Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area

Shelby Bottoms is the flat, open counterpart to Radnor Lake's forested hills, and for many visitors it is the best way to see the Cumberland River and East Nashville at the same time. The natural area covers 960 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, fields, wetlands and streams on a bend of the river beside historic Shelby Park, and it is one of Metro Parks' designated natural areas. More than five miles of paved, ADA-accessible greenway run through it, plus over five miles of primitive trails and about three miles of riverfront, so it suits everyone from strollers and wheelchairs to cyclists and long-distance walkers. The landscape changes as you go: shaded woods along the river, boardwalks over wetlands where herons and turtles feed, wide meadows that glow in the evening, and views of the river and the downtown skyline in the distance. Birdwatchers love it, especially during spring and fall migration. The paved greenway connects into Nashville's wider greenway network, which makes it a favorite for bike rides, and the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center near the main trailhead offers exhibits and programs. Shelby Park next door has playgrounds, a lake and sports fields. Like the rest of the city's parks, Shelby Bottoms was affected by the early-2026 ice storm and periodic flood repairs, so check Metro Parks' closures page for any trail sections that are temporarily closed. Fit: families with strollers or bikes, couples looking for a sunset walk, and anyone staying in East Nashville. It is also one of the few places near downtown where you can walk for an hour and see more herons than people. Dogs on leashes are a common sight, and the open landscape makes it one of the best places in the city to watch a sunset.

The appeal is space and ease. Most of the greenway is flat and wide enough for everyone, and the loop options let you choose anything from a short stroll to a ten-mile ride. Mornings are cool and quiet; late afternoons bring the best light over the meadows. Deer are common, and the wetlands host a wide range of birds through the year.

How to do it well: start at the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center trailhead or from Shelby Park, pick up a map, and follow the paved greenway north along the river; turn back at the halfway point of whatever distance you want, or cross into the primitive trails for a quieter walk. Bring water — facilities are limited away from the trailheads — and insect repellent in summer. Bikes can be rented through the city's bike share and from shops in East Nashville. The park is open from dawn to dusk every day, and entry and parking are free.

Practicals and fit: Shelby Bottoms is about ten minutes by car from downtown across the river, on the edge of East Nashville. Afterward, head into the neighborhood around Five Points and Gallatin Avenue for coffee, brunch or dinner — it is one of the city's best areas for independent restaurants. On a hot day, go early; in winter, the open landscape makes for bright, crisp walks. For runners and cyclists, the greenway is one of the best ways to log miles in Nashville without dealing with traffic, and the flat terrain makes long distances easy. For walkers, even a short out-and-back from the trailhead to the first boardwalks and meadows gives a good sense of the place. Restrooms and water are concentrated near the trailheads, so plan accordingly, and remember that there is little shade in the open meadows on a summer afternoon. It is a simple, free and restorative outing that balances the noise of Broadway beautifully.