Yes, you read that correctly, Percy Warner Park in Nashville now has mountain bike trails! On a recent trip to visit our daughter, Tab, in Franklin, we took to the trails.

To get to the trailhead, just head toward Nashville and Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. When you see the entrance for Cheekwood, rather than going in, bear to the left and go in front of the entrance to Cheekwood. Then, very soon, on your right you will see the Percy Warner Mountain Bike parking lot with a sign and maps marking the trail head.

There are 6 trails from the very chill Boulevard Trail that goes the length of the trail to the Humdiger Trail that sports some challenging features for the highly experienced rider.

Our family, plus Thad Hoffman from MOAB, braved the trail on a weekday morning. Even at this early hour, there were several other folks enjoying it then. We all did the Boulevard and the Toy Box. Thad and Josh, our son, did another more difficult trail while we were there. Then, later that day, Josh returned to do the more difficult sections with a couple of old college friends. The traffic on the trails had picked up significantly in the afternoon.

On a personal note, I had not been mountain biking in years. I was nervous for a while on the Toy Box Trail and did a good bit of “Hike-a-biking”, but after a while I got more confident and really enjoyed myself. Mountain biking is a great way to get a good workout and enjoy nature up close. Some have likened it to a spiritual experience, I can understand this concept.

Great news, you don’t have to go to Nashville, we have some beautiful places right in our own backyard to enjoy: AEDC, Tim’s Ford and Sewanee Perimeter Trail. I really have no excuse for getting out of practice with these awesome trails so close by.

Whether for exercise, peace of mind or enjoying nature, check out Percy Warner’s newest attraction next time you are in Nashville or one of our beautiful trails here in the Tullahoma area. You will be glad you did.