Tennessee is full of rolling hills and breathtaking greenery—it’s truly a nature lover’s dream. I recently visited family in Murfreesboro, about 45 minutes outside of Nashville. This trip was a little different than usual. I was there to watch my cousins while the rest of the family vacationed in Costa Rica, so we only had a few hours each day to get out and explore.
Even with the limited time, I was able to soak in so much beauty. This post is just a little roundup of my favorite hikes and nature walks we squeezed in around the lush green hills near Nashville. I couldn’t get over how vibrant and alive everything was! This was my second time visiting Tennessee—my first was in October a few years ago when I played tourist in Nashville (you can check out that post here). But this trip, in early May, was all about soaking in the outdoors and taking it easy. Everywhere we went, the scenery was absolutely stunning!
Tips
Before heading out to explore, here are a few tips to keep in mind. First—bring bug spray! I’m from Southern Utah, where it’s usually too hot for most bugs, so I tend to forget to toss it into my hiking bag. Big mistake. Tennessee is much more humid, and because most of my adventures were near water, I got absolutely eaten alive by mosquitoes.
Be ready for rain. I was there for a full week in May, and it rained every single day! That meant changing plans more often than I expected—we stayed indoors more than I had hoped simply because of the weather. Definitely keep an eye on the forecast before heading out. One afternoon, I got caught in a total downpour and still had a mile to walk back to the car. It wasn’t ideal, but it made the experience unforgettable!
Waterproof shoes or sandals with good grip are another must, especially if you’re hiking near rivers, waterfalls, or through muddy trails, which is likely if it’s rained recently. I’d also suggest keeping a towel and dry clothes in your car just in case.
That said, even just the drives to the trailheads were so scenic. Winding through thick forests, rolling farmland, and endless stretches of greenery, it felt like something out of a movie. Honestly, the road to each hike felt like its own little adventure. I often didn’t mind that we had to drive 30 minutes to an hour to get to each trailhead.
Rutledge Falls
This is an incredibly easy walk to a stunning waterfall—definitely one of my favorites I’ve ever been to. I actually visited it both times I was in the area because I loved it so much.
The trail is super short, only about 0.2 miles, but you do have to climb down a bit to reach the waterfall. It’s not a difficult descent, but it can be slippery, especially after rain. When I went, it was pretty slick, but even the 4-year-old I was with managed it just fine. Just something to be aware of, especially if you’re bringing kids or anyone who might not be comfortable with uneven ground.
The waterfall is absolutely beautiful, tucked away in a peaceful little spot just a short walk from the parking area. There’s also what looks like the remains of an old stone building built into the hillside, which adds to the charm and history of the area.
If you’re up for a little extra exploring, you can walk along the river as far as you’d like—it’s such a serene, scenic area to wander through. Honestly, I just love this spot. It’s quick to get to, but has breathtaking views. My #1 recommendation if you are visiting and want to get out into nature.
Radnor Lake State Park
Radnor Lake was such a cool spot to explore! There are several trails throughout the park, but we chose the one that loops around the lake. What made it unique compared to other lake loops I’ve done is that the trail doesn’t hug the shoreline. Instead, you wind through the forest and catch beautiful, occasional glimpses of the water through the trees. It gave the whole walk a peaceful feel.
The full loop is about 2.7 miles and is more of a nature walk than a hike—very easy and relaxing. When we went, it was overcast, which added this soft, moody, folklore-like vibe to the whole experience. There weren’t many people on the trail either, so it felt quiet and serene, just us, the trees, and the birds.
The path is mostly covered in wood chips, and we did end up with a few in our shoes—just something to be aware of! I really loved this area and will definitely return.
Walking Paths
One thing I loved about the area was how many paved walking paths there were—some winding through neighborhoods, others following rivers or tucked into pockets of forest. I stumbled on a few that were surprisingly scenic, with huge trees lining the trail and peaceful rivers running alongside. At one spot, we even saw a turtle sunbathing on a rock, which was such a fun little moment.
I really appreciate paths like these because they make it easy for anyone to get outside and enjoy nature without needing to commit to a full hike. They’re perfect for slow strolls, casual runs, or just soaking up some sunshine.
General Bragg Trailhead
This paved greenway is part of a larger 12-mile walking path system, though we only did about a mile of it. It was a great place to stretch our legs and enjoy some fresh air while the sun made a rare appearance.
Stones River National Battlefield
As a history lover, this was one of my favorite spots. Walking through the Stones River National Battlefield felt both peaceful and powerful. We started in the cemetery, then followed the trail through the area where Union soldiers once took cover during the Battle of Stones River—one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. It was quiet and sobering, a reminder of the sacrifices made there. We ended up walking around 2 miles before the rain caught up with us again.
Final Thoughts
This trip to Tennessee may have been a little different, but it was still so special. Between watching my cousins and working around the rain, I got to explore some beautiful, peaceful places. The greenery, the waterfalls, the quiet walking trails—it all reminded me how refreshing nature can be.
If you’re near Nashville or Murfreesboro, these spots are worth checking out. Even the drives were scenic! Rain or shine, Tennessee knows how to show off.
Stay Safe and Start Exploring!