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Volunteer Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 49 Google reviews · Running trail in Hermitage, Tennessee · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Volunteer Trail'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.
What runners say about Volunteer Trail
“Beautiful bluff views, interesting rock formations, lakefront play (the kids love it), and cedar/hickory forests.”
“The trail is clearly marked and usually in very good shape.”
“I love to stop at the cliffs (which is halfway) and invest some time for some peaceful solitude!”
I LOVE THIS PLACE! Great hike with just enough hills to get a great scenic laden workout! I love to stop at the cliffs (which is halfway) and invest some time for some peaceful solitude!
Moderate hiking and beautiful lake views. Rock & tree formations are so interesting. 4 mile loop or 7 miles to camp area. Mostly shaded by the canopy of trees.
The trail does NOT loop around. Please make sure you know that before you run 6 miles like I did. Beautiful trail tho, thoroughly enjoyed, even though I was a little bit delirious and dehydrated on the way back.
This is a very pretty trail near Percy Priest Lake. The trail is not paved. You will be walking on a dirt trail with lots of rocks on it. If you walk the loop you will be walking up and down the side of a hill. I would strongly suggest bringing water with you on your hike.
Trail conditions & character
“5 mile straight shot out with great lake views and a campsite at the end (which conveniently has a fire pit for cooking).”
“The beginning of this trail shares a trailhead and about a mile and a half of trail with the Day loop trail.”
“The beginning of this trail shares a trailhead and about a mile and a half of trail with the Day loop trail.”
“Lots of rocky terrain which make it a little more intense and that's what I love.”
“If you walk the loop you will be walking up and down the side of a hill.”
“The only downsides are that parking runs out quickly when the weather is good and there tend to be a few dogs off leash which is against state law I believe.”
“I love to stop at the cliffs (which is halfway) and invest some time for some peaceful solitude!”
Plan your run at Volunteer Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance4 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(615) 885-2422
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Hermitage
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Long Hunter State Park Day Loop
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Long Hunter State Park
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Bryant Grove Trailhead
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Jones Mill Mountain Bike Trail
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Mountain bike trails spread across 8–9 mi, marked by colored signs.
Hurricane Creek Trail Greenway
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Percy Priest Lake Overlook
4.7 ★★★★★ 485 reviews
Popular destination featuring a lake for swimming and picnics, plus hiking trails.