Long Hunter State Park
Escape to Long Hunter State Park, a 2,600-acre natural oasis near Nashville offering hiking, fishing, and stunning lake views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful trails, fewer crowds
Long Hunter State Park
Best Time
Peaceful trails, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Escape to Long Hunter State Park, a 2,600-acre natural oasis near Nashville offering hiking, fishing, and stunning lake views.
"This is definitely one of my favorite places to come for a hike. Tons and TONS of wildlife."
🚶♀️ Easy Dog Walks
Couchville Lake's paved loop is perfect for dogs and strollers! :dog:
🦋 Butterfly Hotspot
Visit the Long Hunter Deer Trail in summer for a chance to see many butterfly species. :butterfly:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Couchville Lake Loop
Couchville Lake
A scenic, paved 2.5-mile loop perfect for easy walks, dog outings, and enjoying lake views.
Long Hunter Deer Trail
Near Visitor Center
A short, 0.8-mile trail known for its abundance of butterflies in summer and a peaceful forest setting.
Bryant Grove Trail
Along Percy Priest Lake
An 8-mile out-and-back trail offering a longer hiking experience with beautiful lakefront sections.
Limestone Glades & Wildflowers
Various trails
Discover unique flora, including rare wildflowers and limestone glades, especially vibrant in spring.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serene Trails
Dog-Friendly Adventures Await
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Dog Walks
Couchville Lake's paved loop is perfect for dogs and strollers! :dog:
🦋 Butterfly Hotspot
Visit the Long Hunter Deer Trail in summer for a chance to see many butterfly species. :butterfly:
🌅 Sunset Views
The park offers great spots for sunset watching, especially around Couchville Lake. :city_sunset:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water for your hikes. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Dog Walks
Couchville Lake's paved loop is perfect for dogs and strollers! :dog:
🦋 Butterfly Hotspot
Visit the Long Hunter Deer Trail in summer for a chance to see many butterfly species. :butterfly:
🌅 Sunset Views
The park offers great spots for sunset watching, especially around Couchville Lake. :city_sunset:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water for your hikes. :droplet:
🗺️ Well-Marked Trails
Trails are generally well-marked with benches for resting. :hiking_boot:
🔌 Free EV Charging
Find free EV chargers at the visitor center parking lot. :electric_plug:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Long Hunter State Park's well-maintained and clearly marked trails, abundant wildlife sightings, and dog-friendly atmosphere. Many appreciate the park's natural beauty, especially the lake views and diverse flora, making it a favorite local escape. Some wish for more programming focused on the park's natural history.
"The trails are awesome! Marked very well and have benches throughout the trails for you to rest on. Dog friendly just have to have leashed and pick up after them. This is definitely one of my favorite places to come for a hike. Tons and TONS of wildlife. We had 4 deer walk right across the trail just a few feet in front of us. Tons of beautiful butterflies and birds! We also got to see a park ranger on a horse our last visit which was definitely the highlight of the trip!!!
There is a playground for children to play. A few benches with tables as well as some grills."
Jennifer Katsaros
"Absolutely beautiful park.That has many things to offer. Walking trails , Picnic arias, Play ground , beautiful lake. Dogs are welcome, Please clean up after your pet!! One of my favorite nature Locations to go."
Heather
"We relocated to Nashville from East Tennessee, and this was our first visit to Long Hunter. I had heard all about the limestone glades and rare wildflowers, and they didn't disappoint. Despite heat and drought, there were many interesting plants to see. We sampled several trails, and they were well marked and we appreciated the variety.
We had a quiet picnic at a table beside the lake, and it was a pleasant experience with nice scenery. We found their events page online, and they had a few craft-type programs. I hope they will have more programming focused on the flora and fauna of the park. I would love to learn more about the trees found here, it's much different from East Tennessee. It appears they also have boat and kayak rentals, and we hope to take advantage of this during cooler weather. We didn't get a chance to visit the nature center, but we hope to next time."
Jean Hall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Long Hunter State Park is conveniently located just about 30-40 minutes east of downtown Nashville, making it an easy escape into nature. 
Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the park. There is ample parking available at various trailheads and the visitor center.
Currently, public transportation options directly to Long Hunter State Park are limited. Driving is highly recommended for easy access.
Yes, the park has several access points and trailheads, including those near Couchville Lake and the main visitor center.
The main address for Long Hunter State Park is 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Long Hunter State Park offers free admission, making it an accessible natural escape for everyone.
The park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities like the nature center may have separate hours. It's always a good idea to check the official Tennessee State Parks website for the most current information.
No advance booking or tickets are required for general park entry. You can visit anytime during park hours.
For general hiking, picnicking, and fishing, no special permits are needed. If you plan on boating or kayaking, you may need to check rental availability or launch fees.
You can find information about park events and programs on the official Long Hunter State Park or Tennessee State Parks website.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the paved Couchville Lake Loop (2.5 miles), the butterfly-rich Long Hunter Deer Trail (0.8 miles), and the longer Bryant Grove Trail (8 miles). There are over 30 miles of trails in total, catering to various skill levels.
Yes, the park is a haven for birdwatchers, with diverse habitats supporting numerous species. Keep an eye out for various songbirds and waterfowl.
Absolutely! Long Hunter State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities on J. Percy Priest Lake. You can fish from the shore or by boat. +1
Yes, the park features picnic areas with tables and grills, as well as a playground for children, making it great for family outings.
Visitors often report seeing deer, various butterflies, and numerous bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for other local wildlife!
🎫 🐶 Dog-Friendly Information
Yes, Long Hunter State Park is very dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome on all trails as long as they are kept on a leash.
The paved Couchville Lake Loop is a favorite for dog owners due to its ease and scenic views. Most other trails are also suitable for leashed dogs.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
While dogs are welcome in the park, it's best to check specific regulations regarding swimming in J. Percy Priest Lake with pets. Always supervise your dog near water.
Generally, dogs are allowed on all trails and in most public areas. However, always be mindful of posted signs and specific facility rules.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The shores of J. Percy Priest Lake offer beautiful water views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The diverse flora, including wildflowers and butterflies, provides excellent macro photography opportunities.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunsets can be particularly stunning over the lake. +1
Look for wildlife like deer and birds, the vibrant butterflies on the Long Hunter Deer Trail (especially July-August), and the unique limestone glades and wildflowers.
Yes, the park's rolling hills, lake views, and wooded areas provide varied landscapes for photographers. The changing seasons also offer different photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically regulated in state parks. It's advisable to check the official Tennessee State Parks regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and birds, which can add an element of excitement to the visit for kids.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to always clean up after your pet to help maintain the park's beauty and ensure it remains a welcoming place for all visitors.
Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
Photographers will find ample subjects, from the serene J. Percy Priest Lake vistas, particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset, to the diverse wildlife like deer and birds.
Remember to bring your camera and binoculars to fully capture the natural beauty of Long Hunter. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Long Hunter
For those seeking a bit more immersion in nature, the Long Hunter Deer Trail is a shorter, 0.8-mile option known for its abundance of butterflies during the summer months, making it a delightful spot for nature observation.
If you're up for a longer trek, the Bryant Grove Trail provides an 8-mile out-and-back experience along the shores of J. Percy Priest Lake, ideal for a more challenging hike or even beginner backpacking. Beyond these, the park offers various other trails that wind through wooded areas and along the lake, providing opportunities to spot wildlife like deer and numerous bird species.
J. Percy Priest Lake and Water Activities
Fishing is a major draw here, with anglers often seeking bass and other freshwater species. Whether you prefer casting a line from the shore or heading out on the water in a boat, the lake offers a rewarding fishing experience.
The lake also contributes to the park's scenic beauty, providing picturesque views that are especially enjoyable during sunrise and sunset.
Wildlife and Natural Wonders
During the summer months, the Long Hunter Deer Trail becomes a haven for butterflies, with many species present, offering a magical experience for nature lovers and photographers.
The park is also known for its limestone glades and rare wildflowers, particularly noticeable in the spring, showcasing the region's unique botanical diversity. 
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