Though “Walking in Memphis” wasn’t quite written with our nature trails in mind, we fully believe it should’ve been. Sitting on the Mississippi means the Bluff City has plentiful greenery and natural beauty, making it a perfect place to connect with the great outdoors. We even have a few parks and trails so you can get up, get moving, and get closer to the beautiful scenery. Here are some of our favorite places you can go hiking in Memphis, TN.
Wolf River Greenway
The Wolf River Conservancy has over 20,000 acres and many hiking trails, like the Greenway and Refuge Trailhead. The Greenway offers 14 miles of a paved pathway, with up to 26 miles being planned for the future. This takes you across the city of Memphis near notable landmarks like Mud Island, the Wolf Crossing suspension bridge, and more.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
This Tennessee state park has 20 miles of trails with views of Poplar Tree Lake, bottomlands, and even endangered plants. There’s a mix of paved and natural surfaces, with four moderate trails and one 8.5-mile easy trail you can use for hiking or horseriding. The paved bicycle trail is great for bringing along strollers, wheelchairs, or bikes with views of the surrounding forest.
Shelby Farms Greenline
One unique aspect of the Shelby Farms Greenline is how this previous railroad track runs throughout Memphis. This 10-mile urban trail takes you from Midtown to Cordova, and it’s run entirely on community support. Plus, if you don’t want to hike the full journey, you can rent a bike at the Hyde Lake Wheel House, but you can always make this trail more fun with friends or your pets.
T.O. Fuller State Park
This historic park was the first state park open for African Americans east of the Mississippi River in honor of Dr. Thomas O. Fuller. There are 4 hiking trails and a loop, with a mix of natural and hard surfaces, both easy and moderate for any level of hikers. The 4-mile Discovery Trail goes through the Chucalissa Indian Village and the wetlands for one-of-a-kind scenery in the heart of the 901.
Overton Park
Right outside of the Memphis Zoo, you can find one of the city’s treasures at Overton Park. Trails like the Old Forest Trail include paved and unpaved walking paths through the old-growth forest with trail markers to keep you on track. Bring your pup to the nearby Overton Bark dog park for an off-leash experience. You can also check out their community walks and events to meet new friends while getting your daily steps in.
Riverwoods State Natural Area
This reserve in Germantown is located along the Wolf River and has 21 acres of plants and wildlife, perfect for immersing yourself in local flora and fauna. The trail is great for enjoying a shorter journey with a friend or pet. And it’s a must-see during any season, thanks to the beautiful foliage and peaceful area.
