Stones River Greenway Trail – Road Bike Trail

The Stones Riverway Greenway trail is one of the easiest out-and-back trails in and around Nashville. It’s almost fully paved with minimal elevation changes making for a very family-friendly ride. As for the sections that aren’t paved, they mainly consist of boardwalks and bridges. There is plenty of shade which isn’t unexpected given how many trees there are in Nashville. The trail is also open throughout the year, so for residents of Nashville, you can head there whenever you want to go for a relaxing bike ride.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

The main Stones River Greenway Trail is a 5.7-mile stretch of paved trail that you can start in one of two places, depending on where you’re coming from. Most people use the main trailhead due to the huge parking lot.

To get there from Cloverhill, Lincoya Hills, or Merry Oaks, you’ll need to travel northeast on Lebanon Pike, then turn southeast onto River Walk Dr. The main trailhead should be next to the Kohl’s department store. Naturally, those from Tulip Grove, Hermitage, Travis, etc., will travel southwest on Lebanon Pike past the Stones River crossing before turning onto River Walk Drive.

You can also start on the Percy Priest Dam Dog Park off Interstate 40.

Given that it’s paved and there are no sustained inclines, you should have an easy time riding through whether you’re a beginner or more experienced. This makes it perfect for a family riding trip. The fact that most of the trail is shaded also helps.

The trail snakes along the Stones River from the dam to the Kohl’s department store parking lot. However, for some people, it doesn’t end there. You can cross Lebanon Pike and Stones River to the Stones River Bend Regional Park. Here, the Stones River Greenway trail is mixed in with other paved trails.

You can also follow the trail up to Two Rivers Park depending on how tired you feel, although this extends your ride by more than a few miles. Being an out-and-back, you’ll have to turn back at some point and head back to your trailhead.

Those who make it all the way to Two Rivers Park can stop by the skate park and try some tricks. However, remember you’re riding a mountain bike and not a BMX.

The trail is fairly popular, not to mention open to hikers and runners, as well as being wheelchair accessible. As such, if you go on a weekend, be prepared to share with many others. Fortunately, the trail is wide enough to accommodate everybody.

Leashed dogs are allowed, although there might be one or two rebels who leave their dogs free. The trail is fenced with some sections also having a stone wall.

There are plenty of beautiful views of the river and the greenery all along the trail. Furthermore, you can stop at some benches along the trail to catch your breath.

Sights of Interest, Landscapes, Views

One of the interesting sights includes the J Percy Priest Dam on one end of the trail. There are also beautiful views of the stones river along the trail, and if you make it to Two Rivers Park, you’ll have seen plenty of the Cumberland River.

Recommendations and Precautions:

• Some dog owners don’t keep their pets on a leash, so if you’re there on a busy day, watch out for stray pets running into your path.

Also, it can get pretty crowded, so it’s best to go at off-peak times if you prefer some peace and quiet on your ride.