter, sand volleyball courts, museum and exhibits. The flat paved surface makes it perfect for easy recovery runs while thousands visit each year to attend festivals and enjoy the beauty of the park near the arts activity center. 
6. Long Hunter State Park Delivers Trail Variety for Every Runner
Long Hunter State Park is a perfect escape for runners who want to enjoy nature with more than 20 miles of hiking trails spread across 2,600 acres. Located at 2910 Hobson Pike in Hermitage, this state park opened in 1974 and quickly became one of my favorite spots thanks to options like the Day Loop Trail (4 miles) through Baker’s Grove, the five and a half-mile Volunteer Trail along the lakeshore, and the Bryant Grove Trail with various terrain types. I honestly can’t choose a favorite since each offer something special—whether you’re easing into trail running on the paved arboretum trail with minimal elevation for a low-stress run, or tackling adventurous dirt trails with more hills on the Volunteer Trail (5.5 miles one way) offering breathtaking lake views of J. Percy Priest Lake. The park features a visitor center, group camp, backcountry campsite, meeting facility, self-guided routes, and recreational activities including fishing and hiking at Couchville, Sellars Farm, and along the lakeshore trail with unpaved terrain for training or pleasant strolls—making this scenic run destination my sixth pick from the city.
7. Richland Creek Greenway: A Fast and Quiet Loop in Sylvan Park
The Richland Creek Greenway holds a very special place as my seventh pick for the best spots to run. This area is very close to my heart because I have trained and finished countless miles here. In fact, I used this exact path when I was getting ready for my first half marathon. The main trail runs just under 3 miles starting near McCabe Park at White Bridge Pike and Harding Road, weaving through the Sylvan Park neighborhood with paved surfaces that winds past the McCabe Golf Course alongside the namesake creek lined with historic homes. Most distance runners enjoy looping it multiple times for training runs since the about 4 miles total route with the addition of trailheads lets you reach over three miles to 5.25 miles by weaving in nearby streets to add distance. Perfect for easy runs, intervals, or squeezing in a run before visiting shopping centers, the driving range, or having a picnic in the park near Nashville State Community College, this peaceful scenic loop offers both sentimental value and practical repetitive fast loops, though I’ve ranked it seventh since it’s not long enough for some longer training runs. 
8. Harpeth River Greenway Gives You Peace Along the Water
Harpeth River Greenway ranks eighth on my list and has become one of my all-time favorite places for training runs when I need a peaceful break from city noise. This paved route stretches 6.4 miles one way from Morton Mill through West Nashville and the Harpeth Bend communities, winds along the scenic Harpeth River and Little Harpeth River, creating a quiet meditative escape from the hustle and bustle that’s incredibly easy on the eyes for anyone who love nature. I stumbled onto this rarely crowded gem near Ensworth High School with my running buddy Marcus during marathon prep, and we both agreed it beats the busier greenways hands down. The paved path offers mileage up to 8 miles if you connect through the Harpeth Youth Soccer Association segment toward Edwin Warner Park or start near the Bellevue Exchange Club. Whether you’re tackling a long run or just want to run somewhere that feels like a meditative escape, you must experience this trail—it’s honestly where the water whispers encouragement with every step, making it one of the best hill running routes in Nashville. 
9. Beaman Park Takes You Into Nashville’s Wild Backcountry
Beaman Park ranks ninth on my list and delivers pure solitude across a massive 1693 acre park at 5911 Old Hickory Blvd in northwestern Davidson County, Tennessee. Inside this 2,300-acre natural area, you can see pristine streams and cascading waterfalls. The landscape features narrow hollows and steep forested slopes that offer stunning scenery. This Highland Rim forest provides over 1,500 feet of elevation gain, making it feel like you are far away from the city of Nashville. I trained here for my first trail race on the intense 12.3-mile Laurel Woods Outer Loop starting from 4111 Little Marrowbone Rd at the Little Marrowbone Rd entrance, though the manageable 6-mile loop using the Shortcut Connector works better for most runners wanting 5+ miles of this trail runner’s dream. The rugged terrain and technical trails through hilly landscape along Whites Creek made me question my choice of hobbies at mid-climb, but it’s absolutely worth every step. The Beaman Park Nature Center serves as the hub for this botanically diverse area featuring boardwalks encircling quiet hollows, dirt trails, primitive hiking trails, and two easy quarter-mile trails near the northwest edge of Davidson County. Whether you explore the most challenging trail run on rugged terrain or enjoy easier paths, this nature center gem offers the perfect escape.
10. McCabe Park Delivers Accessible Running in West Nashville
McCabe Park in West Nashville is recommended for running thanks to its convenient location and well-maintained trails that blend urban convenience with nature. The paved greenway loop spans 2.8 miles with multi-use path access connecting to Richland Creek Greenway, plus a community center featuring a fitness center and indoor track for year-round activity. Runners appreciate the tranquil atmosphere along the creek with lush scenery creating a peaceful escape from city noise, making it one of the scenic running routes in Nashville. You can easily extend runs through various loops perfect for walking, biking, or exploring nearby local food spots, which is why I’ve placed it tenth on my personal ranking of Nashville’s best running destinations.
11. Marcella Vivrette Smith Park Delivers a Hidden Gem for Trail Runners
Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in Brentwood ranks eleventh on my list as a hidden gem offering more than six miles of trails through forests and fields with varying levels of difficulty for trail runners seeking solitude and challenging route options. The Blue Trail at 2.25 miles is the most popular, features sneaky-good hills with mixed terrain including gentle stretches and tougher inclines, while the Red Trail climbs to a viewpoint with a very steep climb that gets your heart pumping on this tough one with beautiful scenery. The park has several primitive trails including the 2-mile Black Trail that features relatively short distances but difficult rocky sections, making each trail perfect for Trail running enthusiasts looking for technical challenges. Whether you choose the easy sections or tackle the more difficult climbs, this quiet park offers the perfect trail running Nashville TN experience.
12. Natchez Trace Parkway Offers Historic Running Through Tennessee Forests
Natchez Trace Parkway ranks twelfth on my list for its unique combination of historic paved road running with low vehicle speeds perfect for road runners, plus the ~20-mile Highland Rim Trail offering dedicated dirt trails for trail runners. The parkway features scenic views through forests and wetlands in a relatively quiet environment, with multiple access points including short loops at Garrison Creek and long-distance sections stretching 20 miles from milepost 427.6 to 408. Whether you choose the smooth paved road surface or tackle the dedicated dirt trails winding through Tennessee forests, this historic route gives you plenty of options. The relatively quiet environment with low vehicle speeds makes it safe for road runners, while trail runners love exploring the natural wetlands and scenic woodland paths on both short loops and long-distance sections perfect for trail running in Nashville Tennessee. 
13. Music Row Gives You Urban Running Through Nashville’s Music History
Music Row brings a totally different feel to your run as you explore the heart of Nashville’s music history past studios and record labels in the industrial estate. I’ve picked this spot for number thirteen because it gives you varied options for 3-5 mile loops that work great during lunch breaks, connecting easily to Centennial Park and Richland Creek Greenway for runners with different running preferences. Just be alert and use common sense while exploring—you’ll see workers on smoke breaks and might pass homeless encampments on the first stretch near the river, so stick to this classic loop during daylight for a safer, quieter experience compared to trails and greenways (not at night recommended). It’s perfect urban running for anyone interested in running in the Nashville music district. 
14. Brentwood Provides Diverse Parks for All Running Levels
Brentwood sits at number fourteen on my list because it offers great running options through parks like Marcella Vivrette Smith Park with nature trails and Crockett Park, the largest park at 164 acres. The area has flat paved paths and challenging hilly routes with diverse trails totaling 12.75 miles, perfect for all levels from beginners to marathon trainers. Dedicated running clubs like the Brentwood Breakfast Club meet Thursday mornings, making this Tennessee suburb one of the best places to run around Nashville Tennessee.
15. E.S. Rose Park Offers Track Access Near Belmont University
My fifteenth pick is E.S. Rose Park near Belmont University, which provides a walking track and training facility perfect for running laps, tempo runs, speed work, and intervals for all levels. The accessible track with 300 seats and Mondo surface stays open to the public during daytime hours, though the park can be reserved for busy events during university use so check ahead. The 24-acre facility includes paved paths, restrooms, and amenities with parking available, plus greenway access connects to nearby greenways and the Music City Bikeway for longer distances, making it ideal for a quick run, easy run, general jogging, or one mile loop before the track gets full of people during reserved events—one of the best spots for track running in Nashville Tennessee.
16. Granny White Park Delivers a Simple Loop for Easy Running
Rounding out my list at number sixteen, Granny White Park in Brentwood, Tennessee features a paved loop path that’s 0.8 mile around the outer edges perfect for running, jogging, and an easy loop workout. This 32 acre park includes athletic fields, walking trails, tennis courts, and the Rotary Pavilion providing plenty of amenities for a complete workout. The popular loop is partially shaded with mature trees and benches along the trail, making it my favorite park for a quick run that welcomes all types of runners looking for casual running spots around Nashville.
17. The Gulch Greenway Connects Downtown Running Safely
The Gulch Greenway sits in the heart of Nashville’s downtown area connecting Capitol View, Frankie Pierce Park, and the Gulch, making it your best bet for urban running with a well lit 12-foot-wide trail featuring lighting throughout. This beautiful redesigned greenway opened in 2022 as part of the City Central Greenway System and provides a safe 2–3 mile stretch where you’ll regularly encounter fellow joggers and locals walking dogs during the day or at sunset and even night. Whether you’re new to the city or a female runner seeking well traveled routes, this tucked away gem near south gulch landmarks like Peg Leg Porker makes a great loop that’s easy to find on Google Maps with free parking available at the nearby Publix off MLK when you’re driving in, all surrounded by new construction developments—perfect for safe running routes downtown Nashville.
Essential Safety Tips for Running Solo in Nashville Neighborhoods
Running solo in Nashville requires smart choices to stay safe from both safety from cars and safety from people. Whether you’re seeking advice from men or taking a woman perspective, these safety wise tips help you handle potential safety incidents in any neighborhood. Key Safety Tips:
- Time your runs wisely – Mornings have fewer cars and better visibility than late night hours
- Choose safe neighborhoods – Stick to safe neighborhoods and avoid sketchy areas, especially when running at night
- Stay aware of surroundings – Use transparency mode on AirPods Pro to keep hearing amplified instead of blocking out noise with regular earbuds
- Trust your instincts – From a woman perspective, if something feels off, change your route immediately
- Be visible – Wear reflective gear for safety from cars during early morning or evening runs
- Stay connected – Let someone know your route and expected return time when running solo
- Avoid distractions – Keep music volume low enough to hear traffic and people approaching safely
Safety wise, the best approach combines awareness, preparation, and common sense regardless of when you hit the pavement, whether you’re a fit male or anyone else exploring Nashville’s routes.
Where to Run in Downtown Nashville?
Downtown Nashville offers incredible variety for runners exploring downtown streets through neighborhoods like Germantown, the Capitol area, and Wedgewood Houston. From iconic bridges to university campuses, these routes showcase the best urban running Music City has to offer. Popular Downtown Running Routes:
- Capitol Loop – Start at Bicentennial Mall near the Capitol area and loop through Germantown along 3rd Avenue and Jefferson Street for a scenic downtown loop
- Midtown University Circuit – Run past Vanderbilt campus on 21st Avenue, continue to Belmont via Blakemore, and swing through Belmont Blvd to see the iconic fountain
- West End Corridor – Follow West End avenue connecting to Woodmont, Wedgewood, and Four Fourth Parkway for varied terrain
- Bridge Runs – Cross the Shelby Street Bridge for stadium views, the Pedestrian Bridge for skyline panoramas, or the Woodland Street Bridge for east side access
- Wedgewood Houston Arts District – Explore the trendy Wedgewood Houston neighborhood with street art and coffee shops along the route
Joining Nashville Running Groups and Peak Times to Hit Popular Training Spots
Running groups bring incredible motivation and community to your training, with the East Nasty Running Club standing out as Nashville’s most popular big group that meets regularly for East Side routes featuring their signature 5k loop—check the east Nasty website for schedules. When you run matters for finding crowds or solitude, as McCabe Park around McCabe Golf Course attracts a ton of people from dawn to dusk on weekdays covering almost 3 miles of flat paths, making it a popular place to run for all levels. The Vandy track on VU campus welcomes community runners (not students only) for laps and speed work on the west side, while Dragon Park draws residents from nearby Nashville condos for quick morning sessions. These spots offer built-in accountability and social connection that keeps runners coming back whether you’re training solo or looking for that big group energy to push your pace. Outdoor Adventure Specialist & Trail Designer A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Avery has spent 8 years mapping Nashville’s most scenic trails. His eco-friendly guides help visitors explore responsibly while protecting the region’s natural beauty.
Avery Cole
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