Long Hunter State Park

Long Hunter State Park is a sprawling 2,600-acre outdoor playground along Percy Priest Lake, perfect for families who love nature and adventure. With easy hiking trails suitable for little legs, a dedicated swimming beach, excellent fishing spots, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, it's an ideal escape from Nashville's bustle just 20 minutes east of downtown.

• ✓Volunteer Trail - a paved, family-friendly biking and walking path with lake views
• ✓Swimming beach at Day Use Area for summer splashing and sandcastle building
• ✓Wildlife viewing opportunities including deer, wild turkeys, herons, and turtles
• ✓Multiple fishing piers and boat ramps for introducing kids to fishing
• ✓Nature education programs and ranger-led activities during peak season

1. 1.Arrive early (by 8:30 AM) on summer weekends to secure a good parking spot near Couchville Lake or the Day Use Area, as the lot fills quickly
2. 2.Stop by the Visitor Center first to grab trail maps and ask rangers about recent wildlife sightings,kids love hunting for deer, herons, and turtles
3. 3.Bring bikes for the paved Volunteer Trail, which offers 3.7 miles of easy, scenic lakeside riding perfect for families
4. 4.Pack a fishing pole and Tennessee fishing license,the lake is stocked and the piers make it easy for beginners
5. 5.Wear sturdy shoes and bug spray, especially in spring and summer when trails can be muddy and mosquitoes are active

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery with blooming wildflowers or fall foliage. Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds, or arrive before 9 AM on weekends for the best parking and peaceful trails.

Parking is free, and there's no admission fee to enter the park. The Visitor Center has restrooms and educational displays, but food is not available on-site, so pack snacks and water. Some trails are rugged and not stroller-friendly.

The park is open year-round, though the Visitor Center has limited winter hours (closes at 4:30 PM). Swimming is best June through August. Spring wildflower season (April-May) and fall colors (October-November) make hiking especially scenic. Trails can be muddy after rain, particularly in winter and early spring.

Head to Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant (10 minutes away in downtown Hermitage) for Southern comfort food and a kids' menu, or stop at Chick-fil-A on Old Hickory Boulevard for a quick, family-friendly meal before or after your park adventure.