Looking to venture out of Music City for a few hours and experience the great outdoors? Grab your hiking boots and go see some of the best views in Nashville from one of my three favorite spots.

Long Hunter State Park

Located just 30 minutes outside the city, Long Hunter State Park is the perfect daytime getaway. The park is in Hermitage and borders the beautiful J. Percy Priest Lake.

Choose one of many hiking trails, which range from less than a mile long to 11 miles in length. My favorite is the four-mile day loop trail, which has one of the best views in Nashville overlooking the lake.

The beginner-friendly route is easy to knock out in two to three hours, and the paths are wide and clear for walking. The first two miles are mostly flat and downhill, but the last two uphill miles will get your heart rate up.

Find more activities for your family to enjoy in Nashville.

Radnor Lake

Even closer to Nashville is Radnor Lake, a hot spot for locals seeking a bit of outdoor adventure. The 20-minute drive from downtown Nashville through the beautiful Belle Meade neighborhood on the way to the park is scenic, and once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re in another world.

Biking and running are not permitted on the trails around the lake so it’s peaceful and quiet. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the unpaved, shaded path.

The popular trail is busy on the weekends with bird-watchers and walkers, but the walkway is wide enough to give everyone space. One loop around the lake measures just under three miles.

The Walls of Jericho

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure, try The Walls of Jericho trail in Belvidere, Tennessee, a two-hour drive from Nashville. The trail is a historic natural site with nearly 9,000 acres of land in Tennessee and 12,000 acres in Alabama.

The seven-mile hike down to the basin starts at the Tennessee trail head and is not for the faint of heart. But if you’ve got the right shoes and it’s a dry, cool day then the workout is worth it.

Climb your way down the trails and once you reach the final descent, enjoy the sights and sounds of the trail’s natural amphitheater, a huge open space with running creeks, rocks and caves. Be sure to pack a sturdy, waterproof camera so you can snap a photo at the bottom.

Looking for more hikes in Tennessee? Check out these four trails. Have a recommendation for a trail? Let us know in a comment below.

Most outdoor activities have some level of risk, and you may need to consult an expert before engaging in the activity. Always
check the current weather conditions before embarking on any outdoor activity.

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.