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Central Valley Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 90 Google reviews · Running trail in Murfreesboro, Tennessee · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 17 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Central Valley Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area featuring a paved path, disc-golf course and equestrian trails.
What runners say about Central Valley Trailhead
“It's along the Stones River and there are lots of beautiful trees along the paved walkway.”
I have trailered my horses lots of places from Murfreesboro, but I don't know why I've never been here! What a gem. Nice trails along the river. There was a good mix of scenery and there are some banks to climb down so you can get the horses in the water. Now, this is a one-way trail.
Nice quiet area with trail completely paved. There were several sharp up hills on the walk with the end of the trail at a dam. The path is shady most of the way and well worth the time and effort to walk there.
It's a great hike, for sure. I wouldn't say the difficulty is level 1 though. It's got a steep grade and "varied terrain" - not a flat walk way, like a level 1 would be (it has this on the "Murfreesboro Greenways & Wetlands website). I'd say it's level 3, lots of up and down paved hills. Very nice walk/run/ride.
Love it! Go there a lot, challenges like steep hills up and down. Beautiful scenery for both you, your dogs and horses. You will def love it
Trail conditions & character
“It's got a steep grade and "varied terrain" - not a flat walk way, like a level 1 would be (it has this on the "Murfreesboro Greenways & Wetlands website).”
“It's along the Stones River and there are lots of beautiful trees along the paved walkway.”
“It's along the Stones River and there are lots of beautiful trees along the paved walkway.”
“The path is shady most of the way and well worth the time and effort to walk there.”
“A fun trailhead, there are some inclines depending on where you are, mainly coming from walterhill.”
“Once you get a few miles in its a bit rocky and muddy but up to that point is enough distance for most people to want to ride.”
Plan your run at Central Valley Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance17 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemurfreesborotn.gov
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–5 pm |
Running trails near Murfreesboro
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
North Murfreesboro Greenway
3.8 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews
Walter Hill Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 194 reviews
Park featuring trails for walking and biking, and picnic areas.
Thompson Lane Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 392 reviews
Park with a waterside trail system for cycling, hiking and dog walking.
Westfork Neighborhood Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 79 reviews
Neighborhood spot with a playground, picnic tables and a trail, plus a bike path.
