Eight Stroller Friendly State Parks In Tennessee
March 22, 2023 | Permalink
©Tennessee Photographs, see more at tennesseephotographs.com
Tennessee is well known for its beautiful state parks that offer a variety of outdoor activities for families. However, not all state parks are equally accessible for families with young children. Parents with strollers often face challenges due to uneven terrain, steep hills, or narrow paths. In this blog post, we will explore eight state parks in Tennessee that are stroller-friendly and offer a great outdoor experience for families with young children.
1. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Located in the heart of downtown, this park is a great place to enjoy the beauty and history of Tennessee. There is a .9 mile paved trail around the park that takes visitors past monuments honoring aspects of Tennessee’s history. There is an informational brochure in the park office that can tell you all about the historic landmarks and points of interest along the route. The park’s proximity to the Farmers’ Market and the restaurants and boutiques of Germantown make it easy to grab a bite to eat or shop while enjoying the outdoors. At the end of the walk, enjoy free entry to the Tennessee State Museum right next to the park.
2. Long Hunter State Park
Located just south of Mt. Juliet, the Couchville Lake Trail at Long Hunter State Park is perfect for strollers. The two-mile paved route wraps around the 110-acre lake. This is one of the most popular walks in the state park system due to its accessibility, lakeshore scenery, and abundant wildlife. Kids will love seeing white-tailed deer, wild turkey, great blue herons, osprey, and a wide variety of frogs and turtles. It’s also a great place for them to learn about trees, because the park has labeled and identified forty-two different species of trees along the path.
©Tennessee Photographs, see more at tennesseephotographs.com
3. Seven Islands State Birding Park
Seven Islands State Birding Park is a unique park located 19 miles east of Knoxville, Tennessee. The park is home to a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and wetlands, making it an ideal destination for wildlife observation. Two paved, stroller friendly trails are available. The Bobwhite Accessible Trail is a .9-mile paved trail that stretches from the parking area to the French Broad River. This trail passes through native grass fields, wetland, and woodland areas, highlighting the park’s diverse habitats that are ideal for wildlife observation. The Kelly Lane Greenway is a 2.5-mile paved trail that passes the Swallows at the Window Barn and the Green House.
In addition to the stroller-friendly trails, Seven Islands State Birding Park also has a playground with a tweeter-totter, slide, and other fun activities for kids. The playground is located near the parking area and is a great place for kids to play and burn off some energy before or after a hike. The park also has several picnic areas, restrooms, and a visitor center with exhibits and information about the park's wildlife and natural history.
4. Radnor Lake State Park
Radnor Lake State Park is a hidden gem located in the heart of Nashville. The 1.1 mile Otter Creek Trail is paved and stroller-friendly, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding forests. Along the way you may see waterfowl, bald eagle, and otters enjoying this protected natural area. The park also offers a variety of family-friendly programs, such as guided hikes and an aviary.
Photo: @5thwheelontherocks on Instagram
5. Bledsoe Creek State Park
Located near Gallatin, Bledsoe Creek State Park has 1.5 miles of paved hiking trails that are perfect for strollers. The park sits on Old Hickory Lake, and the trails meander through the woods and along the shoreline. The paved Mayo Wix Memorial Trail (1.0 mile) is stroller and pet friendly, so it’s great for your furry companions. Enlarged pages from children’s books are placed along a portion of this trail so children can read while they explore nature. This park is also great for bird watching and fishing, and has a brand new playground for kids.
©Tennessee Photographs, See more at tennesseephotographs.com
6. Dunbar Cave State Park
Dunbar Cave State Park, located in Clarksville, is named after a cave on the property that is one of the largest in Montgomery County. The park’s .7 mile paved trail offers scenic views of Swan Lake and is a great place to see wildlife and wildflowers. The park also offers guided cave tours for those interested in exploring the cave.
7. T.O. Fuller State Park
Located in Memphis, T.O. Fuller State Park is an excellent choice for families with young children. Starting behind the park’s Nature Center, the you’ll find a 2.5 mile hard-surface walking trail made from rubber crumbs derived from recycled tires. This stroller-friendly trail wanders past fields of wildflowers, a picturesque pond, and storybook panels that will keep your little ones engaged. Families can also enjoy a picnic in one of the park's designated areas, which are located near the playground and the swimming pool.
Photo: @frankmcclung2 on Instagram
8. Cumberland Mountain State Park
Cumberland Mountain is a serene state park with stroller friendly trails and an on-site restaurant. The .5 mile Byrd Lake Trail is a short, easy hike that is ADA accessible and perfect for families with young children. The flexible porous pavement is ideal for strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs. This trail offers stunning views of Byrd Lake and is a great place to view waterfowl and songbirds.
Let's go for a stroll
Just because your kids are in strollers doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the outdoors. It just means you have to find the right parks. So, pack your stroller and head to one of these state parks to enjoy a fun and memorable outdoor adventure with your family.