Best Hiking Trails in Narrows Of The Harpeth

Overview

If you are traveling and want to stop to stretch your leg’s for a minute and you are in the area of Kingston Springs, TN then by all means stop and enjoy the Narrows of the Harpeth and Tunnel Trails at Harpeth River State Park. For both trails this is an easy 1.5 mile hike. But be aware there is a short section of the trail, up to the view of the Narrows that is steep but is easily traversed. The stairs help with this. Both the Narrows and the Tunnel Trails are out and back trails that wind through woods and along limestone structures. The trails are of packed earth and loose limestone. There are several wooden bridges to cross that may be slippery. About a half mile into the hike the tunnel trail Y’s off and follows the river to the tunnel where some of the Harpeth River is diverted through the tunnel. The Tunnel Trail is about a half mile round trip. This tunnel (Montgomery Bell Tunnel) was hand carved out of limestone in 1818 and is a national historic landmark. Make sure you do both trails as they complement each other. From the bluff you have views of the Narrows and the surrounding area. From the Tunnel Trail you’ll be able to view the tunnel and the water flow. Both trails appear to be maintained and have a width ranging from two to four feet. There are interpretive signs posted along the trail identifying tree species.
At the Harris Street Bridge parking lot there is ample parking, a boat launch, picnic tables, camp grills and restroom facilities, porta potty. The area is clean and maintained. If your interests include kayaking there are several outfitters in the immediate area to assist you. For more information on the Narrows of the Harpeth visit Harpeth River State Park at https://tnstateparks.com/parks/harpeth-river
Narrows Of The Harpeth is a park in Tennessee.

Getting Started

Narrows of the Harpeth is located about 26 miles west of Nashville, TN near Kingston Springs, TN. There are two parking lots one off of Cedar Hill Rd and the other off of Narrows of the Harpeth Rd. There is ample parking at Harris Street Bridge parking area as well as a boat launch. A smaller parking lot is located up off of the Narrows of the Harpeth Rd. Parking at the Harris Street parking lot is a great spot to start you hike. The trailhead is clearly marked and is located next to the park trail information sign. As you head off down the trail you will head under the Cedar Hill Road where the trail begins. Approximately a half mile into the trail you’ll come to a fork in the trail. The trail to the right takes you to tunnel trail, while the trail to the left starts the climb up to the bluff and the views of the narrows. Since both trails are out and back, just retrace your steps.

When to Go

Spring and Fall are great times of the year to go on any hike. Spring the weather is cooler in the Fall the color of the hard wood trees are changing colors. In the summer the weather is hot and humid. In a hikers mind if you are there, do the hike no matter the weather. Enjoy the time in the woods and the views of the river and bluff. Just be aware the kayakers do use this area as it is, one of several, put-in and take-out points for the Harpeth River. Just pay attention to the weather as it located along the river and does flood with heavy rains.

Permits

No Permits are required

Dog Info

The park is dog friendly, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.