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Long Hunter State Park wilderness guide
State Park · TN

Long Hunter State Park

Long Hunter State Park is a popular outdoor destination in Tennessee offering a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and camping along beautiful J. Percy Priest Lake.

State Park26004+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

2600

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Long Hunter State Park

Long Hunter State Park is a popular outdoor destination in Tennessee offering a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and camping along beautiful J. Percy Priest Lake.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Long Hunter State Park, located approximately 20 miles southeast of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, spans over 2,600 acres and adjoins the expansive J. Percy Priest Lake. This area features a diverse array of recreational opportunities and natural beauty, making it a favored spot for visitors of all ages. The park is sectioned into three units: Couchville, Baker’s Grove, and Bryant Grove, each offering distinctive environments and facilities. Its geography is characterized by hardwood forests, limestone glades, and the scenic lakeshore. Visitors can explore over 20 miles of well-maintained trails suitable for hiking and nature observation. Birdwatchers will find the park particularly appealing during migration seasons. The history of the area is enriched by Native American presence and more recent agricultural exploitation prior to the establishment of the park in 1969. Today, Long Hunter is appreciated for its natural preserves, with efforts in place to maintain its rich biodiversity. Key recreation spots such as the Couchville Lake Arboretum and landmark trails like the Volunteer Trail enhance the appeal of this serene park.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Long Hunter State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area★ 7.0⌖ 0 miHiking
Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area

Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area

Explore the Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area, located near Hermitage, TN. Known for its unique cedar glades and rich biodiversity, this serene spot is perfect for bird watching, hiking, and photography. Visit in spring or fall for the best views and wildflower displays.

Nature's Haven at Long Hunter State Park★ 7.8⌖ 1 miHiking
Long Hunter State Park

Nature's Haven at Long Hunter State Park

Explore Long Hunter State Park near Nashville, TN. Enjoy hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching in this scenic 2,600-acre park. Trails vary in difficulty, making it ideal for family adventures. Fall offers vibrant foliage and great wildlife viewing.

Percy Priest Lake★ 7.8⌖ 6 miBoating
Percy Priest Lake

Percy Priest Lake

Explore Percy Priest Lake near Nashville, TN, a great spot for boating, fishing, and kayaking. The lake offers year-round activities and scenic views. Perfect for adventure seekers looking for recreational fun and natural beauty.

Riverside Serenity at Stones River Greenway Trailhead★ 5.6⌖ 6 miHiking
Stones River Greenway Trailhead

Riverside Serenity at Stones River Greenway Trailhead

Stones River Greenway Trailhead near Nashville offers an easy, accessible trail ideal for hiking, running, biking, and fishing. Enjoy calm river views and local wildlife in a peaceful greenway setting. Best visited in spring and fall to avoid crowds and heat.

Outdoor Adventure & Wildlife at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway★ 7.0⌖ 11 miBiking
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway

Outdoor Adventure & Wildlife at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway

Shelby Bottoms Nature Center & Greenway in Nashville offers easy biking trails, birdwatching, and nature walks. Enjoy peaceful wetlands and wildlife viewing with educational exhibits and boardwalks. Ideal for families and visitors seeking calm outdoor recreation close to the city.

Radnor Lake State Park★ 7.0⌖ 15 miHiking
Radnor Lake State Park

Radnor Lake State Park

Explore Radnor Lake State Park near Nashville, TN. Known for its easy lakeside trails, it's a great spot for hiking and birdwatching. Enjoy peaceful views and vibrant wildlife, especially in spring and fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Couchville Lake—a serene, 110-acre lake ideal for wildlife watching.✦ Oakland Bluff—a significant geological feature offering striking views.✦ Volunteer Trail—a scenic hiking trail along the banks of Percy Priest Lake.✦ Couchville Cedar Glade—a unique ecosystem supporting rare plant species.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Long Hunter State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Long Hunter State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Long Hunter State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Long Hunter State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Long Hunter State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Long Hunter State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Long Hunter State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fees required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Long Hunter State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Baker's Grove Primitive Campsites

Offers a basic camping experience near the scenic shores of Percy Priest Lake.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Long Hunter State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Smyrna
⌖ 7.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Smyrna, Tennessee

A vibrant small-town hub blending southern charm with diverse outdoor pursuits, offering far-reaching access to lakes, trails, and rolling Tennessee landscapes.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Hermitage
⌖ 8.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hermitage, Tennessee

A suburban escape with an abundance of natural beauty and recreational activities suitable for family outings and solo adventures.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Nolensville
⌖ 11.87 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nolensville, Tennessee

A peaceful Southern town where rural landscapes meet gently rolling hills, offering casual outdoor adventures with a hint of historical charm and local culture.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Nashville
⌖ 14.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nashville, Tennessee

A vibrant city with a rich musical heritage offering a gateway to outdoor adventures in nearby natural landscapes.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Brentwood
⌖ 14.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Brentwood, Tennessee

A suburban town offering peaceful parks, well-maintained trails, and access to gentle waterways perfect for family-friendly outdoor activities and fitness enthusiasts.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Madison
⌖ 14.86 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Madison, Tennessee

A suburban community with easy access to parks and greenways offering laid-back outdoor activities ideal for casual hikers, cyclists, and paddlers near Nashville.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Long Hunter State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

airLINE Shuttle: Gaylord Opryland Hotel to Nashville Airport (BNA) — Fast, Reliable TransferNashville, Tennessee · 7.43 mi away
All Adventures· airLINE powered by Gray Line Tennessee

airLINE Shuttle: Gaylord Opryland Hotel to Nashville Airport (BNA) — Fast, Reliable Transfer

Skip the rideshare scramble: airLINE connects Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Nashville International Airport (BNA) in about 30 minutes on a climate-controlled, scheduled shuttle. Simple check-in, ADA accommodations with notice, and predictable timing make it a smart choice for visitors and conference groups.

Approximately 30 minutes (one-way)

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.