The Best Running Trails in Franklin, TN
Only 21 miles south of Nashville is Franklin, TN, a beautiful, historic town nestled on the banks of the Harpeth River. Here you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. If you’re looking for great places to get out and run, bike, hike, or walk, Franklin provides excellent opportunities. You’ll also get to experience Tennessee’s natural beauty, history, and culture. Franklin is known for its beautiful outdoor landscape, which is why so many individuals are active runners in the area. Check out our list of the best running trails in Franklin, TN. And when you’re done running, come see us at Beyond Physical Therapy at Berry Farms for the best PT to help you prevent running injuries.
Harpeth River Trail
The Harpeth River Trail runs alongside the Harpeth River for 4.2 miles, from 3rd Avenue North, under Mark C. Hatcher Parkway, to Judge Fulton Greer Park and back. This paved trail is an excellent choice for bikers, runners, and walkers. It’s also accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Dogs are permitted if they’re on a leash. The trail is considered easy, and you’ll encounter scenic river views, nice shady areas, and opportunities to see some wildlife such as birds and squirrels. The grade is mostly 5% or less but there are a few steeper 6-12% uphill and downhill sections on the trail. Benches and picnic tables are provided along the route for resting. This trail can get a bit icy in the winter, so be sure to wear proper shoes when running.
Aspen Grove Park Loop
Aspen Grove Park Loop is a 1.7-mile loop trail in Franklin that is great for biking, running, and even bird-watching. The trail is wide (typically 8 feet), paved with asphalt and concrete, and passes over a wooden bridge. Parking is available off of Aspen Grove Drive at the northwest end of the trail where you can enter from one of two designated areas. Aspen Grove Park Loop is considered an easy trail with mostly a 3% or less grade. This trail is good for wheelchairs and strollers. Dogs on a leash are welcome. Benches along the route are available for resting, making this a great walking trail for kids.
Pinkerton Park Trail
This trail is a 1.0-mile loop that many locals use for walking, biking, and running. The trail is open year-round and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Dogs are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash. This trail in Franklin is paved with asphalt and loops around Pinkerton Park, where you’ll find a playground and plenty of open green space. There is a parking lot off of Murfreesboro Road at the west end of the trail that provides access to the trail. Considered an easy trail, Pinkerton Park Trail has a gentle grade of 3% or less. Dogs on leashes are welcome, as are those using wheelchairs and strollers.
Aspen Grove Walking Trail
Aspen Grove Walking Trail is a flat, 0.6-mile loop trail that is considered an easy route. The average grade is 1% or less. You’ll find road bikers, runners, joggers, and walkers on this beautiful, wooded trail all year long. The asphalt-paved trail is typically 6 feet wide and is wheelchair, kid, and stroller friendly. You’ll encounter plenty of trees, wildflowers, and wildlife along the trail. A paved parking lot off of Aspen Drive at the west end of the trail provides access. Benches and picnic tables along the route can be used for resting.
Timberland Park Perimeter Trail
Timberland Park Perimeter Trail is a 2.9-mile loop and is perfect for hikers and runners. The trail is unpaved and doesn’t allow dogs. The route runs through the woods and rural pastureland and you’ll also see a scenic pond on the way. Hiking boots and poles are recommended if you are planning to hike the trail. The loose gravel and dead leaves along the trail can be slippery, and there are several moderate uphill and downhill sections to navigate.
Fort Granger Trail
Fort Granger Trail is 1 mile in length and is located on 14.5 acres in Pinkerton Park. The fort was built by Union troops in 1862 when they established a federal post and signaling station above and behind Pinkerton Park. A boardwalk and stairs lead from the trail to the overlook with scenic views. The trail is unpaved and takes you across a little field and into the woods, where you’ll encounter a steep, rocky climb to the overlook. This trail is great for hikers. You can enter Fort Granger off of Eddy Rd and park in the parking lot. The trail is dog friendly as long as the dog is on a leash.
Carnton Plantation
Carnton Plantation is a 1.1-mile loop that is considered easy to walk, run, or bike. Bring your dog, but make sure to keep it on a leash. The trail is paved with concrete and is accessible to those with wheelchairs and strollers. The trail loops around a significant battleground in the Battle of Franklin during the Civil War. You’ll find interesting historical kiosks along the route with information about the battle. The parking lot off of Eastern Flank Circle leads to 4 accessible places where you can enter the trail. The path is 4 feet wide in most places and has a gentle grade of 5% or less throughout most of the route. There is one moderately steep, 5-8%, uphill section though. Wheelchair and stroller users may need assistance here or may want to avoid it altogether.
Jim Warren Park Trail
The looped trail at Jim Warren Park runs 2.5 miles in length and is a popular trail for runners, joggers, walkers, and bikers. The trail is open year-round, and dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. Wheelchair and stroller users will find this trail accessible as the grade is gentle with only a 3% or less gradient. The trail is paved with asphalt and loops around the ballparks at Jim Warren Park and does cross one major intersection at Boyd Mill Avenue, so runners and bikers should use caution there. Enter the park off of Boyd Mill Avenue where you’ll find a paved parking lot. From there, you can access the trail from one of 3 different entry points.
Follow Up With Franklin’s Best Physical Therapy At Beyond PT
Franklin is a great place to live with excellent access to outdoor activities such as running, biking, and hiking. These trails of varying lengths and difficulties offer you plenty of opportunities for exercise while you’re enjoying the beauty of Tennessee. Whether you’re running for enjoyment, walking for recovery, or wanting to enjoy more nature, these trails are great starter trails. At Beyond Physical Therapy, we love our Franklin runners! We’ll ensure you stay in the best shape (or help you recover) so you can keep running for as long as you wish. Call us today at (629) 239-3170 to make an appointment!