Nashville, TN: Harpeth Woods Loop
Trace an old Native American trail, climb hills, and explore rich stands of cedar and oak on this scenic loop just 15 miles from downtown.
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-Mapped by Ed Bodnar
Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.7
- Miles from city center: 15
Waypoints
HWL001
Location: 36.0621490478516, -86.9045257568359
From Nature Center, head SW toward Vaughns
Creek
HWL002
Location: 36.0595932006836, -86.9110717773438
Trailhead: Check out maps @ kiosk and pick up
the old Natchez Trace, once a Native American
path between Natchez, MS and Nashville
HWL003
Location: 36.0590171813965, -86.9131317138672
Cross low waters of Vaughns Creek on footbridge; in a few strides, leave the flats and begin rocky climb
HWL004
Location: 36.0541191101074, -86.9158477783203
Cross closed road and continue on trail, following
blue blazes. Smell the scented bark of the large
cedars
HWL005
Location: 36.0534400939941, -86.914680480957
Stay on Harpeth Woods Trail
HWL006
Location: 36.053409576416, -86.9127960205078
Go R (connecting blue blazes)
HWL007
Location: 36.0524024963379, -86.9122695922852
Trail leads to a picnic shelter near the Little Harpeth River then turns L
HWL008
Location: 36.0548248291016, -86.9097747802734
Cross road again
HWL009
Location: 36.0562362670898, -86.9097442626953
Switchback to an unnamed knob and the highpoint of this loop @ 905 ft.
HWL010
Location: 36.0593910217285, -86.9067459106445
Cross the Nature Trail, sticking with blue blazes
HWL011
Location: 36.0597038269043, -86.9061737060547
Cross road; then swing W on the Old Natchez. Retrace steps to WPT 2 and the trailhead
Trail Junction
Location: 36.0585174560547, -86.9166412353516
Cross creek
Location: 36.0590515136719, -86.9131240844726
Quarry bypass
Location: 36.0566444396973, -86.9170074462891
Smooth flats
Location: 36.0535469055176, -86.912712097168
Sturdy bridge
Location: 36.0588417053223, -86.9068145751953
