Family Friendly Hikes in East, Middle and West TN

Whether you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity for vacation, or you just need a weekend day trip for your family, we’ve got you covered with these family-friendly trail recommendations across the tristar state!

If you’re looking for outdoor recreation opportunities, we suggest heading to the Tennessee State Parks website for even more ideas!

📸: Matt Morrison

This iconic park holds some beautiful trails with overlooks, and everyone’s favorite: waterfalls! This park provides access to many easy hikes that will thrill the whole family. If you aren’t too afraid of heights, consider starting with the Cane Creek Falls and Suspension Bridge trail. It’s an easy 0.4 mile trail with waterfall views and… a swinging bridge! If the bridge doesn’t suit your style, look into the Paw Paw trail or the Piney Falls Trail. Both of these are scenic loops that provide overlook and/ or lake views and waterfalls. Click here to see a hiking map.

Fall Creek Falls State Park is open 24 hours with the road leading to the falls being locked at dark. All Day Use Areas close at sunset—according to the TN Sate Parks website.

Middle Tennessee

Radnor Lake State Park | Nashville, TN

If you live near Nashville, you’ve definitely at least heard of this gem of a park. There are easy trails around the lake and through the woods creating an opportunity for epic views and immersion into nature. From both the East and West parking lots, you can access all of the trails at this park. If you want to try a shorter adventure, we recommend walking along the Otter Creek Rd trail where you are sure to see great views of the lake and wildlife. For something a little longer, try making a loop by walking the Otter Creek Rd. portion and connecting with the Lake Trail to make a full circle around the lake.

In the Spring and Summer months, you are sure to see lush areas full of wildflowers and greenery. Radnor Lake is known to be a habitat for wild deer and many different birds, so keep an eye out for animals too! Click here to see a hiking map.

Radnor Lake State Park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 20 minutes after sunset according to the TN State Parks website.

West Tennessee

Natchez Trace State Park | Wildersville, TN

Natchez Trace is an outdoor lover’s paradise. It is located on the opposite side of the Tennessee River from the Natchez Trace Parkway. With activities ranging from hiking to fishing and horseback riding, you are sure to entertain the family here. The trails here provide sights including the lake and streams, as well as fields and forests. There are a few easy to moderate hikes in the trail system at this park to choose from. Look into the Pin Oak trail and the Oak Ridge trail for easy, fun walks through the park. Click here to see a park map.

Natchez Trace State Park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily according to the TN State Parks website.



Ok, now there’s no excuse! Get out there and go adventure! If this post inspired you to go on a family adventure, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @tristaradventures and use the tags #tristaradventures & #instagramtennessee for a chance to be featured on our page!

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