Enjoy a quick hike and splash at Long Hunter State Park.

Long Hunter State Park is a quick 30-minute drive from Nashville but feels like a world away. The park is on the east side of Percy Priest Lake in Hermitage, TN and is home to a range of activities. There are over 25 miles of hiking, swimming areas, paved paths, camping, and more.   

If you’re looking for a quick hike with access to the lake, try the Deer Trail loop. It starts at the entrance to the park off of Hobson Pike and is only .8 miles long. There is a parking lot and restrooms near the trailhead. The loop is quite flat, and its only obstacles are some roots that creep up on the path. I’ve seen a few strollers on the trail, and while it’s probably not the smoothest ride, it is possible. The trail splits right at the beginning and you can go right or left, both being about halfway to the access point to the water.  

When you reach this halfway point, you will see a small trail that takes you to the lake. There is a rocky beach with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the water. The tides of the lake vary so the beach area is sometimes smaller when the water is high. I recommend wearing some type of water shoes as the rocks can be a bit tough on your feet. This quick hike is fun in the warm months as it’s a perfect spot for kids to splash around and get energy out on the trail. 

If you’re looking for a longer hike, check out the Day Loop Trail, which is a 4-mile route, partly along the shore, or there’s a paved loop, the Couchville Lake Trail.