Middle Tennessee has no shortage of beautiful places to stretch your legs, chase a sunrise, or disappear into the woods for a few hours. As a forestry technician and someone who’s spent most of his life walking the hills and hollers around Ashland City, I’ve come across trails that don’t always make the glossy brochures—but they’re just as special, if not more so.
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path—whether you’re hiking solo, scouting for deer sign, or just craving quiet under a canopy of oaks—this list is for you. These are my 10 favorite hidden trails and spots near Ashland City and surrounding areas in Middle Tennessee.
1. Cheatham Wildlife Management Area – Ridge Road Trail
Most folks come here during deer season, but the Ridge Road Trail offers excellent hiking year-round. It follows a long, forested ridgeline with great views, especially in the fall. Plenty of wildlife sign—turkey, deer, and the occasional fox squirrel.
🗺 Best for: Moderate hiking, scouting, birdwatching
🌲 Tip: Park near the Lookout Tower off Petway Road and head west.
2. Montgomery Bell State Park – Creech Hollow Trail
While Montgomery Bell isn’t exactly unknown, Creech Hollow is a quieter part of the park. This 2-mile loop wraps around a scenic little lake and connects to several longer trails if you want to extend your day.
🗺 Best for: Peaceful lakeside walks, beginner hikers
🌲 Tip: Bring binoculars—herons and kingfishers are common here.
3. Narrows of the Harpeth – Hidden River Loop
Most people just hike up to the bluff overlook at Narrows of the Harpeth. But if you cross the old canal trail and head down along the riverbank, there’s a quiet loop trail that winds through bottomland forest and offers some great fishing spots.
🗺 Best for: Fly fishing, river views, early morning solitude
🌲 Tip: Great spot for springtime wildflowers and pawpaw trees.
4. Loblolly Woods – West of Ashland City (Private Land with Permission)
If you’re lucky enough to know someone with land west of town, keep your ears open for a spot we call Loblolly Woods. It’s a patch of tall southern pines with soft ground, gentle slopes, and almost no underbrush. Deer love bedding here.
🗺 Best for: Bowhunting, peaceful walking
🌲 Tip: Always get permission—Cheatham County folks are friendly, but they take trespassing seriously.
5. Bell’s Bend Park – Loop Trail
Just 25 minutes from Ashland City, Bell’s Bend offers sweeping meadows and river views without the crowds. The loop trail passes through old farm fields and forest edges—excellent habitat for quail, rabbits, and migrating birds.
🗺 Best for: Trail running, wildlife photography
🌲 Tip: Go in early morning or sunset for deer sightings.
6. Cedar Hill Swamp Boardwalk (Robertson County)
A real gem for nature lovers. This raised boardwalk leads into a hardwood swamp where you’ll hear frogs, wood ducks, and even barred owls if you’re lucky. Not strenuous, but rich in biodiversity.
🗺 Best for: Nature walks with kids, springtime visits
🌲 Tip: Bug spray is a must from May through August.
7. Pace Point – South of Dover, TN
A bit farther out, but worth the drive. Pace Point juts out into Kentucky Lake and is mostly used by birders and duck hunters. Gravel trails lead through woods and open fields down to the water’s edge.
🗺 Best for: Waterfowl observation, scenic sunsets
🌲 Tip: Late winter and early spring are peak migration seasons.
8. Yellow Creek Trail – Land Between the Lakes (LBL)
If you venture west, Yellow Creek Trail is a lightly used trail in the southern part of LBL. It’s remote, has nice elevation changes, and follows a winding stream through dense hardwoods. Plenty of deer, and I’ve even spotted bobcat tracks here.
🗺 Best for: Backcountry hiking, trail cameras
🌲 Tip: Carry a paper map—cell service can be spotty.
9. Hidden Falls Trail – Marrowbone Lake
Just outside Joelton, Marrowbone Lake is mainly used for fishing, but few know about the Hidden Falls Trail off the back side of the lake. It’s short but rugged, with a small seasonal waterfall that flows after heavy rain.
🗺 Best for: Quick hikes, photography
🌲 Tip: Great in early spring when the falls are active and the underbrush is low.
10. Tornado Hollow – Cheatham WMA (Off-Trail Exploration)
This one’s for the more experienced woodsman. Tornado Hollow is an unofficial name we locals use for a pocket of forest hit by a storm years ago. It’s not on a map, and the trail is faint, but the regenerating habitat is full of browse, saplings, and young growth—great for wildlife.
🗺 Best for: Off-trail hiking, wildlife tracking
🌲 Tip: Bring a compass, wear snake boots, and let someone know where you’re going.
Through It All
Middle Tennessee is full of surprises if you know where to look—and you don’t need a long drive or fancy gear to enjoy them. Whether you’re hiking for your health, scouting new hunting grounds, or just clearing your head, there’s something powerful about stepping into a quiet piece of woods most folks pass by.
Just remember: pack in what you pack out, respect private property, and leave the land better than you found it.
If you’ve got a favorite trail I didn’t mention, drop me a line. I’m always looking for new ground to cover.
See you out there.