Spring is in full bloom at Tennessee’s 56 state parks. Enjoy the warmer weather at nearby state parks and natural areas or hit the road for festivals, 5Ks, and overnight adventures within driving distance of Nashville.

State parks and natural areas in Davidson County

Beaman Park State Natural Area, 5911 Old Hickory Blvd.

1,678 acres
Leashed dogs allowed
Bonus: Bookmark the spring calendar so you don’t miss the Nashville Outdoor Expo, a Pink Moon hike, and a tasting event.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy.

11 acres
200-ft granite map of the state, a 95-bell carillon, a World War II memorial, and more
Leashed dogs allowed
Bonus: Park tours are offered on select days.

Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area, ~1.5 miles past Long Hunter State Park entrance

140 acres
Leashed dogs allowed
Bonus: Couchville supports one of the largest known populations of the Tennessee coneflower.

Harpeth River State Park, 1254 Narrows of the Harpeth Rd.

520 acres across Davidson and Cheatham
Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and hiking
Leashed dogs allowed
Bonus: There are nine river access sites along 40 river miles.

Hill Forest State Natural Area, across from Edwin Warner Park

225 acres
Limited access with permission from Warner Parks
Dogs not allowed
Bonus: Enjoy a rare opportunity for spring birding at the Hill Forest on Friday, May 17.

Hit the Day Loop Trail at Long Hunter State Park. | Photo via Long Hunter State Park/Tennessee State Parks

Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pk., Hermitage

2,600 acres
Fishing, 20+ miles of hiking trails, camping, and two boat launch ramps
Dogs not allowed on the following trails: Bryant Grove Trail, Couchville Lake Trail, and the Nature Loop Trail.
Bonus: The park has a 50-ft-tall rentable adventure course.

Mount View Glade State Natural Area, 5704 Tru Long Dr.

Nine acres
Leashed dogs allowed
Bonus: There is a small parking area and a short loop hiking trail.

Radnor Lake State Park & Natural Area, 1160 Otter Creek Rd.

1,368 acres
Open to the public with trail access
Leashed dogs allowed on paved surfaces
Bonus: Hike up to the Barbara J. Mapp Aviary Education Center during open house hours.

Spring events at state parks

Guided Backpacking Trip | Saturday, May 25-Sunday, May 26 | Overnight | South Cumberland State Park | $85+ | If you're up for the challenge, this guided backpacking trip of the infamous Fiery Gizzard trail involves quick elevation changes — meals and snacks provided.

Pro tip: Access all upcoming state park events by region.