The Trails at Fontanel

The Trails at Fontanel are a unique Nashville destination that should be on the radar of every local or visiting dog-and-human duo. Not only are the trails quite pupular among the canine hiking crowd, they are located on the grounds of the Fontanel Mansion, which is surrounded by several dog-friendly businesses, including Prichard's Distillery, which allows leashed dogs to come along to the tasting room with you, and The Inn at Fontanel, which offers pet-friendly rooms for an additional fee.

The well-maintained trails cross scenic Whites Creek and loop through a dense forest. You'll find the main trailhead just beyond the property's main buildings. The City of Nashville has named the 1.5-mile paved multi-use trail that begins at the trailhead the White's Creek Greenway at Fontanel. You'll follow part of the greenway loop to get to the two-mile single-track dirt trail that is the property's primary draw for hikers. Some people have a hard time finding where the main trail branches from the greenway. If you're having trouble, keep looking—it's there!

To be located at such a hip, bustling location, the main hiking trail at Fontanel is surprisingly wild. Tall trees arch into a thick canopy, covering most of the trail in shade. Wildflowers bloom in patches of sun and deer and other wildlife roam the woods. Birdsong echoes from the branches. The vistas open up at the far end of the loop, where the trail circles close to the Fontanel Mansion and the Woods Amphitheater, an outdoor concert venue.

The Trails at Fontanel are mostly flat and won't be a challenge for most hikers. However, they're just long enough for you and your pup to have gotten a decent amount of exercise by the time you've looped back to the parking lot. The changing scenery keeps the hour-and-a-half long hike interesting. You'll also probably meet other dogs along the way! Be sure to bring water and clean up bags for a puptastic adventure.

If you're looking for a fun afternoon's adventure to share with your dog, make sure you check out The Trails at Fontanel.