Percy Warner Park

Percy Warner Park is where Nashville families go when they want to feel like they have left the city without actually leaving. This 2,684-acre park in West Nashville is one of the largest urban parks in the country, and its network of trails, scenic overlooks, and old-growth forest feels more like the Great Smoky Mountains than a city park 20 minutes from Broadway.

The park's defining feature is the monumental limestone staircase entrance off Highway 100. These wide stone steps rise through the forest canopy and set the tone immediately — this is not a manicured city park with a playground and a duck pond. This is real nature.

Kids who climb the stairs feel like they are ascending into something wild, and the payoff is a sweeping overlook with views of the Nashville skyline framed by forested ridges.

For families with younger children, the Harpeth Woods Trail starting from the Deep Well parking area is the best option. At 2. 7 miles, it is manageable for kids ages 5 and up, and the terrain is mostly flat with gentle elevation changes.

The trail winds through mature hardwood forest with frequent creek crossings where kids can stop to splash, flip rocks for salamanders, and hunt for crayfish. These creek stops are what turn a hike from an obligation into an adventure for little legs.

Older kids and teens with hiking experience can tackle the Mossy Ridge Trail, a 4. 5-mile loop that climbs through the park's ridges with significant elevation gain. The trail passes through some of the most beautiful old-growth forest in Middle Tennessee, with massive tulip poplars and oaks creating a dense canopy overhead.

In fall, this trail is jaw-dropping — the foliage peaks in mid-to-late October and rivals anything in the Smoky Mountains.

Wildlife sightings are nearly guaranteed. White-tailed deer are everywhere and often stand calmly as hikers pass. Wild turkeys strut through the underbrush. Box turtles are common on the trails after rain. Hawks circle overhead. For kids who spend most of their time in urban or suburban environments, encountering wildlife in a natural setting is genuinely memorable.

The park connects to Edwin Warner Park, its smaller sibling next door, which houses the Warner Park Nature Center. This free facility has exhibits about local ecosystems, live animal displays (including native snakes and turtles), and educational programs. If your planned hike gets rained out, the nature center provides a solid backup activity.

Practical notes: there are no concessions, restrooms are limited to a few trailhead facilities, and cell service is spotty in the valleys between ridges. Come prepared with water, snacks, and downloaded maps. Parking is free at several lots throughout the park, and even on busy weekends, you can usually find a spot. The park is a 20-minute drive from downtown Nashville.