Visiting Long Hunter State Park – A Favorite Near Nashville

Long Hunter State Park is one of the closest state parks to Nashville (except for the very urban Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park). The park is a great spot to get out of the city without needing to go very far!

We kicked off our mission to visit all of Tennessee’s State Parks by visiting Long Hunter State Park in December. While the weather was less than ideal, we enjoyed walking around Couchville Lake and then taking our children to play on the playground.

Because the park is so close to Nashville, we’ll definitely be back to Long Hunter State Park often (especially once the weather gets more pleasant) which is a good thing because there’s a lot to explore!

History

Long Hunter State Park became a state park in 1974. The park is located along the shores of Percy Priest Lake which was created by the dam on the Stones River.

There are four sections to the park – Couchville, Baker’s Grove, Bryant Grove, and Sellers Farm. 

Unlike the rest of the sections, Sellers Farm is not geographically connected to other sections. The archaeological area is in Watertown and is a Native American mound dating from the Mississippian Period. A stone statue found on the site is the State Artifact of Tennessee!

Features

One of my favorite things about Long Hunter State Park is that there are so many options for things to do!

Hiking

Long Hunter State Park has over 30 miles of hiking trails with a range of lengths and difficulties. 

The Couchville Lake Trail is a paved trail around the lake that we enjoyed because it was easy to walk with a baby in a carrier and a toddler running around. Another good option for visitors with children is the Reading Ranger Story Trail, which also begins near the Couchville Lake parking area. As you walk along the trail, your family can read the storybook panels.

If you’re looking for longer and more challenging trails, the Day Loop Trail and the Volunteer Trail are good options. The park has other options in between as well!

Biking

If you’re interested in mountain biking, check out the Jones Mill Mountain Bike Trail at Bryant Grove. The trail has a two-mile loop and a four-mile loop. Hikers are also allowed to use this trail.

Swimming

Swimming is allowed at Bryant Grove, but not in Couchville Lake. While at the swim area is Bryant Grove, you are swimming at your own risk. There is no lifeguard.

Boating

Long Hunter State Park has two boat launch ramps that allow you to access Percy Priest Lake. You can also get out on the water at Couchville Lake. In the summer, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and rowboats are available for rent.

Fishing

Fishing boats can launch from the boat launch ramps at Percy Priest Lake. You’re also able to fish at Couchville Lake.

Playgrounds

The park has two playgrounds–one in the Bryant Grove Area and one near the Couchville Lake Trailhead. We went to the second one and will definitely be back. 

The playground was a little above our toddler’s ability. There was a section for younger kids, but she headed straight toward the area with the tall slides that made me a nervous mama. But in the future, it looks like a great place to play! There are picnic tables and grills in the area next to the playground, so it’s perfect for letting the kids play while having a family meal.

Events

Long Hunter State Park has events happening every week. Check the schedule for when you want to visit, and you might find anything from sessions on learning how to ID plants to full moon hikes.

Should you visit?

Long Hunter State Park is very accessible if you live in Nashville or if you’re visiting the city. It’s a beautiful area and definitely worth checking out!

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Thanks for reading! If you’d like to see all the Tennessee State Parks we’ve visited so far (and get some more recommendations), check out this article!

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