Shelby Bottoms Greenway Nashville
A sprawling 960-acre urban oasis in East Nashville, offering miles of trails, vibrant wildflowers, and a nature playground.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak wildflower super bloom
Shelby Bottoms Greenway Nashville
Best Time
Peak wildflower super bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling 960-acre urban oasis in East Nashville, offering miles of trails, vibrant wildflowers, and a nature playground.
"A must-visit for its stunning wildflower super bloom and accessible nature trails."
🚶♀️ Paved vs. Primitive Trails
Choose paved trails for biking/skating, primitive for quiet walks. Be mindful of bikers on shared paths.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! It's a popular spot for dog walks and a great place for pups to explore.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wildflower Super Bloom
Witness a breathtaking carpet of yellow, white, and purple wildflowers painting the landscape. A true natural spectacle!
Zig Zag Bridge
An iconic spot offering unique perspectives of the greenway and river. Perfect for photos and a moment of reflection.

Nature Playground
A fantastic spot for kids to explore, get messy, and connect with nature in a safe and engaging environment.

Wildlife Watching
Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including beavers at Hidden Pond and numerous pollinators during the bloom.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild, Respect the Trail
Timing is Everything for Nature's Show
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Paved vs. Primitive Trails
Choose paved trails for biking/skating, primitive for quiet walks. Be mindful of bikers on shared paths.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! It's a popular spot for dog walks and a great place for pups to explore.
🌸 Bloom Season Alert
Visit in early September for the stunning wildflower super bloom – a must-see!
🚗 Parking Tips
Plenty of parking available, but can fill up during peak bloom or events. Arrive early if possible.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Paved vs. Primitive Trails
Choose paved trails for biking/skating, primitive for quiet walks. Be mindful of bikers on shared paths.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! It's a popular spot for dog walks and a great place for pups to explore.
🌸 Bloom Season Alert
Visit in early September for the stunning wildflower super bloom – a must-see!
🚗 Parking Tips
Plenty of parking available, but can fill up during peak bloom or events. Arrive early if possible.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, running, or biking, depending on your chosen activity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Shelby Bottoms Greenway as a beautiful, accessible natural escape within Nashville. The wildflower super bloom is a major highlight, drawing praise for its stunning beauty. While the paved trails are great for active pursuits, some users caution about aggressive bikers on shared paths, suggesting primitive trails for a more peaceful experience.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shelby Bottoms Greenway is located in East Nashville at 1900 Davidson St, Nashville, TN 37206.
It's easily accessible by car and is also close to public transport routes. Some listings even mention proximity to bus routes and bike lanes.Yes, the greenway offers over 5 miles of paved, ADA-accessible trails perfect for hiking, biking, running, and skating.
There are several parking areas available throughout the park. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak seasons like the wildflower bloom, as parking can fill up.
Yes, Shelby Bottoms Greenway is conveniently located in East Nashville, making it a short drive or bike ride from downtown Nashville.
Absolutely! The greenway has paved trails suitable for biking, and some nearby properties are even on bike lanes, making it accessible for cyclists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Shelby Bottoms Greenway is a public park and is free to enter. Experiencing its natural beauty comes at no cost.
As a public park, Shelby Bottoms Greenway is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check the Metro Parks website for any specific event hours or closures.
No advance booking or tickets are required to visit Shelby Bottoms Greenway, as it is a free public park.
Yes, Shelby Bottoms Greenway hosts various events, including the Music City Mutt Strutt. Check local listings or the Metro Parks website for upcoming events.
While the park is generally open from dawn to dusk, it's best to check specific park hours for nighttime access. For safety, it's recommended to visit during daylight hours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking, biking, running, skating, wildlife watching, picnicking, and exploring nature on both paved and primitive trails.
With its diverse habitats including wetlands and riverfront, Shelby Bottoms Greenway is an excellent spot for bird watching.
Restroom facilities are available within the park, particularly near the nature center and playground areas.
The Zig Zag Bridge is a notable feature within Shelby Bottoms Greenway, offering scenic views and a unique photographic opportunity.
Yes, fishing is one of the activities available at Shelby Bottoms Greenway, particularly along the Cumberland River.
🎫 🐶 Pet-Friendly
Yes, Shelby Bottoms Greenway is very dog-friendly! Pets are allowed and must be kept on a 6-foot leash. It's a popular spot for dog walking.
While dogs are welcome throughout the park on leash, there are no designated off-leash dog park areas within Shelby Bottoms Greenway itself.
Bring water for your dog, especially on warmer days, and be sure to clean up after them. Leashes are required.
The paved trails are generally safe for dogs, but always be aware of your surroundings, especially for fast-moving bikers.
Many events, like the Music City Mutt Strutt, are specifically designed for dogs and their owners to participate.
📸 📸 Photography
The wildflower super bloom in early September is a photographer's dream.
The Zig Zag Bridge and the riverfront offer scenic shots, especially during golden hour.Early September for the vibrant wildflower super bloom is highly recommended.
The changing seasons also offer beautiful scenery throughout the year.Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits, so it's best to check with Metro Parks if you have specific needs.
You might capture images of butterflies, various birds, and even beavers at Hidden Pond.
Drone usage in Metro Parks is typically restricted. It's advisable to check the official Metro Parks regulations regarding drone operation before visiting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Lovers
🏃♀️ Runners & Cyclists
📸 Photographers & Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails: Paved vs. Primitive
For those craving a more immersive nature experience, over 5 miles of primitive trails wind through the park's natural areas. These unpaved paths are best suited for walking and exploring nature at a more leisurely pace. While offering a quieter escape, it's important to be aware that these trails can be more rugged. Some users have noted encounters with aggressive bikers on shared paths, leading some to prefer the primitive trails for a more peaceful outing.
Key Takeaway: Choose your trail based on your activity and desired level of immersion. The paved paths are great for speed and accessibility, while the primitive trails offer a deeper connection with the natural environment.
The Magic of the Super Bloom
This period is a prime time for photography, with the colorful blooms providing a stunning backdrop for portraits and nature shots. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of this fleeting beauty, with many recommending a walk or a dedicated photo session to capture the magic. The abundance of flowers creates a truly enchanting atmosphere, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Pro Tip: Plan your visit for early September to witness this spectacular natural event. The sheer volume of flowers is a sight to behold and offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature's artistry.
Family Fun at the Nature Playground
Parents appreciate that the playground allows kids to 'get dirty' and engage with nature directly, fostering a love for the outdoors from a young age. It's considered one of the favorite playgrounds in Nashville by many families, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional play structures. The surrounding green space also provides ample room for families to picnic and enjoy a day out together.
Family Recommendation: Pack a change of clothes for the kids, as they'll likely want to fully embrace the 'get dirty' aspect of the nature playground!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit