INSIDERS’ GUIDE® to Nashville

The typical Nashvillian isn't one to sit around idly and let the world go by. No, there's just way too much to do here for that. Whatever your preferred method of recreation, you'll probably find it in this city. Nashville has earned the nickname “City of Parks,” and many of the recreational opportunities available in Middle Tennessee are at parks. We're talking about activities as varied as bicycling, hiking, swimming, tennis, golfing, and skating, to name just a few. And many parks have fields for team sports like baseball, softball, and soccer. But parks don't have a monopoly on the action in Nashville. Tens of thousands of acres of water in area lakes just beg to be swum, fished, boated, and skied. You can put on your boots and cowboy hat and, instead of boot scootin’, go for a horseback ride through the country. You can enjoy nature's beauty on an easy-paced walk or a strenuous hike.

Bad weather? That's okay. It doesn't have to ruin your day. As you'll discover in this chapter, we have plenty of indoor recreational opportunities as well, like indoor swimming and tennis, bowling, billiards, and pumping iron. So you don't need to climb the walls—although, if you really want to, that's an option as well.

BICYCLING

Nashville's many parks make it an ideal city for bikers of varying experience. If you're a beginner, you can find relatively flat paths that require little exertion; if you're eager for a challenge, there are plenty of hills that will test your stamina. One excellent guide to biking is “Cycling Tennessee's Highways,” a free collection of bicycling touring maps covering various sections of the state, from the Tennessee Department of Transportation by writing to Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator, Department of Transportation Planning, 5050 Deaderick St., Suite 900, James K. Polk Building, Nashville, TN 37243. Maps also may be downloaded at tdot.state.ten.us/bikeped/routes.

BOATING

Nashville's 2 big lakes, J. Percy Priest and Old Hickory, are both managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, which also manages some launching ramps on Cheatham Lake (Cumberland River). You'll see a variety of watercraft on these lakes, from fishing and skiing boats to houseboats, sailboats, and Jet Skis. Signs to boat ramps are marked at various locations around the lakes.

J. Percy Priest Lake was named in honor of Representative James Percy Priest, who was a high school teacher and coach and a reporter and editor for the Tennessean before being elected to Congress in 1940. He represented Nashville and Davidson County until his death in 1956. Old Hickory Lake was named for President Andrew Jackson, whose nickname was “Old Hickory.”

The Corps of Engineers operates nearly a dozen launching ramps on Old Hickory Lake in such areas as Hendersonville, Old Hickory, Hermitage, and Gallatin. The Corps has about 14 ramps at various sites on Priest Lake.

A number of private marina operators lease land from the Corps, and their offerings vary. Most, but not all, have a launching ramp, for example, and while most sell fishing and marine supplies, only a few sell fishing licenses.

J. PERCY PRIEST LAKE (visitor center: 3737 Bell Rd., Nashville, TN 37076; 615-889-1975); percypriestlake.org. About 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, this lake covers 14,400 acres and has 265 miles of shoreline. Launching ramps are available as are campsites and picnic shelters. The visitor center is located near the west side of the dam and is open on weekdays.

OLD HICKORY LAKE (resource manager's office: No. 5 Power Plant Rd., Hendersonville; 615-822-4846, 615-847-2395); www.lrn.usace.army.mil/op/old/rec. Located northeast of Nashville on the Cumberland River, this lake has more than 22,000 acres of water and 440 miles of shoreline. The visitor center/resource manager's office is located in Rockland Recreation Area in Hendersonville. Old Hickory Lake is named after former president and Tennessee native son Andrew Jackson, who was nicknamed “Old Hickory” because of his toughness.

CHEATHAM LAKE (resource manager's office, 1798 Cheatham Dam Rd., Ashland City, TN 37015; 615-792-5697); lrn.usace-army.mil/op/che/rec. An impoundment of the Cumberland River, this lake is 67.5 miles long, extending through Nashville to Old Hickory Dam. The lake has 320 miles of shoreline and two commercial marinas.

For information on lake elevation, water temperature, and fishing conditions at J. Percy Priest Lake or Old Hickory Lake, call the US Army Corps of Engineers's fishing information lines Mon through Fri. The number to call for Priest Lake is (615) 889-1975; the number for Old Hickory is (615) 824-7766. The information is updated on weekdays. On weekends, call TVA's Lake Information Line at (800) 238-2264 for information on either lake.

CANOEING

The Harpeth River is a blessing to canoeists who don't want to drive far. Several businesses on the river in nearby Kingston Springs rent canoes for trips of varying lengths and times on the Harpeth, which is designated a State Scenic River and nature sanctuary. Because of the Harpeth's 5-mile “hairpin” loop in this area, you can put in and take out at nearly the same spot. Along the quiet, relaxing route—there are no major rapids to negotiate—you'll pass peaceful farmland and green, rolling hills. It's a great way to get away from it all for a few hours.

The Harpeth River, a popular spot for canoeing, is normally rated Class I, which means it's suitable for beginners and children. About 20 percent of the time, the Harpeth is Class II, and suitable only for experienced canoeists. Beginners and children under age 12 are advised not to canoe the river during those times.

FISHING

Middle Tennessee has 10 lakes and more than a dozen rivers and streams within a 2-hour drive of Nashville, which is good news for anglers. The 3 closest lakes to Nashville are Cheatham, J. Percy Priest, and Old Hickory.

Gamefish species caught in Middle Tennessee include rainbow and brown trout, walleye, sauger, rockfish (also known as stripers), stripe (also known as white bass), bream, black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted), catfish, and crappie. Not all species will be found in all waters—their presence is often dependent upon habitat and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) stocking programs.

Tennessee has a Free Fishing Day each June, when everyone can fish without a license, and a Free Fishing Week in June for children ages 13 through 15. Contact Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) for dates.

Anyone 13 or older who fishes in Tennessee must have a license. You are exempted if you are: (1) a landowner fishing on your own farmland; (2) on military leave and carrying a copy of your leave orders; or (3) a resident born before March 1, 1926. Disabled resident veterans and blind residents are eligible for free licenses. Licenses go on sale Feb 18 of each year. An annual resident fishing and hunting combination license costs $28. A stamp permitting you to fish for trout costs an additional $18. Nonresident licenses start at $16.50 for a 3-day (no trout) fishing license and $33.50 for a 3-day all-fish license. In addition, special permits are available for TWRA-managed lakes and Reelfoot Preservation (Reelfoot Lake). Fishing licenses are available at sporting goods stores, marinas, hardware stores, and bait-and-tackle shops. You can also order them online or by phone from the TWRA (see subsequent entry).

TENNESSEE WILDLIFE RESOURCES AGENCY, Ellington Agricultural Center, 440 Hogan Rd., Nashville, TN 37220; (615) 781-6500; tennessee.gov/twra. The latest laws governing fishing in Tennessee are available in the booklet Tennessee Fishing Regulations. The booklet, as well as other information about fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities, is available from this office, which is responsible for Middle Tennessee, or Region 2.

You can purchase an instant fishing license from the TWRA online or by phone, using a credit card (there is an extra fee of $3.95 for either service). To order online, visit the TWRA's website.

TENNIS

CENTENNIAL SPORTSPLEX, 222 25th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 862-8480; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation/centennial-sportsplex.The Metro Board of Parks and Recreation has more than 160 tennis courts available free at parks around town. Call for information on courts near you. In addition, Metro Parks's Centennial Sportsplex has 13 outdoor courts with 4 hard courts and 8 new 36-foot permanent courts for ages 8 and-under play. Outdoor courts are $10 per hour for non-members and $4 per hour for members. The indoor court fee is $20 per hour for non-members and members. Call or visit the website for details on how and when to sign up for contract time.

YMCAS

YMCA OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE, 1000 Church St., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 259-9622 (main office); ymcamidtn.org. The YMCA of Middle Tennessee is a not-for-profit health and human-services organization committed to helping persons grow in spirit, mind, and body. The organization operates 24 facilities in 11 counties. The Y offers its members a wide variety of programs and services, including indoor and outdoor pools, aerobics classes, wellness equipment, athletic fields, and gymnasiums. In addition, the YMCA has programs like youth sports, year-round child care, summer camp, personal fitness, family nights, volunteer opportunities, outreach, and activities for teens and older adults. A comprehensive list of local Ys and the facilities each has to offer is available at the website.

PARKS

Nashville's first public park was the 8.5-acre Watkins Park at Jo Johnston Avenue and 17th Avenue N. Watkins Park was given to the city by brick manufacturer and construction contractor Samuel Watkins in 1870. The park was ravaged in the early 1860s by the Civil War. Around the turn of the 20th century, residents and the park board stepped in to renovate the area. In 1906 the Centennial Club took over and added the city's first playground. It was such a success that in 1909 the park board opened children's playgrounds on vacant lots throughout Nashville. Watkins Park, by the way, is still there at 616 17th Ave. N. Today it has a community center, tennis courts, basketball court, picnic shelter, and sprayground for cooling off in the summer. In this chapter we've chosen to list only a portion of Nashville's many parks and green spaces—just enough to get you in the mood for getting out and about. To ensure that your park excursions are safe and enjoyable, take note of the rules and hours of operation. Many parks are open from sunrise to sunset.

BICENTENNIAL CAPITOL MALL STATE PARK, 600 James Robertson Pkwy., Nashville, TN 37243; (615) 741-5280; tnstateparks.com/parks/about/bicentennial-mall. Don't let the word mall throw you off: This is not a shopping mall, but rather a mall similar to the National Mall in Washington, DC. This 19-acre downtown attraction, Tennessee's 51st state park, is part park and part outdoor history lesson. It opened in 1996 on the north side of the Tennessee State Capitol to commemorate the state's 200th birthday celebration and preserve the last unobstructed view of the capitol.

In the mall's concrete plaza entrance, a 200-foot granite map will take you on a walking trip through Tennessee. The map highlights major roads, rivers, and other details of the state's 95 counties. At night the county seats light up. A variety of other granite maps detail topics such as the state's geography, musical diversity, and topography. Just past the railroad trestle is the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains, with 31 fountains of varying heights, each representing one of the state's major rivers. The 95-bell carillon has 1 bell for each county in the state. The Pathway of History, starting at the west side of the mall, features marble columns that divide state history into 10-year increments. A World War II memorial, paid for by veterans of the war, takes the shape of an 18,000-pound granite globe supported by a constant stream of water; visitors can rotate the globe to view areas of the world as it was from 1939 to 1945 and see Tennessee's ties to the war's major battlefields. The mall also has a visitor center and 2,000-seat amphitheater. Guided group tours are available. The park offers restrooms and a gift shop. The park closes at dark and is patrolled 24 hours a day.

BLEDSOE CREEK STATE PARK, 400 Zieglers Fort Rd., Gallatin, TN 37066; (615) 452-3706; tnstateparks.com/parks/about/bledsoe-creek. The 164-acre Bledsoe Creek offers 57 campsites and more than 6 miles of hiking trails, as well as 2 boat launches, picnic facilities, and fishing at Old Hickory Lake. Rich in history, the park is named for long hunter and Revolutionary War veteran Isaac Bledsoe who came to the area in the 1770s. Nearby Bledsoe Fort was built in 1783 by Bledsoe to protect settlers from Indian attacks. Bledsoe and his brother Anthony were killed by Indians not far from there and are buried at Bledsoe Monument. The park's current visitor center will be demolished and a new one constructed on the same location, but the construction schedule had yet to be announced in 2015.

CEDARS OF LEBANON STATE PARK, 328 Cedar Forest Rd., Lebanon, TN 37090; (615) 443-2769; tnstateparks.com/parks/about/cedars-of-lebanon. This park, which is connected to the largest red cedar forest in the United States, is about 31 miles east of Nashville in Wilson County, 6 miles south of I-40 on US 231. Only about 900 of the total acres are used for recreation. The remaining 8,100 acres are operated as a natural area by the Parks Division and as a state forest by the Forestry Division. Numerous wildflowers and other native plants can be found in the open limestone glades, including 19 rare and endangered plants, such as the Tennessee coneflower, which is said to exist only in Middle Tennessee. Accommodations include 117 campsites with electric and water hookups, plus 30 tent campsites and several 2-bedroom cabins with fully furnished kitchens. An 80-person-capacity group lodge offers year-round separate sleeping facilities. Among the other attractions are the Merritt Nature Center, 11 picnic pavilions, an “Olympic-plus-size” swimming pool, 8 miles of hiking trails through the cedar forests and glades, and 6 miles of horseback-riding trails.

HARPETH RIVER STATE PARK, Off US 70 at Cedar Hill Rd., Kingston Springs, TN 37887; tnstateparks.com/parks/about/harpeth-river. This park, considered a satellite area of Montgomery Bell State Park about 11 miles west, offers recreation on the river, hiking, and a bit of education, too. While you're at the Narrows site, be sure to check out the historic 290-foot-long tunnel hand-cut through solid rock; it is an industrial landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the oldest existing human-made tunnels in the nation. Montgomery Bell, an early iron industrialist, built the tunnel to supply waterpower to his iron forge on the river. Bell is buried on a hillside across the river.

LONG HUNTER STATE PARK, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076; (615) 885-2422; tnstateparks.com/parks/about/long-hunter. The 2,600-acre Long Hunter State Park, situated on the east shore of J. Percy Priest Lake, is a popular site for boating, swimming, waterskiing, and fishing. If you prefer to stay dry, there are plenty of activities on terra firma too, such as hiking, bird-watching, picnicking, and backcountry camping. The park offers boat rentals, playgrounds, a gift shop, and more. Spanning more than 14,000 acres, the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Percy Priest Reservoir is one of the largest lakes in the state. The 110-acre, landlocked Couchville Lake is part of Priest and is surrounded by a 2-mile paved trail. That barrier-free area also has a fishing pier. Long Hunter State Park was named for the hunters and explorers of the 1700s who stayed in the area for months or years at a time.

MONTGOMERY BELL STATE PARK, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd., Burns, TN 37029; (615) 797-9052; tnstateparks.com/parks/about/montgomery-bell. This approximately 3,800-acre park is located along US 70, about 2 miles west of White Bluff and 7 miles east of Dickson. The park is named for the state's first capitalist and industrialist, Montgomery Bell, who operated an iron forge on the Harpeth River. Montgomery Bell offers 118 tree-covered campsites, most of which have water and electrical hookups. All sites have a picnic table and grill. A 120-person-capacity group camp—open Apr through Oct—contains individual cabins, a dining hall, bathhouses, and a fishing dock. Montgomery Bell State Park's inn, conference center, and restaurant overlook the park's Lake Acorn. The inn has 120 rooms and 5 suites. The restaurant seats 190 and serves 3 meals a day. Other accommodations include 8 2-bedroom, fully equipped cabins that are available year-round. Privately owned boats are allowed at 17-acre Lake Acorn, 26-acre Creech Hollow Lake, and 50-acre Lake Woodhaven (check with the park for regulations). Lake Woodhaven has a year-round boat launch. Lake Acorn has canoes, paddleboats, and johnboats available for rent. Hikers will find about 20 miles of trails. An 11.7-mile overnight trail has 3 primitive overnight shelters. The park also offers a challenging 18-hole golf course, 2 tennis courts, playground, ball field, basketball courts, and more.

When visiting area parks, keep your eyes open for the official Tennessee state creatures. The official state insects are the firefly (often referred to as a lightning bug), which glows at night, and the ladybug, a small reddish-orange bug with black spots on its wings. You might also see or hear the state bird, the mockingbird, which not only has its own melodious song but also is skilled at mimicking the songs of other birds. The state animal is the raccoon, which you'll recognize by its bushy ringed tail and banditlike mask of dark fur around its eyes.

RADNOR LAKE STATE NATURAL AREA, 1160 Otter Creek Rd., Nashville, TN 37220; (615) 373-3467; radnorlake.org. In the late photographer John Netherton's book Radnor Lake: Nashville's Walden (Rutledge Hill Press, 1984), Nashville author John Egerton writes, “Words will never suffice to describe it. Radnor must be experienced through the senses. It must be seen, smelled, heard.” It's true. Radnor Lake, a natural area spanning more than 1,100 acres just 6 miles south of downtown Nashville, must be experienced—in every season. The park is open during daylight hours.

Radnor is a state natural area and therefore not a recreation-oriented park. Primary activities are hiking, nature observation, photography, and research. Some activities, such as jogging on the wooded trails, boating, swimming, and picnicking, are not permitted. Radnor naturalists conduct a variety of environmental activities, such as birds-of-prey programs, wildflower hikes, canoe floats, and nighttime “owl prowls.” You can make reservations for these programs by phone or at the visitor center.

Radnor Lake was created in 1914 by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad Company to provide water for steam engines and livestock at the Radnor Railroad Yards. L&N officials and their guests also used the site for private recreation. In 1962, when the area was purchased by a construction firm that had plans for a housing development, Nashvillians protested and were able to preserve the area. With the financial support of the federal government and thousands of Nashvillians, the Tennessee Department of Conservation purchased the land in 1973, and it became the state's first natural area.

The Metro Parks system consists of regional parks, community parks, neighborhood parks, and miniparks. The regional parks are 50 to 500-plus acres in size and include large, undisturbed tracts of land important for the protection of wildlife habitats. Hiking and picnicking are popular activities at these parks. The 4 largest regional parks are Shelby Bottoms Greenway in the downtown area; Hamilton Creek Park in the eastern part of Davidson County; the Warner Parks, which serve the south and southwestern parts of the county; and Beaman Park in north Nashville. There are at least 9 additional regional parks of 50 to 200 acres, including Centennial Park, one of the parks system's showpieces. Community parks are 20 to 50 acres in size, serve several neighborhoods, and offer numerous recreational facilities, including community centers; there are more than a dozen community parks in Nashville. There are more than 3 dozen neighborhood parks, which are 5 to 20 acres in size and are designed to serve the immediate surrounding neighborhood; these parks may have playgrounds, tennis or basketball courts, ball fields, and picnic areas. Miniparks, which are smaller than 5 acres, include urban plazas, playgrounds, and other small spaces; there are more than 20 of these parks in Nashville.

ALVIN G. BEAMAN PARK, 4111 Little Marrowbone Rd., Nashville, TN 37221; (615) 862-8400; beamanpark.org. Work on this 1,500-acre woodland greenway in northwest Davidson County, between Joelton and Ashland City, began in 1996, and the park opened in 2005. Beaman Park is Metro's second largest park, second only to the Warner Parks. The park is named for the late Sally and Alvin G. Beaman. Sally originally donated the funds to purchase the property as a tribute to her late husband, who was a parks board member and founder of the Beaman Automotive Group. Nature education and hiking are the focus of Beaman Park.

CEDAR HILL PARK, 860 Old Hickory Blvd., Madison, TN 37115; (615) 862-8400; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. This 225-acre, hilly park is near Goodlettsville on Dickerson Road at Old Hickory Boulevard. With a 4-diamond baseball and softball complex, it's a top pick for the area's teams. In addition to its baseball and softball diamonds, Cedar Hill Park has 7 tennis courts, a playground, a walking and jogging track, 7 picnic shelters that stay very busy, and restrooms. Many visitors come here just to walk the path around Cedar Hill Lake.

CENTENNIAL PARK, 2500 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 862-8400; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. Home of Nashville's famous replica of the Greek Parthenon, Centennial Park sits on 132.3 acres at West End Avenue and 25th Avenue N., 2 miles west of downtown. In 1897 it was the site of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, which celebrated (one year late) Tennessee's 100th anniversary of statehood. Construction on the exposition buildings began in October 1895, when the cornerstone for a Parthenon replica was laid. Several elaborate, temporary white stucco buildings were constructed for use during the event, which attracted more than 1.7 million people from around the world. When the celebration was over, the other buildings were removed, but Nashvillians chose to keep the magnificent Parthenon (see our History and Attractions chapters), the only full-size replica of the Athenian structure. A highlight of the Parthenon is the 42-foot Athena Parthenos, the largest piece of indoor sculpture in the Western world.

Centennial Park offers playgrounds, paddleboating on Lake Watauga (a large pond), picnic facilities, swings, a band shell, a sand volleyball court, and plenty of grassy areas just perfect for spreading out a blanket. Various monuments around the park are reminders of Nashville's history. The park is the site of various arts and crafts exhibits, concerts, and other popular events throughout the year.

ELMINGTON PARK, 3531 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37205; (615) 862-8400; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. This popular neighborhood park, on 13.3 acres at West End and Bowling Avenues, was developed by the Works Progress Administration during the 1930s. Today Elmington is a multipurpose park, offering 2 tennis courts, a baseball diamond, various playground pieces, and picnic tables.

The year 1933 saw one of the state's toughest elections. In a race to determine the state bird, the mockingbird beat the robin by a mere 450 votes.

FANNIE MAE DEES PARK, 2400 Blakemore Ave., Nashville, TN 37212; (615) 862-8400; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. Fannie Mae Dees Park is known to many as Dragon Park because of the mosaic sea-serpent centerpiece sculpture that winds its way through the playground area. But it's the park's recent addition—Lily's Garden, featuring playground equipment that is accessible to children with disabilities—that has given this urban green space a new lease on life. Children of all ages and abilities enjoy playing on the colorful structures. (See the Kidstuff chapter for more about Lily's Garden.) As for the dragon, a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission brought artist Pedro Silva from New York to Nashville to design the sea creature. Nashville children were involved in the work, piecing the tiles together at various community centers and then bringing them to the park. The piece was dedicated April 25, 1981.

If you've never visited this park, it's worth stopping by just to marvel at the sea serpent. Look closely—you'll see many interesting and fanciful designs, including sailboats, scuba divers, mermaids, and flowers. A portrait of local civic leader Fannie Mae Dees, the park's namesake, can be found on the loop near the serpent's tail. The sculpture is more than art, however; its tail serves as a bench—a great spot to relax while the kids enjoy the playground.

HADLEY PARK, 1037 28th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 862-8400; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. This 34-acre urban community park includes an indoor walking track, pool, community meeting rooms, and a fitness room. The park board purchased the property in 1912 at the request of Fisk University's president and leaders of the north Nashville community. That year Nashville mayor Hilary Howse proclaimed Hadley Park the first public park for African-American citizens that had been established by any government in the nation.

A park board member named the park Hadley Park but did not specify which Hadley he had in mind. The city's African-American newspaper assumed it to be John L. Hadley, whose family had a house on the property. Some say the park might have been named for Dr. W. A. Hadley, a pioneering African-American physician who worked with the park board on the 1897 Centennial Exposition. The entrance gates were built in the late 1930s by the Works Progress Administration. On each side of the main entrance, next to the library, the stone columns contain a listing of the 11 African-American soldiers from Davidson County who were killed during World War I.

HAMILTON CREEK PARK, 2901 Bell Rd., Nashville, TN 37217; (615) 862-8400; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. Biking and boating are popular activities at Hamilton Creek Park, a 790-acre park on Bell Road along J. Percy Priest Lake. Hamilton Creek Park has a sailboat marina, plus boat slips and boats are available for rent. The park also has a boat-launching ramp, concession stands, restrooms, and hiking and nature trails. The BMX track is the site of national races that attract anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 people. The park boasts about 9 miles of mountain biking trails that range in difficulty from challenging beginner to advanced.

HARPETH RIVER GREENWAY, Morton Mill Rd., Nashville, TN 37221; (615) 862-8400; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. This greenway is along the Harpeth River on Morton Mill Road near Old Harding Pike in Bellevue. A series of 4 disconnected, multi-use trails, Harpeth River Greenway is 5.75 miles. Along the boardwalk following Morton Mill Road, you'll find an overlook with benches.

MILL CREEK/EZELL PARK GREENWAY, Harding Place at Mill Creek, Antioch, TN 37013; (615) 862-8400; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. This greenway offers 3 miles of trails traveling around Antioch Middle School, the community center, and then along Mill Creek. A shallow creek and woods bordering the trail provide good habitat for wildlife watching.

Parks Information

For additional information on state parks, natural areas, and Metro parks and greenways, contact:

Tennessee State Parks (Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation), 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, Nashville, TN 37243; (615) 532-0001 or (888) TN-PARKS; www.tnstateparks.com.

Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation, 511 Oman St. in Centennial Park (administrative office), Nashville TN 37215; (615) 862-8400; www.nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation.

The Metro Greenways Commission and Greenways for Nashville, Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation, 511 Oman St. in Centennial Park, Nashville, TN 37215; (615) 862-8400; www.nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation/greenways-commission.

RED CABOOSE (BELLEVUE PARK), 656 Colice Jeanne Rd., Nashville, TN 37221; (615) 862-8435; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. This is one of Metro's most popular parks. In the mid-1990s the community raised the funds and volunteered time and labor to renovate the playground; with matching funds from Metro Parks, the nearly 8-acre park now boasts some of the most expensive structures in the park system. The natural wood play structure is the focus of the park. Its connecting slides, bridges, tunnels, and other features entertain children for hours. Tire swings, toddler swings, a sand area, and the much-loved old red caboose provide other options for fun. While the youngsters are playing, grown-ups might enjoy getting some exercise on the 0.25-mile paved walking track that surrounds the playground. Three gazebos provide shade and spots for picnicking, and a restroom facility has been built on the park grounds. Also on site is the Bellevue Community Center and an amphitheater that hosts performers throughout the year.

RIVERFRONT PARK, 100 First Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37201; (615) 862-8750; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville is the site of lots of summertime revelry. It's the site of the big Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display, as well as Fan Fair concerts and activities, and other events. Prime viewing spots on the tiered, grass-covered hill fill up fast, so arrive early if you want to sit there. The 7.5-acre park overlooks the Cumberland River. It's just a short walk from bustling Second Avenue and Broadway. Commercial and private boats dock at Riverfront Park. The park was created to commemorate Nashville's bicentennial and pay tribute to the city's river heritage.

SHELBY BOTTOMS GREENWAY AND NATURE PARK, east end of Davidson Street, adjacent to Shelby Park, Nashville, TN 37206; (615) 862-8400; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation/greenways. Considered one of the jewels of the Metro parks system, this 810-acre park on the Cumberland River has 5 miles of primitive hiking trails and 5 miles of paved multiuse trails. Along the trails there are boardwalks, interpretive stations, and several rustic bridges. The area also includes an observation deck for birders, lots of bluebird boxes, and a wetlands waterfowl refuge.

SHELBY PARK, Shelby Avenue at South 20th Street, Nashville, TN 37206; (615) 862-8467; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. Shelby Park, a historic and scenic park covering 361.5 acres, brings a diverse mix of visitors to the park. Some come to fish in the lake, walk the paved winding roads, or play golf at the 27-hole golf course. or the 9-hole course With a 4-diamond adult softball complex and additional ball fields for kids, Shelby Park is 1 of the 5 large ballparks operated by Metro Parks. Four tennis courts, a playground, hiking/nature trails, 8 picnic shelters, restrooms, and a boat ramp are among the other attractions here. Shelby is also home to Nashville's first dog park, which opened in 2004. At the turn of the 20th century, a real estate development company named the park for John Shelby, an army surgeon who owned much of the original property and built the Fatherland and Boscobel mansions in east Nashville during the 1800s.

Nashville's oldest model-airplane-flying field is located at Edwin Warner Park, at Old Hickory Boulevard and Vaughn Road, across from the steeplechase grounds. The field dates from the 1940s. Members of Edwin Warner Model Aviators show up regularly to fly model planes. The field is also a popular spot for watching meteor showers.

TWO RIVERS PARK, 3150 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 862-8400; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. This park is a great place to cool off on a hot summer day. This is where you'll find a skate park as well as Wave Country water park. Wave Country has a wave pool, water slides, a children's playground, and volleyball pits, and it gets packed on summer days. (See our Attractions and Kidstuff chapters for more information.) Other attractions at the 374-acre Two Rivers Park include 18 holes of golf, baseball and softball diamonds, 6 tennis courts, and a playground. The park also has concession stands, picnic shelters, restrooms, Two Rivers Lake, and more.

WARNER PARKS, 7311 Hwy. 100; Nashville, TN 37221; (615) 352-6299; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. The jewel in Metro Parks’ crown, Warner Parks encompass at least 2,681 acres in southwest Nashville, making the collective pair one of the largest city parks in the country. Acres of wooded hills, open fields, and miles of scenic paved roads and nature trails provide Nashvillians with excellent recreation and environmental-education opportunities. (See KidstufF for related information.) The parks are named for brothers Edwin and Percy Warner and were acquired between 1927 and 1930. Col. Luke Lea donated the first 868 acres of the land to the city in 1927, with the encouragement of his father-in-law, Percy Warner, a prominent local businessman, park board chairman, and lifelong outdoorsman and nature lover. In 1937 the park board designated all the property west and south of Old Hickory Boulevard as Edwin Warner Park. The stone structures in the park, including the miles of dry-stacked stone retainer walls, were constructed from 1935 to 1941 by the Works Progress Administration, which provided jobs during the Great Depression. The WPA built 7 limestone entrances, 2 stone bridges, a steeplechase course, picnic shelters, stone pillars, scenic drives, overlooks, and trails.

The main entrance to 2,058-acre Percy Warner Park is at the intersection of Belle Meade Boulevard and Page Road. Other entrances are off Chickering Road, Highway 100, and Old Hickory Boulevard. Percy Warner offers miles of hiking and equestrian trails as well as paved roads that wind along forest-shaded hillsides and through open fields. Bicyclists will find the roads make for a challenging workout. In addition to its recreation opportunities, Percy Warner Park is a nice place for a Sunday-afternoon drive or picnic. Percy Warner Park also has a steeplechase course—the site of the annual Iroquois Steeplechase (see Annual Events)—as well as 2 golf courses, picnic shelters, restrooms, and equestrian facilities.

Edwin Warner Park, divided from Percy Warner by Old Hickory Boulevard, offers paved and nature trails, playgrounds, ball fields, a polo field, model-airplane field, restrooms, and picnic shelters, including several reservable shelters. It's a popular spot for dog walking as well as for company picnics, family reunions, and other group events. The main entrance to Edwin Warner is at Highway 100 near the Warner Parks Nature Center, but you can also enter the park at Vaughn Road off Old Hickory Boulevard. The Warner Parks Nature Center serves both parks and includes the Susanne Warner Bass Learning Center, a natural-history museum, office and reference library, organic vegetable and herb garden, pond, bird-feeding area, and wildflower gardens. The park offers environmental programs year-round for adults and children.

Walkin’ the Dog

Shelby Dog Park, Nashville's first dog park, opened in 2004 at Shelby Park (Shelby Avenue at South 20th Street). The dog park allows owner-supervised dogs to play and socialize off-leash in a fenced area. There are several rules that owners must follow. Contact Metro Parks for details (615-862-8400), or visit the website www.nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation. Dogs are welcome at all other Metro parks, but must be leashed at all times.

GOLF

It's not unusual to see deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife at Harpeth Hills Golf Course at Percy Warner Park.

It should come as no surprise that Nashville is full of golf courses. First of all, there's the terrain, which varies from flat to gently rolling to downright hilly. That means whatever your playing style, you can find a course with a layout to your liking. Second, consider that this is, after all, a city of business. What better way to clinch a plum contract than with a putter in your hand? Add in the fact that a lot of us around here like sports of any kind. And don't forget the music. Country music and golf go together like country ham and biscuits. Just ask Vince Gill, well-known golf tournament host. Gill is renowned for his vocal and guitar skills, but he's equally passionate about his golf. His annual pro-celebrity tournament, the Vinny, attracts country stars, PGA pros, and other celebrities. Since it began in 1993, the Vinny has raised $6.1 million to benefit the state's high-quality junior golfers’ program, becoming one of the nation's top pro-celebrity events in the process.

This section covers a selection of area courses that are open to the general public.

Metro Parks maintains 7 public golf courses in 5 parks. They are open year-round, weather permitting, with the exception of the Vinny Links youth course, which is open May through Oct. From Dec through Feb, each course is closed 1 day a week. During these months, it's a good idea to call first to ensure your course is open. The 6 year-round courses each have a putting green, snack bar, and pro shop; lessons are available at all but Shelby and Vinny Links.

Bear Trace Golf Trail

Serious golfers may want to check out Tennessee's Bear Trace Golf Trail, which features 5 spectacular and affordable 18-hole courses throughout the state. Each course was designed by the “Golden Bear” himself, golf great Jack Nicklaus. The course closest to Nashville is Tim's Ford, near Winchester, about 90 miles south. Other courses are Cumberland Mountain near Crossville, Harrison Bay near Chattanooga, Chickasaw near Henderson, and Ross Creek Landing near Clifton. For details, call (866) 770-BEAR or visit www.tngolftrail.net.

HARPETH HILLS GOLF COURSE, 2424 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville, TN 37221; (615) 862-8493; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation/golf-courses. Harpeth Hills, 1 of 2 Metro courses in Percy Warner Park, is a busy course, and you'll generally need to reserve your tee times a week in advance. This scenic, slightly hilly 18-hole course is 6,481 yards and par 72, with bent grass greens and no water.

MCCABE GOLF COURSE, 100 46th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 862-8491; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation/golf-courses. McCabe is a fairly level, easy-to-walk course with 27 holes—par 70 and par 36. The par 70 covers 5,847 yards. There's no water, but there are some challenges, notably the 162-yard 15th hole, a par 3 with a trap on each side. This is one of Metro's most popular courses.

Of the seven Metro Parks golf courses, the easiest to walk are McCabe, Percy Warner, and Vinny Links. The most challenging are Harpeth Hills, Ted Rhodes, Shelby, and Two Rivers. Additional details about Metro golf courses are available at nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation/golf-courses.

PERCY WARNER GOLF COURSE, 1221 Forrest Park Dr., Nashville, TN 37205; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation/golf-courses. This scenic 9-hole, 2,474-yard course at the Belle Meade Boulevard entrance to Percy Warner Park features traditional, tree-lined fairways and is par 34. There's no water.

SHELBY GOLF COURSE, 2021 Fatherland St., Nashville, TN 37206; (615) 862-8474; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation/golf-courses. Shelby is very hilly—fit for a mountain goat, as one golfer put it. The 18-hole, 5,789-yard, par 72 course has a pond on the 11th hole and creeks running throughout.

TED RHODES GOLF COURSE, 1901 Ed Temple Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208; (615) 862-8463; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation/golf-courses. There's water everywhere at Rhodes, coming into play on about 14 of the 18 holes. The scenic par 72 course is 6,207 yards.

TWO RIVERS GOLF COURSE, 2235 Two Rivers Pkwy., Nashville, TN 37214; (615) 889-2675; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation/golf-courses. Two Rivers is marked by rolling hills, with one water hole on both the front and the back nines. It's 18 holes, 6,230 yards, and par 72.

VINNY LINKS GOLF COURSE, 2009 Sevier St., Nashville, TN 37206; (615) 880-1720; nashville.gov/parks-and-recreation/golf-courses. This 9-hole, 1,314-yard, par 29 course along the Cumberland River opened in May 2001 at the site of the former Riverview Golf Course. It is part of the First Tee program, which aims to promote golf and make the sport affordable for young people. The course was based on a Donald Ross design. There is one par 4 hole; the rest are par 3s. While this walking-only course is geared toward youth, adults can play, too.

COUNTRY HILLS GOLF COURSE, 1501 Saundersville Rd., Hendersonville, TN 37075; (615) 824-1100; chillsgc.com. Country Hills is a short course, at 5,862 yards, but it's a hilly, wooded, and tough par 70, so it plays long. The biggest challenge is the number 3 hole, a 363-yard par 4 dogleg left with water. Holes 4 and 5 feature water. Country Hills has a pro shop, driving range, putting green, and snack bar.

FORREST CROSSING GOLF CLUB, 750 Riverview Dr., Franklin, TN 37064; (615) 794-9400; forrestcrossing.com. During the Civil War, Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest and his men crossed the picturesque Harpeth River at a spot between where holes number 3 and number 4 are today. The name of this rolling course commemorates the event. Water comes into play on 15 of the 18 holes on this 6,968-yard, par 72 course. Forrest Crossing has a putting facility, driving range, and full-service snack bar.

Gaylord Springs is noted for its golf, especially during the Senior Classic. Not as many people seem to realize it also has a great practice putting green.

GAYLORD SPRINGS GOLF LINKS, 18 Springhouse Ln., Nashville, TN 37214; (615) 458-1730; gaylordsprings.com. Gaylord Springs, a links-style course designed by Larry Nelson, lines the Cumberland River. The course, highlighted by large mounds and a bunch of water, has 5 sets of tees. The “everyday” tees at this course are blue instead of white, with a total distance of 6,165 yards. A 19th-century springhouse sits at the back of the green on the signature hole, the 338-yard number 4. The 43,000-square-foot clubhouse is a complete facility with rooms for meetings and banquets, a grill room, and complete locker-room facilities for men and women. The pro shop offers high-quality rental clubs and golf shoes as well as brand-name balls for the double-sided driving range.

GREYSTONE GOLF CLUB, 2555 US 70 E., Dickson, TN 37055; (615) 446-0044; greystonegc.com. Since opening in 1998, this scenic, par 72, 6,002-yard course has become a favorite. It was voted among the 100 best values in the United States by Maximum Golf and has hosted several high-profile events. Designed by Mark McCumber, the course is marked by rolling hills and offers several challenging holes. The par 3 16th hole is especially scenic. The kidney-shaped green is guarded by a creek in front and a stone wall. Water comes into play at 7 holes. In addition to the snack bar, pro shop, and driving range, the course has the King's Court restaurant, which on Sun is open to the public as well as to golfers.

HERMITAGE GOLF COURSE, 3939 Old Hickory Blvd., Old Hickory, TN 37138; (615) 847-4001; hermitagegolf.com. The Hermitage Golf Course has two 18-hole courses—the General's Retreat and the newer President's Reserve. The General's Retreat is an 18-hole, par 72 course. It measures 6,011 yards. It's mostly a flat, open course with some elevated greens. The bent grass greens are large and undulating. Fairways are Bermuda grass in summer and rye the rest of the year. Six lakes come into play on the course, which lies along the Cumberland River. Hermitage, which is noted for its driving range and putting green, also has a snack bar, pro shop, and PGA instructors. The President's Reserve shares the same pro shop and other facilities. President's Reserve, also a par 72, features 6 sets of tees, with a distance of about 6,000 yards from the white ones. The course is built around a huge natural-wetland area with a slough running down its middle. Six holes are on the Cumberland River.

The Hermitage Golf Course has received Golf Digest magazine's four-star rating and was named one of the “100 Best Bargain Golf Courses in the United States” by Maximum Golf and “One of America's 100 Best Golf Courses for $100 or Less” by Travel + Leisure Golf.

HUNTER'S POINT GOLF COURSE, 1500 Hunters Point Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087; (615) 444-7521; hunterspointgolf.com. Hunter's Point, a 6,212-yard, par 72 course, is flat, with water coming into play on about one-third of the 18 holes. Number 15, a 446-yard par 4, challenges you with water to the left and right of the green and trees to the left of the fairway. Hunter's Point has a pro shop, putting green, driving range, and a snack bar.

THE LEGACY GOLF COURSE, 100 Raymond Floyd, Springfield, TN 37172; (615) 384-5013; golfthelegacy.com. This par 72 course, designed by PGA veteran Raymond Floyd, opened on Memorial Day 1996. But it looks a lot older. That's because Floyd designed the 6,755-yard Legacy—which is marked by undulating greens and water on 4 of the 18 holes—around a collection of mature trees. The Legacy has a driving range, a snack bar, and a pro shop, and lessons are available.

LONG HOLLOW GOLF COURSE, 1080 Long Hollow Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066; (615) 451-3120. Long Hollow, a 5,622-yard, par 70 course, is on rolling land, with water a factor on 7 of its 18 holes. Watch out for number 10, a 420-yard par 4—there's water out of bounds to the right on the second shot and trees to the left. Long Hollow has a snack bar, pro shop, and driving range and offers lessons.

MONTGOMERY BELL STATE PARK GOLF COURSE, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd., Burns, TN 37029; (615) 797-2578; tnstateparks.com/parks/about/montgomery-bell. This course, part of Montgomery Bell State Park, is 5,927 yards and par 71. It's hilly and features water on 3 holes. The course has a pro shop, practice green, driving range, and snack bar.

NASHBORO GOLF CLUB, 1101 Nashboro Blvd., Nashville, TN 37217; (615) 367-2311; nashborogolf.com. Nashboro Golf Club, 5 minutes south of the airport off Murfreesboro Road, is set on rolling hills and beautifully lined with trees. Half of the 18-hole course runs through the Nashboro Village housing development, and water comes into play on 6 holes. The course covers 6,384 yards and is par 72.

Nashboro has PGA golf pros on staff and offers a driving range, practice putting green, pro shop, and large snack bar.

PINE CREEK GOLF COURSE, 1835 Logue Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615) 449-7272; pinecreekgolf.net. Smaller, undulating greens that can be hard to reach are characteristic of this 6,249-yard, par 72 course, which was built on a farm and has remained largely unaltered. Pine Creek's rolling layout is marked with water and pine trees, both of which come into play on many of the 18 holes. A lake marks the 136-yard, par 3 number 6 hole.

Metro's busiest golf courses are Harpeth Hills and McCabe. About 85,000 9-hole rounds are played at Harpeth Hills per year, while McCabe, which has 27 holes, registers about 110,000 9-hole rounds annually.

RIVERSIDE GOLF COURSE, 640 Old Hickory Blvd., Old Hickory, TN 37138; (615) 847-5074; farmlakes.com. Riverside Golf Course on the Cumberland River features a 9-hole and an 18-hole course. The 1,558-yard, 9-hole executive course is mostly par 3s, with a couple of par 4s. It's a good choice for beginners and good practice for your irons. The 18-hole par 70 course is 5,465 yards. It's flat, and water comes into play on about half the holes. Riverside has a lighted driving range, a 150-yard grass tee, PGA instructors, a snack bar, and pro shop.

SMYRNA MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE, 101 Sam Ridley Pkwy., Smyrna, TN 37167; (615) 459-2666; townofsmyrna.org. This 6,028-yard, par 72 course is fairly flat with just a few water hazards. Smyrna Municipal has a snack bar and pro shop, plus a 9-hole executive course. The 1,507-yard, par 29 course is part of the nationwide First Tee junior golf program.

WINDTREE GOLF COURSE, 810 Nonaville Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122; (615) 754-4653; windtreegolf.com. The front nine is relatively flat, but the back nine is hilly at Windtree, which features Bermuda grass fairways, bent grass greens, and water on several holes along the 6,069-yard, par 72 course. The signature hole is the scenic number 16, a 420-yard, par 4 downhill shot from the highest point on the course; don't let the view distract you. Windtree has a pro shop, driving range, and practice putting green. A pro is available for lessons.