Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN NASHVILLE
Bringing your bike to Nashville for a vacation? Great idea. While most folks know Nashville for country tunes and hot chicken, it's also home to a growing network of scenic greenways, challenging climbs, and chill city rides that are perfect for bike travelers. Whether you're in it for a relaxed spin down the Cumberland or looking to test your quads on hilly backroads, Music City has a trail with your name on it. This guide covers the top bike routes for every kind of rider—from casual tourists to hardcore tourers.
Top city trails for easy riding
Nashville has been quietly building one of the South’s best urban greenway systems, and it’s perfect for visitors who want to see the city from the saddle without tangling with car traffic. Most trails are paved, flat, and scenic—ideal for casual vacation riders, families, or those easing into the local vibe.
Cumberland River Greenway
Running along the downtown riverfront and extending westward, the Cumberland River Greenway is one of Nashville’s most iconic bike paths. Expect river views, bridges, and cool glimpses of the skyline. It connects to several parks and can be extended by hopping on nearby routes like the Centennial Park connector.
Length: ~9 miles (one way)
Surface: Paved multi-use trail
Highlights: Riverwalk, downtown views, stadium access
Best for: Tourists, families, low-effort exploration
Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Located east of the Cumberland, Shelby Bottoms Greenway offers a smooth ride through wetlands, woods, and open meadows. This trail is peaceful, well-marked, and connects with the pedestrian bridge leading into downtown—making it easy to tie into a longer loop.
Length: ~5 miles (one way, more with loops)
Surface: Paved
Highlights: Wildlife, river access, downtown connection
Best for: Beginners, nature lovers, cross-town rides
These trails give you a fun, flat introduction to Music City—no gears or grit required. Perfect for a mellow morning ride before brunch or a sunset cruise to wind down the day.
Routes with hills and scenery
Want to earn those views? Nashville’s rolling topography means there’s no shortage of challenging but rewarding rides. These routes bring you into the city’s hills, parks, and surrounding neighborhoods where the roads roll, the trees tower, and the riding gets real.
Percy Warner Park Loop
Ask any Nashville cyclist where to train, and they'll say “Warner.” Percy Warner Park has a 5.8-mile scenic loop with serious climbs, shady descents, and almost no cars. It’s one of the most beautiful rides in the region, and you can string together multiple laps or explore nearby Belle Meade for a longer ride.
Loop length: ~5.8 miles
Surface: Smooth paved roads
Highlights: Climbs, vistas, peaceful forest
Best for: Intermediate to advanced riders
Natchez Trace Parkway (local segment)
This legendary road ride starts just 15 miles southwest of downtown Nashville. The Natchez Trace is a smooth, low-traffic, scenic parkway that stretches for miles—and it’s a dream for roadies. Start at the northern terminus and ride out-and-back as far as your legs will take you. Even a short segment feels like a full-on escape.
Length: Up to 50+ miles (choose your own distance)
Surface: Paved highway, no commercial traffic
Highlights: Rolling hills, overlooks, pure solitude
Best for: Road cyclists, endurance riders
These routes are best tackled with a proper road or gravel bike, some snacks in your jersey, and a camera to capture those killer skyline and forest views.
Best bike touring routes from Nashville
If you’re the type who dreams in panniers and campsites, Nashville offers some surprisingly solid options for multi-day bike tours. You’ll find a mix of country roads, trail connectors, and charming small towns perfect for overnights and laid-back adventure rides.
Nashville to Leipers Fork and Franklin
This classic weekend tour takes you southwest through hilly terrain, old stone fences, and country stores straight out of a movie. Ride through Leipers Fork—a tiny artist town with great food and strong coffee—then continue on to Franklin for the night. Lots of options for Airbnb or camping nearby.
Distance: ~45–60 miles round trip
Surface: Mixed rural roads
Highlights: Leipers Fork charm, scenic backroads, small-town stops
Best for: Touring beginners, overnighters
Nashville to Montgomery Bell State Park
For something longer, head west to Montgomery Bell State Park. This route weaves through farmland, past historic markers, and ends at a bike-friendly campground. The ride out is peaceful and the reward is a swim-friendly lake, trails, and starry skies. This one’s ideal for 2–3 day tours.
Distance: ~60–70 miles one way
Surface: Country highways and backroads
Highlights: State park camping, lakes, tranquility
Best for: Bikepackers, weekend warriors
Touring from Nashville means rolling into real Tennessee: friendly locals, rolling fields, and a rhythm that’s a little slower—but a lot sweeter—than the city pace.
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