Long Hunter Hiking
Notification Alert

New Gate and Closing Procedures

Long Hunter State Park

For enhanced safety and security, Long Hunter State Park has installed a new electronic gate at the main entrance of the park. Once activated, on November 1st, 2025, the gate will open daily at 5:00 AM and close nightly at 8:00 PM.

Please note:

  • Entry will not be permitted outside of the operational hours listed above. Boat ramp users may still launch if they arrive before 8:00 PM.
  • Guests visiting the park should vacate by closing time at 8:00 PM (The park’s day-use areas close at 8:00 PM).
  • Exiting the park will remain unrestricted—the gate will automatically open for all outbound traffic.

Operational hours at other areas of the park (Bryant’s Grove and Volunteer Trail) will not be affected. These areas will continue to close at 5:00 PM during standard time and 8:00 PM during daylight saving time.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact the park at 615-885-2422.

  • Sunlit wooden bridge nestled within a dense, shadowy forest. The light filtering through creates a serene and mysterious atmosphere.
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    storybook trail with the sun peeking through the treelike

    Hiking at Long Hunter

    Long Hunter State Park features over 36 miles of hiking trails leading to various habitats, including deep woods, shoreline, karst topography, grassy barrens, and rare cedar glades. This page describes each trail and includes highlights and total mileage. Also included for each trail is the Essential Eligibility Criteria, which notes any possible difficulties or hazards hikers might encounter. 

    Trails

    Showing page 1 of 2

    • Bryant Grove Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      Distance
      4.00 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      This flat, winding trail connects the Couchville Lake area to Bryant Grove Recreation Area as it follows the shore of Percy Priest Lake. The path visits several unique habitats, including rare limestone glades. It crosses a wooden bridge above Bryant Grove Creek, where green heron are occasionally seen wading and feeding. The one-mile marker (coming from Couchville Lake) is a good "habitat edge" birding spot for warblers, vireos and other species. Wildflowers along the route include spider lily, shooting star, glade phlox, rose verbena, evening primrose, Tennessee milkvetch and prickly pear cactus. Keep an eye out for owls, hawks and raccoons along the trail. No pets allowed.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

      Bryant Grove Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      This flat, winding trail connects the Couchville Lake area to Bryant Grove Recreation Area as it follows the shore of Percy Priest Lake. The path visits several unique habitats, including rare limestone glades. It crosses a wooden bridge above Bryant Grove Creek, where green heron are occasionally seen wading and feeding. The one-mile marker (coming from Couchville Lake) is a good "habitat edge" birding spot for warblers, vireos and other species. Wildflowers along the route include spider lily, shooting star, glade phlox, rose verbena, evening primrose, Tennessee milkvetch and prickly pear cactus. Keep an eye out for owls, hawks and raccoons along the trail. No pets allowed.
      Distance
      4.00 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      Allowed
      Hiking
      Trail Type
      Information unavailable
      Elevation
      Gain 226.50'
      Loss 244.50'
      Grade
      Typical 2.2%
      Max 12.8%
      Cross Slope
      Typical 1.7%
      Max 13.6%
      Tread Width
      Typical 51"
      Minimum 32"
      Surface Type
      Soil 37.8%; Gravel 28.8%; Crushed stone 26.6%; Rock and boulder 3.8%; Bedrock 2.6%; Wood decking 0.3%
      Obstructions Exist
      Step: 11 in tall; Tree root: 9 in tall; Step: 7 in tall

      Cedar Glade Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      Distance
      0.90 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      This trail circles Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural area, home to many rare, threatened and endangered plant species. Also known as the Tyler Sykes Trail, this path leads visitors to desert-like areas known as cedar glades. The thin, gravelly soil found here is home to such treasured wildflower species as leafy prairie clover, Tennessee coneflower, limestone fame flower, nodding wild onion, glade phacelia and Gattinger’s lobelia. This area also features a wide variety of milkweed and sumac plants. Birds found here include prairie warbler, yellow-breasted chat, common nighthawk, northern bobwhite and Chuck-will’s-widow. Other interesting flora and fauna include reindeer moss, hairy lipfern, streamside salamander, glade moss, juniper hairstreak butterfly, adder’s tongue fern. Dogs on a leash are allowed.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

      Cedar Glade Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      This trail circles Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural area, home to many rare, threatened and endangered plant species. Also known as the Tyler Sykes Trail, this path leads visitors to desert-like areas known as cedar glades. The thin, gravelly soil found here is home to such treasured wildflower species as leafy prairie clover, Tennessee coneflower, limestone fame flower, nodding wild onion, glade phacelia and Gattinger’s lobelia. This area also features a wide variety of milkweed and sumac plants. Birds found here include prairie warbler, yellow-breasted chat, common nighthawk, northern bobwhite and Chuck-will’s-widow. Other interesting flora and fauna include reindeer moss, hairy lipfern, streamside salamander, glade moss, juniper hairstreak butterfly, adder’s tongue fern. Dogs on a leash are allowed.
      Distance
      0.90 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      Allowed
      Hiking
      Trail Type
      Information unavailable
      Elevation
      Gain 43.00'
      Loss 87.90'
      Grade
      Typical 2.5%
      Max 20.4%
      Cross Slope
      Typical 1.7%
      Max 12.1%
      Tread Width
      Typical 27"
      Minimum 12"
      Surface Type
      Soil 38.4%; Rock and boulder 27.9%; Gravel 24.9%; Mowed grass 8%; Wood decking 0.8%
      Obstructions Exist
      Step: 11 in tall; Step 11 in tall; Step 9 in tall

      Couchville Lake Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      Distance
      2.10 mi.
      Difficulty
      Moderate
      Surface
      Paved
      This flat, paved, mostly shaded trail encircles 110-acre Couchville Lake. This is one of the most popular walks in the state park system due to its accessibility, lakeshore scenery, abundant wildlife, and arboretum. White-tailed Deer and Wild Turkey are common sights here, as are such birds as Great Blue Heron, Prothonotary Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Hooded Merganser, and Osprey. Occasional/rare sightings include American Bald Eagle, Sandhill Crane, Common Loon, and White Pelican. The nearby water-filled sinkholes result in a variety of frogs and turtles. American Mink has been spotted along the shoreline, and River Otter has been seen in the lake. Wildflowers found along the trail include Mayapple, Mistflower, Green Dragon, and Passionflower. The path is home to Couchville Lake Arboretum, where forty-five species of trees are labeled and identified along the route.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking wheelchair

      Couchville Lake Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      This flat, paved, mostly shaded trail encircles 110-acre Couchville Lake. This is one of the most popular walks in the state park system due to its accessibility, lakeshore scenery, abundant wildlife, and arboretum. White-tailed Deer and Wild Turkey are common sights here, as are such birds as Great Blue Heron, Prothonotary Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Hooded Merganser, and Osprey. Occasional/rare sightings include American Bald Eagle, Sandhill Crane, Common Loon, and White Pelican. The nearby water-filled sinkholes result in a variety of frogs and turtles. American Mink has been spotted along the shoreline, and River Otter has been seen in the lake. Wildflowers found along the trail include Mayapple, Mistflower, Green Dragon, and Passionflower. The path is home to Couchville Lake Arboretum, where forty-five species of trees are labeled and identified along the route.
      Distance
      2.10 mi.
      Difficulty
      Moderate
      Surface
      Paved
      Allowed
      Hiking wheelchair
      Trail Type
      Information unavailable
      Elevation
      Gain 101.40'
      Loss 95.70'
      Grade
      Typical 1.7%
      Max 9.3%
      Cross Slope
      Typical 2.9%
      Max 10.2%
      Tread Width
      Typical 98"
      Minimum 65"
      Surface Type
      Asphalt 92.1%; Concrete 4.3%; Wood decking 3.6%
      Obstructions Exist
      Bump: 3 in tall; Bump: 2 in tall; Hole: 2 in deep

      Day Loop Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      Distance
      4.00 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural

      This wild, rocky trail winds its way through mature oak-hickory forest and visits scenic bluff overlooks of Percy Priest Lake. The first part of the hike follows the Volunteer Trail, but then it breaks off to form its own loop. Listen/look for such birds as Pileated Woodpecker, Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey, and Common Loon. 

      Essential Eligibility Criteria: Travel over and negotiate varied terrain for 4 miles in an estimated 4 hours. Travel over trail for 60 minutes without sitting. Benches are scattered along the trail. Able to bend legs at a 90-degree angle to navigate large exposed rocks in sections of trail. Manage personal care in remote environments without access to electricity and/or running water. 

      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

      Day Loop Trail

      Long Hunter State Park

      This wild, rocky trail winds its way through mature oak-hickory forest and visits scenic bluff overlooks of Percy Priest Lake. The first part of the hike follows the Volunteer Trail, but then it breaks off to form its own loop. Listen/look for such birds as Pileated Woodpecker, Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey, and Common Loon. 

      Essential Eligibility Criteria: Travel over and negotiate varied terrain for 4 miles in an estimated 4 hours. Travel over trail for 60 minutes without sitting. Benches are scattered along the trail. Able to bend legs at a 90-degree angle to navigate large exposed rocks in sections of trail. Manage personal care in remote environments without access to electricity and/or running water. 

      Distance
      4.00 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      Allowed
      Hiking
      Trail Type
      Information unavailable
      Elevation
      Gain 389.40'
      Loss 436.00'
      Grade
      Typical 4.2%
      Max 36.0%
      Cross Slope
      Typical 3.1%
      Max 19.3%
      Tread Width
      Typical 50"
      Minimum 10"
      Surface Type
      Soil 91%; Rock and boulder 12.1%; Gravel 4.1%; Bedrock 2.3%; Wood decking 0.5%
      Obstructions Exist
      Rocks: 11 in tall; Tree root: 13 in tall; Large rock: 12 in tall

      Deer Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      Distance
      0.85 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      Located near the park office, the Deer Trail features a restored prairie which displays many native flowers and grasses. During summer, the striking wildflower known as blazing star attracts a wide variety of swallowtail butterflies, including eastern tiger, spicebush, giant, pipevine and zebra. Monarchs, Juniper hairstreaks and great spangled fritillary butterflies are also seen in the prairie. Other interesting insects here include praying mantis, green lynx spider and clearwing moth, also known as hummingbird moth. The back section of the trail showcases an impressive stand of mature sassafras trees. Other unique wildflowers here include rose pink, heal-all, purple-headed sneezeweed and mountain mint. Note: beware of significant numbers of ticks on this trail during warm weather months. Dogs on a leash are allowed.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

      Deer Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      Located near the park office, the Deer Trail features a restored prairie which displays many native flowers and grasses. During summer, the striking wildflower known as blazing star attracts a wide variety of swallowtail butterflies, including eastern tiger, spicebush, giant, pipevine and zebra. Monarchs, Juniper hairstreaks and great spangled fritillary butterflies are also seen in the prairie. Other interesting insects here include praying mantis, green lynx spider and clearwing moth, also known as hummingbird moth. The back section of the trail showcases an impressive stand of mature sassafras trees. Other unique wildflowers here include rose pink, heal-all, purple-headed sneezeweed and mountain mint. Note: beware of significant numbers of ticks on this trail during warm weather months. Dogs on a leash are allowed.
      Distance
      0.85 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      Allowed
      Hiking
      Trail Type
      Information unavailable
      Elevation
      Gain 60.80'
      Loss 85.00'
      Grade
      Typical 3.1%
      Max 19.2%
      Cross Slope
      Typical 1.9%
      Max 13.2%
      Tread Width
      Typical 51"
      Minimum 22"
      Surface Type
      Soil 100%
      Obstructions Exist
      Tree roots: 5 in tall; Erosion: 8 in deep; Rock: 5 in tall

      Inland Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      Distance
      0.70 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      Despite its short length, the Inland Trail features an impressive variety of trees, wildflowers, birds and mammals. The trail climbs a hill, so there is a slight elevation change. Many large, mature oak and hickory trees are found here; in fact, the trail boasts more variety of hickory trees than perhaps anywhere else in the park. Other tree species are Black Gum, Red Mulberry, Pawpaw, Yellow Buckeye, and Sassafras. Birds include Wood Thrush, Red-headed Woodpecker, Scarlet Tanager, Barred Owl, and Red-eyed Vireo. Keep an eye out for such wildflowers as Virginia Spring Beauty, Cutleaf Toothwort, Sweet Betsy Trillium, and Jack-in-the-Pulpit. Mushrooms are common here as well.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

      Inland Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      Despite its short length, the Inland Trail features an impressive variety of trees, wildflowers, birds and mammals. The trail climbs a hill, so there is a slight elevation change. Many large, mature oak and hickory trees are found here; in fact, the trail boasts more variety of hickory trees than perhaps anywhere else in the park. Other tree species are Black Gum, Red Mulberry, Pawpaw, Yellow Buckeye, and Sassafras. Birds include Wood Thrush, Red-headed Woodpecker, Scarlet Tanager, Barred Owl, and Red-eyed Vireo. Keep an eye out for such wildflowers as Virginia Spring Beauty, Cutleaf Toothwort, Sweet Betsy Trillium, and Jack-in-the-Pulpit. Mushrooms are common here as well.
      Distance
      0.70 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Natural
      Allowed
      Hiking
      Trail Type
      Information unavailable
      Elevation
      Gain 70.50'
      Loss 93.70'
      Grade
      Typical 4.4%
      Max 18.0%
      Cross Slope
      Typical 3.1%
      Max 23.3%
      Tread Width
      Typical 38"
      Minimum 25"
      Surface Type
      Soil 100%
      Obstructions Exist
      Tree root: 6 in tall; Tree root: 5 in tall; Tree stump: 5 in tall

      Jones Mill Multi-Use Trail - Blue Line

      Long Hunter State Park
      Distance
      3.00 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Natural
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking Mountain Biking

      Jones Mill Multi-Use Trail - Orange Line

      Long Hunter State Park
      Distance
      1.80 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Natural
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking Mountain Biking

      Jones Mill Multi-Use Trail - Red Line

      Long Hunter State Park
      Distance
      1.60 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Natural
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking Mountain Biking

    • Jones Mill Multi-Use Trail - White Line

      Long Hunter State Park
      Distance
      1.95 mi.
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Natural
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking Mountain Biking

      Path

      Long Hunter State Park
      Distance
      —
      Difficulty
      —
      Surface
      Natural
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

      Reading Ranger Story Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      Distance
      0.30 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Mixed
      Hidden near the back of the Couchville/Area 2 parking lot, this short trail, formerly the Nature Loop Trail, has a nice sampling of well-known features, such as, sinkholes, limestone glades and oak–hickory forest is now home to this innovative family trail. Enlarged pages from children’s books are placed along this .25 mile trail so youngsters can read, exercise and explore. Stories are changed out in the spring. No pets allowed.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking storybook

      Reading Ranger Story Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      Hidden near the back of the Couchville/Area 2 parking lot, this short trail, formerly the Nature Loop Trail, has a nice sampling of well-known features, such as, sinkholes, limestone glades and oak–hickory forest is now home to this innovative family trail. Enlarged pages from children’s books are placed along this .25 mile trail so youngsters can read, exercise and explore. Stories are changed out in the spring. No pets allowed.
      Distance
      0.30 mi.
      Difficulty
      Difficult
      Surface
      Mixed
      Allowed
      Hiking storybook
      Trail Type
      Information unavailable
      Elevation
      Gain 30.30'
      Loss 36.70'
      Grade
      Typical 3.6%
      Max 14.5%
      Cross Slope
      Typical 2.2%
      Max 10.7%
      Tread Width
      Typical 37"
      Minimum 32"
      Surface Type
      Gravel 98.3%; Rock and boulder 1.7%
      Obstructions Exist
      Tree root: 3 in tall; Rock: 3 in tall; Rock: 3 in tall

      Volunteer Trail

      Long Hunter State Park
      Distance
      5.50 mi.
      Difficulty
      Moderate
      Surface
      Natural
      The longest trail at Long Hunter follows the shore of Percy Priest Lake for most of its run and leads to a pair of primitive backcountry camping sites. Various species of shorebirds, ducks and geese are heard and seen frequently along this route. Though most of Long Hunter’s trails are relatively flat, this trail has a slight increase in elevation as it leaves the shore and climbs up the bluffs overlooking the lake. Rocky jumbles, mossy hillsides, scenic lake views, majestic trees and abundant spring wildflowers are common sights along the trail. This area is home to red fox, bobcat and deer. Dogs on a leash are allowed.
      Availability
      Open
      Allowed
      Hiking

    Pet Policy: All pets must remain on leashes and be under control at all times.

    Trail Definitions

    • Cross Slope 

      Describes the degree of incline from one side of the trail path to the other; measured as a percentage. Cross slope aids in water drainage and impacts the overall trail stability.   

    • Grade  

      Describes the rise in elevation over a horizontal distance on the trail; measured as a percentage.  Higher percentages represent a steeper grade indicating a more challenging ascent or descent for hikers.    

    • Standard Ramp Grade

      Serves as a reference guide for the grade of the trail.  Standard Ramp Grade is 8.3% across all trail assessments.  

    • Surface 

      A characteristic of the trail expressed in terms of material type, grading, compaction, and roughness of the path. Possible surface types include soil, gravel, paved, and mulch.   

    • Tread Width    

      Represents the horizontal distance from one edge of the trail path to the other; measurements can vary.  Tread width helps to determine the amount of space a hiker has to pass through. Obstacles on the trail can alter the remaining tread width.   

    • Trail Types: Loop

      Trail returns at or near the point from which you started. 

    • Trail Types: Network 

      Offers multiple route options within one trail, and each route is connected

    • Trail Types: Out and Back

      This type of trail travels out to an endpoint where hikers turn around and travel back to the starting point.   

    • Trail Types: Stacked Loop

      A loop trail contained completely within another trail.   

    Learn More About Trail Accessibility Information

    Try Our All-Terrain Wheelchairs

    We have a limited number of all-terrain wheelchairs available to assist our visitors. Please contact us early to reserve one for your visit. Call the park office at 1-615-885-2422.

    Reserve Now

    Need a Map?

    Explore our collection of printable and digital trail maps, organized by park. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or paddling, you’ll find the resources you need to navigate confidently.

     

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    Discover More at Long Hunter

    Visitor Center Gift Shop

    The Visitor Center Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.

    Address:
    2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage TN, 37076

    Hours:
    Sunday - Saturday 
    8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    Closed for lunch from 12:00 - 1:00 PM
    Closed on State Holidays

    Junior Ranger Camp Session 2

    Long Hunter State Park
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