As a senior, keeping your body in great physical shape can be tough. Walking trails are a great way to get consistent exercise and spend some quality time in nature with friends and family! Many of the seniors in the area, especially those in our LiveWell program for independent adults 60 years and older, utilize walking trails in and around Nashville when the weather’s nice.
This comprehensive guide lists our top 10 walking trails for seniors in Nashville that are within driving distance of Blakeford. All of these trails are rated as easy by AllTrails, so you won’t have to worry about long distances or steep elevation gains, but you can make multiple loops on these trails if you’re looking for more of an adventure or workout!
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Approximate Length: 0.7 miles or 12 minutes
Approximate Driving Distance from Blakeford: 25 minutes
Address: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a Tennessee staple. Within the park, there is a 200-foot granite map of Tennessee, native plant species, a World War II memorial, and much more! Guided tours are also available.
Coleman Park
Approximate Length: 0.6 miles or 12 minutes
Approximate Driving Distance from Blakeford: 20 minutes
Address: 384 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37211
Coleman Park is a fitness center with both indoor and outdoor walking options, including a paved outdoor loop. The park is very easily accessible, making it a great option if you, a friend, or family member uses a wheelchair or other mobility equipment.
Centennial Park
Approximate Length: 1.2 miles or 22 minutes
Approximate Driving Distance from Blakeford: 15 minutes
Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Located near Vanderbilt University, Centennial Park has many beautiful features to offer. There’s a lake, historical monuments, and even a full-size replica of the Greek Parthenon! It’s a great destination with multiple walking trails and activities for people of all ages. Learn more about Centennial Park here.
Cheekwood Park
Approximate Length: 1.2 miles or 28 minutes
Approximate Driving Distance from Blakeford: 10 minutes
Address: 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205
Cheekwood Park is an extravagant 1930s estate that was converted into a botanical garden. On the property, there are plenty of exhibits, including both garden exhibits and art. It’s even recognized by USA Today as a top 10 botanical garden nationwide!
Fort Negley
Approximate Length: 1.0 miles or 22 minutes
Approximate Driving Distance from Blakeford: 20 minutes
Address: 1100 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203
Fort Negley has a lot of history behind it. Most notably, it was crucial to a Union-occupied Nashville during the Civil War due to its proximity to the Cumberland River. If you’re planning on going on a walk here, you can go on a self-guided historical tour and catch some incredible views of downtown Nashville!
Valve House Trail at Radnor Lake
Approximate Length: 0.8 miles or 19 minutes
Approximate Driving Distance from Blakeford: 10 minutes
Address: Historic Valve House at Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37220
The valve house trail at Radnor Lake showcases a lake, a dam, four miles of piping, a caretaker’s residence, and the main valve for the dam. The complex was developed in approximately 1910 by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company. While you’re on your walk, you’ll get to see some cool pieces of Nashville history!
Hidden Lake Trail at Harpeth River State Park
Approximate Length: 1.3 miles or 24 minutes
Approximate Driving Distance from Blakeford: 30 minutes
Address: 7851 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221
Harpeth River State Park is a large state park that boasts 40 miles of rivers with 9 access sites! You can often see people kayaking or fishing in the rivers. The Hidden Lake Trail is the easiest trail on the property, but they have many more trails you can choose from if you’re looking for a longer walk.
Storywalk Trail at Edwin Warner Park
Approximate Length: 0.2 miles or 4 minutes
Approximate Driving Distance from Blakeford: 15 minutes
Address: 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221
The Warner Parks, Edwin Warner Park and Percy Warner Park, are some of the largest parks in Tennessee. The Storywalk Trail at Edwin Warner Park is the shortest trail they offer, but there are many other trails on the property. These trails are in a forested area, so you don’t have to worry about shade.
Mill Creek Greenway at Whitsett Park
Approximate Length: 0.7 miles or 12 minutes
Approximate Driving Distance from Blakeford: 25 minutes
Address: 375 Wimpole Dr, Nashville, TN 37211
The Mill Creek Greenway at Whitsett Park is a great middle ground for seniors who love to walk. The path is paved and there are some trees that provide shade. The park was also renovated recently, so the playground and other structures are pleasant on the eyes. It’s so beautiful that you can often find people just sitting on the benches, enjoying the scenery!
Anderson Road Metropolitan Park
Approximate Length: 1.5 miles or 29 minutes
Approximate Driving Distance from Blakeford: 40 minutes
Address: Metropolitan Government, 4052 Anderson Rd, Nashville, TN 37217
The Anderson Road Metropolitan Park has a swim beach, picnic tables, and grills, making it a great destination to bring the whole family together! This is the longest trail on this list, so be sure to wear your best running shoes!
Join Other Active Seniors with LiveWell by Blakeford
If you’re an active senior looking to age in place in Nashville or the surrounding area, LiveWell by Blakeford is the perfect program for you. LiveWell is a long-term care insurance alternative for adults 60 years or older living on their own, so that you have complete independence while still having access to the same kinds of services offered to senior living community residents. Contact us today to learn more about LiveWell!