My 2 recommendations for nice walks local to Brentwood and Franklin residents.
Walking is the best exercise that all of us can do. It is a great way to mix exercise and relaxation. I find it best to spend time in nature during your regular walking routine. I am going to list my 2 favorite trails near my home in South Brentwood. I live in Raintree Forrest near Ravenswood High School and enjoy doing my weekly morning runs on the Brentwood Bikeway Connector Trail, I can walk out my door and access this trail by starting on the Rain Tree pathway. On weekends I like to hike at Marcella Vivrett Smith Park, for this I drive a short distance and park in the lot by the trailheads. The following is a short description of these 2 parks.
Brenthaven Bikeway Connector Walking Trail
Brenthaven Bikeway Connector Trail is a 7.9 mile out and back trail located in Brentwood, Tennessee that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, and road biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The majority of the trail is heavily shaded. It has slight inclines but is easy enough for all ages.
There are 2 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of Knox Valley Drive at the north end of the trail across from Brentwood Library or behind the Concord YMCA. To the south you can park at Ravenwood High School on weekends or Smith Park and walk on paved trail to connect. Check a map to find the start on Ravenswood lane near Carriage Hill Dr. I live in Raintree Forrest and I run on the asphalt surface to the south entrance without needing to cross any busy roads. You will use 2 underground bridges to avoid Wilson Pike and the railroad tracks. The entire trail is asphalt paved and winds through residential area so is very safe to be on alone.
The trail can also be accessed at its approximate midpoint from Crockett Park in the back by the tennis courts. They have a Wilson Pike underpass trail that leads you to the trail. This is also a place with water and bathrooms which long distance runners appreciate!
Marcella Vivrett Smith Park Hiking Trails
1825 Wilson Pike Brentwood, TN
The trail is unpaved and can be rocky at times. At the trail head which has a bathroom and water available, you can find a map and usually paper copies are available to take during the hike. They have 4 trails ranging for 1.3-2.5 miles. 3 of which are loops and one is an up a hill and back down the same path. What I like about these trails is that they interconnect so you can take many different routes. I highly recommend starting with the Black trail first as I find it to be the easiest. My favorite is the blue trail and ending at the red trail so I can climb the hill at the end. Be prepared with good shoes because it has plenty of uneven surfaces. If it is wet after rain you may want to skip the hike that day. They are dog friendly with a leash of course.
My experience from observing others is that most age groups can handle the trails, I even see people running the trails which I have not tried yet. I regular see deer and other wildlife so if you are a photographer many great wildlife shots are available.
I hope my information is helpful and you get a chance to check these trails out. I am new in town and still have not done all the trails but I have a few others on my sights and will follow up in another blog.