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Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake
4.7 ★★★★★ 475 Google reviews · Running trail in Nashville, Tennessee · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake'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.
Forested park featuring a lakeside trail, as well as an old quarry and 1920s resort remains.
What runners say about Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake
“THE VIEWS OVER THE HARPETH ARE SO INSANELY BEAUTIFUL FROM JUST ABOUT ANY SPOT YOU STOP ALONF THE WAY.”
“There were story board signs along a easy trail for children.”
This a wonderful TN State Park, split up into areas along the Harpeth River. The Hidden Lake Trail is my favorite, with the Narrows area coming in at a close second place. If you’re after a simple and beautiful little stroll, check out the Gossett Tract area of the park.
Hidden Lake Double Loop is a 1.9 mile trail around an old rock quarry. On one side you see the Lake and the other is the Harpeth River. It features beautiful overlooks of the lake and the nearby Veterans Cemetery. You can also see remnants when it was useful as a swimming pool and a dance hall.
Beautiful but easy trails. Minimal elevation rise makes this a great stop for kids or just casual walks with the dogs. You will get lovely views of the harpeth the back of the veterans cemetery and of course the hidden lake if you take the 1.5 mile railroad spur.
Decent little section of the larger park for hiking and river access. Some trails lead to the river, some take you up on a bluff, and one leads to an abandoned quarry pond (the titular hidden lake). By the way, do not swim in this lake, and id recommend that you don't let your dog play in it either.
Trail conditions & character
“THE VIEWS OVER THE HARPETH ARE SO INSANELY BEAUTIFUL FROM JUST ABOUT ANY SPOT YOU STOP ALONF THE WAY.”
“The Narrows has a 1/3 of a mile long incline to a beautiful a bluff area with a terrific overlook.”
“This location usually does have ample parking but again beware the summer weekends it will fill up.”
“By the way, do not swim in this lake, and id recommend that you don't let your dog play in it either.”
“They had a portable potty right in front of the parking area.”
Plan your run at Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance1.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — 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.
- Websitetnstateparks.com
- Phone+1 888-867-2757
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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