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Scenic Drives on the Natchez Trace Parkway

Featured Article

Williamson County Outdoor Guide

Choose Your Adventure!

Article by Visit Franklin

Photography by Visit Franklin

Originally published in Franklin Lifestyle

Williamson County is a great place to get outside! From scenic drives to beautiful parks, summer is a great time to head outside and begin making lasting memories. 

HIKING
Timberland Park - Hiking trails, ADA accessible trail, overlook, picnic tables & restrooms | Natchez Trace Pkwy Mile 437.2, Franklin
Garrison Creek Loop Trail - Trails for hikers of all skill levels, picnic tables & restrooms | Natchez Trace Pkwy Mile 427.6, Franklin
Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary - Wildlife nature sanctuary & hiking trails | owlshill.org | 545 Beech Creek Rd S, Brentwood
Preservation Park - Hiking trails, dog park, picnic tables & restrooms | 1600 Thompson's Station Rd W, Thompson's Station
Bowie Nature Park - Hiking, biking & horseback riding trails | 7211 Bowie Lake Rd, Fairview

WALKING
Deerwood Arboretum & Nature Center - Walking trails, bike paths, nature center & restrooms | 320 Deerwood Ln, Brentwood
Pinkerton Park - Walking trails, playgrounds, pavilions, grills & restrooms | 405 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin
The Park at Harlinsdale Farm - Walking trails, dog park, pond & equestrian trail | 239 Franklin Rd, Franklin
Eastern Flank Battlefield Park - Historical site with biking/walking trail & event facility | 1368 Eastern Flank Cir, Franklin
Bicentennial Park - Paved biking and walking trails & Harpeth River overlook | 400 5th Ave N, Franklin
Granny White Park - Paved walking trails, sports fields, inclusive playground, pavilion & restrooms | 610 Granny White Pk, Brentwood

SCENIC DRIVES
Highway 31A - Explore Nolensville, College Grove, and more
Natchez Trace Parkway - See the iconic double-arch bridge and stunning views

DIGITAL PASSPORTS
Historic Homes of Hincheyville - Residential neighborhood & downtown historic district
Great American Main Street - Historic downtown featuring a variety of shops & restaurants
Masters & Makers Trail - Taste and tour local distilleries, breweries & a winery
Murals of Williamson County - Find the best murals (and photo ops) around Franklin and beyond
Midnight Sun Scavenger Hunt - Learn about Franklin's equestrian history while exploring local landmarks

BIKING
Natchez Trace Parkway Bike Trail - Scenic bicycle-designated routes
Eastern Flank Battlefield Park - Historical site with biking/walking trail & event facility | 1368 Eastern Flank Cir, Franklin
Deerwood Arboretum & Nature Center - Bike paths & nature walking trails | 320 Deerwood Ln, Brentwood
Bowie Nature Park - Hiking, biking & horseback riding trails | 7211 Bowie Lake Rd, Fairview
Pedego Bikes - Electric bike rentals & tours | pedegoelectricbikes.com | 234 5th Ave N #101, Franklin
Wilkins Branch Mountain Bike Park - Mountain bike trails for all skills levels | 5664 Wilkins Branch Rd, Franklin
Bicentennial Park - Paved biking and walking trails & Harpeth River overlook | 400 5th Ave N, Franklin

HARPETH RIVER
Paddle Dog - Lakeside paddleboard rentals & hot dog shack | paddledogtn.com | 1008 Westhaven Blvd, Franklin
Franklin Fly Fishing Co. - Fly fishing trip packages, lessons, and river cruises | franklinflyfishingco.com
Harpeth River Public Access Points - Fishing (with license), swimming, and canoeing/kayaking | Pinkerton Park, Eastern Flank & more

FAMILY FARMS 
Mistletoe Farm - Family-run alpaca farm (reservations required) | mistletoefarmalpacas.com | 4212 Crowder Rd, Franklin
Noble Springs Dairy - Farm tours, goat petting, events, and farm-fresh products | noble-springs.com | 3144 Blazer Rd, Franklin
Gentry Farm - Seasonal family-run farm | gentryfarm.com | 1974 New Hwy 96 W, Franklin
Morning Glory Orchard - Seasonal apple/peach orchard & produce | morninggloryorchard.com | 7690 Nolensville Rd, Nolensville

MORE EXPERIENCES
Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures - Hot air balloon rides | tnballoon.com
SOAR Adventure Tower - Family-friendly climbing structure & mini-golf course | soaradventure.com | 3794 Carothers Pkwy, Franklin
Little Course at Conner Lane - 9-hole, par-3 public golf course | littlecourse.golfhousetennessee.com | 400 Franklin Rd, Franklin
Franklin Bridge Golf Club - 18-hole public golf course | franklinbridgegolf.com | 750 Riverview Dr, Franklin


*Please use caution while accessing the Harpeth River; life jackets and personal flotation devices are encouraged.
Farm visits are available seasonally and/or by appointment only. "Family Farms" and "More Experiences" listings may require reservations and/or admission fees. Please check listed websites or VisitFranklin.com for additional information.

  • Biking across the Natchez Trace Parkway
  • Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary
  • Scenic Drives on the Natchez Trace Parkway
  • Hiking along the Natchez Trace Parkway
  • SOAR Adventure Tower's climbing structure
  • Paddling through The Harpeth River
  • Family activities at Noble Springs Dairy Farm