Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area covers 960 acres and about three miles of shoreline along the Cumberland River. Open landscapes and wetlands meet a network of trails that offers different ways to explore. Nature also takes many forms elsewhere in Davidson, from river landscapes and bottomland forests to wooded areas and land shaped by agriculture.
For 2025, Metro Parks lists more than 24,280 acres of parkland in Davidson County. Metro Parks and Recreation also provides facilities and programs throughout the county. This gives you a wide range of nature and cultural experiences to explore, which you can organize around your personal interests.
River Landscapes and Trails
At Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area, the landscape is shaped by hardwood bottomland forests, open fields, wetlands and streams. These habitats support birds, amphibians and deer. The area is open daily from sunrise to sunset. More than five miles of paved, ADA-accessible trails are available for hiking, biking, running, skating and wildlife watching.
When comparing trails, the surface is one clear difference: the trails at Shelby Bottoms are paved, while Bells Bend Park has dirt and gravel hiking trails as well as mountain biking trails. Bells Bend is in western Davidson County. The 808-acre park reflects its agricultural history, and the Cumberland River has shaped its landscape. Plants, migratory birds and other wildlife find habitat here.
The Beaman Park Nature Center offers another perspective, set in Nashville’s Western Highland Rim Forest. Its facilities include a 300-foot accessible boardwalk. If you’re planning a visit to Bells Bend Park, you’ll also find a basic campground with 10 sites, platforms, fire rings and picnic tables. Permits are required for the campground.
History, Art and Music
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage combines a significant presidential home with other attractions on-site. The 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark includes one of the best-preserved early presidential homes in the United States. The grounds offer dog-friendly walking trails and meadows, as well as a winery and tasting room. Ample free parking is available on-site.
Landscape and history also come together at Centennial Park: the park hosted the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897 and features a one-mile walking trail. The Parthenon is another of Nashville’s cultural highlights. The Parthenon and its statue of Athena are full-scale replicas of the originals in Athens. The Parthenon also serves as Nashville’s art museum. Its permanent collection includes 63 paintings by American artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Ryman Auditorium was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2001. The Grand Ole Opry was based there for almost 31 years, from 1943 to 1974. The Ryman’s tour options also include the immersive theatrical experience “Soul of Nashville.”
At the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, instruments, stage costumes, rare recordings and films offer insights into the artists who shaped country music. Cheekwood offers a different focus: its botanical garden and arboretum showcase the estate’s southern landscape and native plants. The collections also include decorative arts, paintings, furniture, textiles, silver and books.
The Tennessee State Museum is another option for a museum visit. Admission to the exhibits is free; special temporary exhibitions may occasionally charge admission. This lets you shape your explorations around particular topics, such as nature and trails, music history, art or the state’s history.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Goodlettsville, Nashville, Antioch, Whites Creek, Belle Meade, Montgomery, Marion County, Warren County.
For the main travel overview: Tennessee.
