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Shelby Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 785 Google reviews · Running trail in Nashville, Tennessee · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Shelby 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.

ScenicDog-friendlyRestrooms

300-acre green space offering playgrounds, baseball fields, golf courses, a boat ramp & a dog run.

What runners say about Shelby Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (785 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“They do have some plumbed bathrooms but also had clean porta potties at convenient locations.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 10 mentions

“Large park with plenty of parking, beautiful views, a kids playground nearby & trail to walk, I love coming here & feeding the ducks cracked corn 🌽”

Such a great park for the city of Nashville. A beautiful public golf and disk golf course, nature center, hiking and bike trails, fishing, it's a must see park if you visit. Be sure to see the drippy bird!

★★★★★ — Rich , Mar 2025

A simply lovely park, it’s great for a walk, bike ride or a chill out. Nice to see folk fishing too

★★★★★ — Mat , Apr 2024

I am in a deeply committed, borderline unhealthy relationship with this park. I’ve spent an irresponsible amount of my life here and it keeps turning me into an endurance athlete against my will. First 100+ mile bike ride? Here. First ultra marathon? Here.

★★★★★ — Tarek , Dec 2025

I can't even count all of the time I spent on the trails here. Dozens of miles walking on the trails to get out in nature and unplug from the day-to-day grind. People on this trail are typically very respectful.

★★★★★ — Nick , Mar 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 785 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 12 mentions

“Large park with plenty of parking, beautiful views, a kids playground nearby & trail to walk, I love coming here & feeding the ducks cracked corn 🌽”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 10 mentions

“Hiking, running, biking, softball field, picnic areas, and a dog park the size of several football fields!”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“Prepare to hold your breath/breathe shallowly in the portapotties as it gets warmer, but otherwise can't complain!”

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Plan your run at Shelby Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Phone(615) 862-8467

Hours

Monday 6 AM–11 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–11 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–11 PM
Thursday 6 AM–11 PM
Friday 6 AM–11 PM
Saturday 6 AM–11 PM
Sunday 6 AM–11 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Shelby Park

Shelby Ave & S 20th St, Nashville, TN 37206

Get directions

Running trails near Nashville

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Shelby Bottoms - Forrest Green Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 106 reviews

Nashville, TN

PavedScenic

Sprawling park for cycling, walking and running with trails along the Cumberland River, plus wildlife.

2.6 miles away

Shelby Bottoms Greenway Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 205 reviews

Nashville, TN

PavedScenic

Greenway alongside the Cumberland River with paved trails for hiking and biking.

2.9 miles away

Cumberland River Greenway

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Nashville, TN

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3.0 miles away

Oakwood Park Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 23 reviews

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LoopScenic

3.2 miles away

Whitsett Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 492 reviews

Nashville, TN

PavedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Cozy, dog-friendly city park featuring walking trails, a sizable playground & creek access.

3.8 miles away

Stones River Greenway Heartland Park Trailhead

5 ★★★★★ 20 reviews

Nashville, TN

4.0 miles away

All running trails in Nashville, TN →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.