Came here to do a hike. You're hiking right along the water so it's a beautiful view. It's not a hard hike at all, relaxing, and serene. read more

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Okay, if you're ever in Tennessee, you have to check out Montgomery Bell Tunnel. This hidden gem in Montgomery Bell State Park is packed with history, and it's one of the coolest spots I've explored. Built in the early 1800s, this tunnel was carved by hand to transport iron ore for a thriving industry. But what makes it even more special is the story behind it--enslaved people worked here, and their efforts helped shape the future of Tennessee. It's crazy to think that something so important is tucked away in the middle of the woods, just waiting to be discovered! https://www.tiktok.com/@reessroots/video/7535575693854297374?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7352687494821037610 The tunnel is almost 300 feet long, and standing inside it feels like stepping back in time. You can almost hear the echoes of the past! Most people are out there hitting all the usual tourist spots, but places like Montgomery Bell Tunnel are the ones that actually make you feel something. If you're into history, adventure, or just exploring off the beaten path, this is definitely the place to be. Skip the crowded tourist traps and head to Montgomery Bell Tunnel for some real history! Trust me, you'll be talking about it long after you leave. #HiddenGems #HistoryUncovered #ExploreTennessee read more

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Small park with a river and quarries, short hikes to explore. Not worth driving a long distance for but if you are in the area it is worthwhile. read more

Harpeth River State Park - Parks Near Me - Kingston Springs, Tennessee

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Easy to navigate, nice-sized parking lot, and a short hike leading to a stunning view. I sat on the lookout bench, soaked it all in, and did some writing while watching hikers come and go--even spotted a few kayaks gliding down the river below. Definitely recommend! read more

I have not visited this park, but after speaking to the ranger on the phone. I'm sure it's nothing short of spectacular! He was so KIND and INFORMATIVE!! We spoke of the handicap accessibility and their plans for the future in making this park 100% accessible. Let's make it happen!! read more

Harpeth River State Park is pretty much in Pegram/Kingston Springs. The park is essentially three small parks that you have to drive between to access (as well as additional canoe/kayak access points to the river). There's Hidden Lake, Narrows of the Harpeth, and Gossett Tract. Each are about a 5-15 minute drive between them, and each has short hiking trails. I think if you do ALL of the hikes at each of the three mini-parks within a park it probably still adds up to less than 5 miles. We visited all three mini-parks, and while I'm glad I checked them off my state park checklist, it isn't the most exciting or beautiful park. We started at the Hidden Lake area and did the Hidden Lake Trail and Ridge Loop Trail. The hidden lake at the heart of the Hidden Lake area is really pretty and well worth checking out. The Hidden Lake area also has the remains of a 1940s resort that you can see along your hike. We turned the Hidden Lake Trail into a loop that met up with the Ridge Loop Trail, so we got a bit confused about where we were in the park. Still, being able to hike all along the hidden lake was very cool! This area of the park is worth visiting. Next, we ventured to the Narrows of the Harpeth area and did all three "trails" there (Bluff Trail, Tunnel Trail, and Harris Street Bridge Trail). The reason I put trail in quotation marks is that the third of those trails (Harris Street Bridge Trail) is really just a walk along the road from the parking lot to the trailhead for the Bluff Trail and Tunnel Trail - and no sidewalks, so watch out for cars! So, it's really a park area with two short out-and-back trails (0.2 miles and 0.25 miles each). The Tunnel Trail was okay, but the Bluff Trail was actually pretty great - very uphill/incline of a hike with views! I love a trail that requires me to put my hands on some rocks to get up, and the Bluff Trail did that. The part of the park was okay - worth visiting if you're in the area but not worth going out of your way for. We ventured to the Gossett Tract area last and check out some of the three trails there (Connector Trail, Lower Loop Trail, Upper Loop Trail). This area of the park was the least interesting - kind of a meadow area and a forest area with a couple of short trails. I definitely don't recommend this part of the park unless you just need a walk and your neighborhood doesn't have sidewalks (like mine - but we don't live near this park and much closer to Radnor). Overall, the Harpeth River State Park was okay. Decent for a short walk or a hike (especially if you're looking for a hike of about a mile or less), but not a very impressive state park compared to others. read more

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This park look like it had more potential when I drove past it and decided to pull in. It looks to be more a launching point for canoes and kayaks. It looks like it would be a good river to float down. Unfortunately, I had neither kayak nor canoe with me. read more

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This area was originally a quarry from 1914 to 1918. It sat until it was purchased privately in 1931 and turned into a resort, with a waterslide going into the hidden lake. In 1931, $1.25 got you a gourmet dinner and a night of swimming and dancing at the club. Due to World War 2, business dried up and many of those working the area were sent overseas. As the resort floundered, it suffered a fire in the late 1940s, and the resort went out of business. It was privately owned and used for farming, and the State of Tennessee swooped in and bought it in 1993. If you drive up the river, and stop at all of the stops, you can easily spend a whole day out here. We did one stop and spent about an hour exploring. The park itself has nine different entrance points over 40 river miles. Hidden Lake Trail- 7851 McCrory Lane, 37221- This is the trail we did today. The Hidden Lake Trail include a hidden lake, the concrete remains of an old farmhouse, an oil reserve tank, the remains of an old shed, a concrete dancefloor leftover from the resort days, and a beautiful overlook. The trail itself is a two mile loop. Narrows of the Harpeth- 1254 Narrow of the Harpeth Road, 37082- This entrance is the head to three separate trails. The first is a half mile bluff overlook. The second is a half mile trail to Pattison Forge waterfall. The third follows the river to the Harris Street Bridge. Newsom's Mill- 8728 Newsom Station Road, 37221- This entrance takes you to Newsom's Mill, one of the oldest mills in Davidson County. Gosset Tract- 1230 Cedar Hill Rd, 37082- This entrance takes you to a two mile loop with a lot of view of birds and wildflowers. There's also an entrance that takes you to Mound Bottom Archeological Site, a large Mississippian Period Indian Mound Complex that is usually only open with guided tours. read more

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I used to live here, and I can say in hindsight that this place is a real gem. I hearily recommend visiting this river and taking a paddle down around the horn. You won't regret it! read more

Came here to do Narrows of the Harpeth, Harpeth Bluff, and Hidden Lake. Plenty of parking, a bit muddy, icicles hanging off the rocks, clear signage. Goes along the river, lots of dead leaves and dead trees. Tunnel was alright, had water coming out, lake was pretty. Hidden lake was partially frozen and pretty, muddy trails though. Good way to spend a day outdoors! read more

The Bluff Overlook trail was great! The tunnel trail was pretty cool. I spent about one hour there hiking around. I'm from Colorado, and I was hoping the trails would be longer. But it was worth the drive from Nashville. read more

It's a quick in and out if you do t get lost like I did. Then it's a little longer than that. However, there is also not a lot of shade, that's why I give it 4 stars . Very easy trail, nice hidden lake but it's very hot and sunny. read more

Very relaxing place !! Clean, comfortable, pleasant!! Lots of space to park. Safe place to walk your dog.

Harpeth River State Park is an incredibly cool outdoor stop for anyone in the Nashville area. Less than 30 minutes from the city you feel completely remote and in nature. Lots of great trails to hike, a river built for tubing or paddling. Great views from the cliffs, a clean and well maintained park--what's not to love? read more

Yes I do recommend this place getting back to what really matters you can hike for ever it's absolutely beautiful take the stress away and visit Harpeth River State Park! read more

Wow. I loved this place. You can actually go along technically 3 trails if you park at a certain parking lot. You can go down a historical tunnel which will lead you to the watering hole with the waterfall which is very pretty. You can also go along another one that doesnt have a name that I say which leads along the cliff and its gorgeous. The last one you will have to go up a steep area and continue walking up and will get breathtaking views over the river and land. I loved it! I cant wait to bring my partner over to this area when they have time off. They thought it was gorgeous from the photos I was sending them. read more

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Another thumbs up to the west side of Nashville and beyond. The Harpeth River State Park has a handful of trails and different access points to the river that are super convenient and accessible, and allows you to feel a little more secluded than you really are. The Narrows of the Harpeth has a nice little trail that is perfect for a spring time hike to see wildflowers. I'm typically there to kayak along different stretches of the Harpeth, and the Narrows allows you to trek it alone or make a spur of the moment trip since you don't have to make so many plans to work out a drop off car and a take out car. Or you can head to Tip-a-Canoe or Foggy Bottom to rent a boat and let them work out all the logistics. Beautiful area, easy to get to, always enjoyable. read more

Harpeth River State Park - Beautiful view during my kayak trip through the Narrows of the Harpeth. - Parks Near Me - Kingston Springs, Tennessee

Looking to get away from the city without heading too far out? For most people in Nashville, that usually means Percy Warner, Radnor Lake, and Shelby Bottoms, and while those are solid choices, Harpeth River State Park is another great alternative to add to your list. Harpeth River State Park is only a 20-30 minute drive from downtown, but has the feel of the remote wilderness. There are a number of out-and-back trails that are about 1-2 miles from the parking lot, so it's a good destination if you're a more casual hiker or don't have the time for an all-day outing. People more accustomed to longer, more strenuous trails might want to head elsewhere, though. The highlight of the park, for sure, is the vantage point overlooking the river. There's something incredible about watching the sun rise over the river and forests early in the morning. For how easy it is to reach, the reward-to-effort ratio makes this a must-see. There's a fair bit of climbing up a moderate incline, so proceed with care if you're traveling with someone with poor exercise tolerance or knee/foot problems, or with little kiddos (there are quite a few steep ledges, and no guardrails). Other cautions and notes: arrive early if you don't want to park in the overflow lot, which is about a half-mile down a hill from the trail head. Also, the signage isn't very clear, so print a park map before you head over, or plan to stop and ask for directions a few times. read more

The truth is that I'm not sure of the actual boundaries of this state park. The maps on the park's website are a little confusing to me. It looks as though a whole stretch of the Harpeth River may actually be part of the park (i.e. a 'blueway' for canoeing or kayaking). But there are also segments of the park on dry land that are suitable for hikers. I haven't yet made it out to the parts of the park that are out in Kingston Springs and Dickson around the Narrows of the Harpeth (http://www.tnvacation.com/vendors/narrows_of_the_harpeth/) or the Mound Bottom archaeological site (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mound_Bottom), but my wife and I did have a nice little hike around the Hidden Lake State Natural Area (http://www.vanderbilt.edu/outrec/hike/031707hiddenlake/pages/hiddenlake_02.htm). Noise pollution from the nearby highway and railroad keep this from being a truly pristine experience, but you can find plenty of space and solitude at Hidden Lake. We spent about 30-45 minutes hiking around and only came across three other people (and one dog). Most of the hiking is over relatively flat ground, although it looked like there was a steeper 'ridge trail' had we been inclined to push ourselves. We also spotted five white-tailed deer and got some close-up views of the swift-flowing Harpeth River that wreaked such havoc over Bellevue when it spilled over its banks last year. The scenery isn't terribly dramatic over most of the terrain we hiked, but it was neat to see the layers of rock in the cliffs alongside the river and surrounding the hidden lake itself. The Warner Parks and Radnor Lake are both great parks, but if you're looking for more solitude at a Nashville-area park, Hidden Lake State Natural Area deserves your consideration and I imagine that the other further out portions of Harpeth River State Park are even more peaceful. read more

I am a long time resident and I just love Kingston Springs !!! It's a small town with a lot of potential that is overlooked a lot of the time !!!! How beautiful this little place is ! read more

My husband and I have been here to ZipLine at Adventure Works in the past but never just to hike. There are three main trails right by the river. None of these trails are very long or strenuous. We did all three in under two hours. And that's including the time we would just sit and enjoy the scenery. The first trail (Float Take out) leads to where the canoes/floats pull out of the water. There were TONS of people down there but a nice picnic table in the shade where we sat for a while. The second (Historic Tunnel) leads to a water hole with a waterfall that shoots out of a tunnel. There are signs for no swimming here. And the Third (Bluff Overlook) is a MUST see! The view is absolutely breathtaking. I could sit there for hours and look out at the rolling hills, the river below and the beautiful bluffs! Although we typically look for moderate/strenuous/difficult hikes. This is a nice, easy, hike (Overlook is a nice uphill trudge) for the leisure hiker. read more

I had a great hike here and I'd definitely recommend it for a weekend hike away from Nashville. Here's a video of my trip there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sswr7Y7dsLw read more

We were so lucky to find a spot in this place last minute. We were really pleased with the entire experience. We could fish and put the boat in right at our campsite. It was very clean, and we loved the concrete pads. It gets tiresome to constantly drag in little pebbles from gravel everywhere else we go. No sewer, but we knew that going in. I would recommend bringing some sort of ant killer. They were everywhere. The showers were FANTASTIC. We have a shower in our camper, but with no sewer... you get it. They were in individual rooms with locked doors. Roomy, no nasty thin shower curtain to keep off you. (Pet peeve) The only reason I can't give it five stars is that it takes 1/2 hour to get to anything to do really. Hiking - nearly half an hour, which is fine for most people, but our son gets carsick everywhere we go, so the struggle is real! Ashland City was pretty close, but didn't offer much in the way of anything to do. We went to LL Burns Park and played disc golf in Kingston Springs (again 30 or more minutes). We would definitely stay here again, but no longer than a weekend, due to our need for more recreational fun! read more

The Narrows are natural wonder. We take all our visitors here. Great views any time of year. Mound Bottom is cool too.

Great hike, didn't get to finish it though due to my two children. The hike isn't ideal for kids, at least kids younger than five. For any parents who want to take their kids hiking at an early age, save yourself the trip unless you have a babtsitter. Otherwise great hike for anyone else. read more

Decided to go hiking, was a busy day here (labor day) and I spoke with a park ranger on where to go and park seeing it was my first time here. walking back to my truck after hiking 3 hours here it is coming at me on the back of a tow truck! I did not park anywhere no one else was or blocking traffic plus was directed by a park ranger! Well $200 to get my truck from the tow truck and was specifically told everyone else got tickets but you got towed because you had out of state plates, Well guess what I have lived here in Tennessee for a year and half and pay taxes here. A $200 towing bill at a state park are you kidding me? I have been to 3 different state parks here in Tennessee and never had a problem. Do not go here, they are obviously Money hungry to make money off of you at a state park we pay for with our taxes! Also what would I have done if I didn't see the tow truck leaving the park?! My wallet and phone are in the truck?! I also had two women, a child and my dogs with us. This park should be ashamed! Fun Goers beware and go elsewhere! read more