Williamson County’s rolling hills and scenic vistas make it a favorite destination for cyclists in Tennessee. Whether you’re seeking a challenging 30-mile ride or just want a safe and easy place for your family to bike together, we’ve got some great options for you!
Brentwood Trail System
The city of Brentwood has one of the most lovely and extensive paved trail systems in Middle Tennessee. Eight trails range in length from one to eight miles round-trip, and most of the trails are connected, allowing you to customize your ride to suit your needs.
Brentwood’s trail system winds past the Brentwood Library, the Williamson County Recreation Center, the YMCA, and several parks and recreational fields, so there are plenty of parking lots, bathrooms, and drinking fountains along the way. Check out the Brentwood trail system map to plan your route.
Natchez Trace Parkway
Did you know one of the nation’s most popular designated bicycle routes runs right through Williamson County? Owned and maintained by the National Park Service, this 444-mile scenic road runs from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi, and is free from semi-trucks, stop signs, traffic lights, utility poles, or billboards. Signs instructing drivers to share the road with cyclists are placed at regular intervals. You’ll find plenty of parking lots along the Trace (including several in Williamson County), so it’s easy to plan a short ride or a longer one. Be aware there are plenty of hills on this route, so it’s probably not the best option for beginning cyclists. NPS employees urge anyone planning to bike the Trace to call them first at 662-680-4027 to order a free biking packet, which includes park rules and a map as well as locations of bicycle outfitters and repair shops, food options, and bike-only campgrounds along the parkway. More information for cyclists as well as contact information for questions can be found on the National Park Service website.
Bowie Park & Nature Center
Bowie Park and Nature Center in Fairview is one of Williamson County’s best-kept secrets.
But while few outside the county have discovered this massive park’s 17 miles of trails, which cross a lovely rock creek and wind around several lakes and ponds, even fewer know that nearly all of these trails are open to mountain bikers.
The parkland is flat and the paths, for the most part, are wide, making Bowie Park a great spot for beginners and families on mountain bikes.
Download a trail map here or call the park’s visitor center for more information at 615-799-5544. Do note trails are closed to mountain bikers when conditions are wet — If it has rained recently, you’ll definitely want to call before you visit.
Best Roads for Experienced Cyclists
If you feel comfortable biking on regular roads, Williamson County has some of the most scenic routes a seasoned cyclist could hope to travel.
Cyclists love Big East Fork Road, Del Rio Pike, and Carter’s Creek Pike in particular, where rustic barns, fabulous homes, and pastoral countryside make for views straight out of a storybook.
Eastern Flank Battle Park
Families wanting to stay close to historic Franklin will love the 2-mile paved trail at Eastern Flank Battle Park (1343 Carnton Lane).
This trail follows a former golf cart path and is located on the site of the Battle of Franklin.
Bike Tours and Rentals
Want to ride in Williamson County without lugging your own bicycles from home? You’re in luck! Pedego in Franklin rents electric bicycles starting at $14 dollars an hour or $50 per day.
These bikes ride like regular bicycles but offer electric ‘assistance’ when the going gets rough, allowing you to cover far more ground than you could on an ordinary bike.
Rent bikes and ride alone or sign up for one of Pedego’s bike tours of historic Franklin or Leiper’s Fork. Visitors rave about the experience!
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