🚴 Top Bike Rides in Nashville: A Local Guide by Green Fleet Bikes
Whether you're new to Nashville or just looking to explore the city on two wheels, we've got you covered. At Green Fleet Bikes, we help riders of all levels discover safe, scenic, and fun bike routes across the city. Each ride listed below includes helpful details to make your first spin smooth and stress-free.
1. Percy Warner Park: Hills & Nature
Skill Level: Intermediate
Type: Road / Park Loop
Distance: 5 to 11 miles
Start Location: Belle Meade Blvd trail head
Why We Love It:
Percy Warner is Nashville’s gem for fitness-focused riders who love climbing hills and cruising through forested roads. The scenic loop is fully paved and shared with cars but offers wide shoulders and minimal traffic.
What to Know Before You Go:
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The loop is hilly — bring gears and water.
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Early mornings or weekdays are less busy.
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Parking is available at the Trailhead.
2. Shelby Bottoms Greenway: Family-Friendly Nature Ride
Skill Level: Beginner
Type: Greenway / Paved Trail
Distance: 5 to 10 miles
Start Location: Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
Why We Love It:
This flat, shaded greenway runs along the Cumberland River and is perfect for beginners, families, and casual cruisers. You’ll see birds, wildflowers, and maybe even a deer or two.
What to Know Before You Go:
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Fully separated from cars.
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Trail connects to Two Rivers Park and Stones River Greenway.
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Restrooms and water available at the Nature Center.
3. Music City Bikeway: Cross-Town Connector
Skill Level: Intermediate
Type: Mixed Use (greenways, bike lanes, city streets)
Distance: 26 miles (full length)
Start Location: Downtown or Shelby Bottoms
Why We Love It:
A great cross-section of Nashville’s neighborhoods. The Bikeway connects East Nashville to downtown, Germantown, Midtown, and the West End, using a mix of protected lanes and paths.
What to Know Before You Go:
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Look for green Music City Bikeway signs.
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Bring a map or use a GPS-enabled app.
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Some sections involve traffic — ideal for confident riders.
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You can do it in sections!
4. Cumberland River Greenway: Riverside Urban Escape
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Type: Greenway / Urban Trail
Distance: 7 miles (one way)
Start Location: Ted Rhodes Golf Course or Bicentennial Park
Why We Love It:
It’s a peaceful ride along the Cumberland with views of the water, bridges, and skyline. A great ride to pair with a visit to Germantown or a local coffee shop.
What to Know Before You Go:
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Paved and mostly flat.
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Shares space with walkers and runners.
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Shade varies, bring sun protection.
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No cars!
5. Richland Creek Greenway: Quiet Neighborhood Cruise
Skill Level: Beginner
Type: Greenway
Distance: 4 miles
Start Location: McCabe Community Center
Why We Love It:
This lesser-known greenway runs behind homes, golf courses, and parks — great for a calm, low-stress ride.
What to Know Before You Go:
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Easy parking at McCabe.
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Smooth pavement, some short hills.
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Less crowded than other greenways.
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Connects to Sylvan Park neighborhood and local businesses
6. Urban Adventure: Parthenon to Bicentennial Park via Music Row
Skill Level: Intermediate to Confident City Rider
Type: Urban Ride
Distance: 5 to 6 miles
Start Location: Centennial Park (at The Parthenon)
Route Highlights:
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Start at the iconic Parthenon in Centennial Park.
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Ride through Music Row, home to recording studios and history.
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Cruise past Downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Bridgestone Arena.
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End at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, where you’ll find great skyline views and the Nashville Farmers Market.
What to Know Before You Go:
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Use bike lanes where available (21st Ave, Demonbreun, and 5th Ave).
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Weekends and off-hours have less traffic.
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Green Fleet Bikes downtown is nearby for rentals and repairs.
🗺️ Need Help Getting Ready for Your Ride?
Stop by Green Fleet Bikes or give us a call! Our team of local riders will help you get ready to ride. Having fun on a bike is easier when you can trust that you and your bike are ready for the adventure. Come see us:
📍 Visit us at 934 Jefferson St, Nashville, TN
📞 Call or text us at (615) 379-8687
🌐 Explore more at greenfleetbikes.com
