Home › Tennessee › Kingston Springs › Harpeth River State Park
Harpeth River State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 431 Google reviews · Running trail in Kingston Springs, Tennessee · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Harpeth River State Park'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 trails to the point where the river passes through an 1800s tunnel, creating a waterfall.
What runners say about Harpeth River State Park
“The trail is clean and well maintained and there were porta-potties at the bottom.”
“Beautiful views, some steep narrow trails but we managed with 6 kids- one of which was 3 and walked mostly alone.”
“The roads and trails are well marked and well kept.”
“Peaceful place to go and connect with nature, the hike to the overlook is quite inclined and narrow but totally worth it.”
“The waterfall trail is pretty and an easy hike.”
Fantastic view! There are several stairs to get up to the top, but it's not a bad climb. Totally worth it. There's also a small waterfall on the back side of the bluff. There are several great places to set up a hammock. The hiking paths are short, so if you're looking for a long hike, this isn't the best spot.
Hiked the bluff trail. According to my Apple Watch, from the far car park to the top of the bluff and back is 1.42 miles. The way up took about 30 mins, which accounted for a couple stops to admire moss, ferns, and lichens. I’m a slow hiker, preferring to observe and enjoy the vibes rather than making progress.
One of the best places to hike with beautiful views from the overlook and a waterfall pouring in from a tunnel. We tried doing this hike a couple of weeks back when the snow storm hit but we could not do it as we fell down every two seconds because of the slippery hike 😁 Ample amount of parking place .
Beautiful views, some steep narrow trails but we managed with 6 kids- one of which was 3 and walked mostly alone. Parking is a pretty good walk from the trailhead especially if you can’t get a spot at the lower parking. Overall great experience and can’t wait to visit again soon!
Trail conditions & character
“Peaceful place to go and connect with nature, the hike to the overlook is quite inclined and narrow but totally worth it.”
“Parking is a pretty good walk from the trailhead especially if you can’t get a spot at the lower parking.”
“Cooler temps made the Bluff Trail easier (do it FIRST - it’s a 470 foot elevation), and we enjoyed our hike on all three trails at the Narrows of the Harpeth.”
“We saw many people with their dogs (leashed), and plenty of kids around too.”
“The trail is clean and well maintained and there were porta-potties at the bottom.”
“Peaceful place to go and connect with nature, the hike to the overlook is quite inclined and narrow but totally worth it.”
“Plenty of parking and the trails are easily accessible.”
Plan your run at Harpeth River State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- 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
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–7:30 pm |
Running trails near Kingston Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake
4.7 ★★★★★ 475 reviews
Forested park featuring a lakeside trail, as well as an old quarry and 1920s resort remains.
The Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 164 reviews
Scenic trail along the Cumberland river (or parts of it) with views of waterfalls.
Bells Bend Outdoor Center
4.6 ★★★★★ 127 reviews
Environmental education & outdoor recreation facility with nature programs, guided hikes & displays.
Bowie Nature Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 810 reviews
Forested trails, a treehouse playground & an education center highlight this nature preserve.
Timberland Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 294 reviews
Wooded park on the Natchez Trace Parkway featuring hiking trails, picnic areas & a butterfly garden.
