Percy Warner – 5 Rock Solid Hotspots in the Park + Complete Guide to Parking Staircase Trails
Percy Warner Park is the larger of two parks known as “The Warner Parks”. These urban oases are beautiful year-round throughout every season. At 2,664 acres, there is a lot to explore. For that reason, we have put together this comprehensive guide to help you learn about the park and discover everything you need to know to see every hotspot and plan a great visit! Read on to find out more:
1) Percy Warner Park Allée (Staircase)
The first iconic hot spot in the park is also known as the Belle Meade Stairs. This is one of several entrances to Percy Warner Park and is a part of the identity of the city of Nashville. Built in the early 1930s these steps have stood the test of time (mostly). In 2020, they were closed for a 6 month $15-million restoration to bring them back to their original glory. Over time they had become worn due to overuse, plant growth, and water drainage.
Now fully restored to all original details, down to the color of the mortar joints, the steps serve as much more than an entrance to the park and its trail system. Many use the steps as a leg workout for an early morning jog. Others do yoga in the surrounding greenspace or take their dogs for a walk. These stairs have even served as a wedding venue and beautiful proposal location.
Be sure to check out this entrance next time you visit Percy Warner!
The Allée is located at the following address: Belle Meade Blvd, Nashville, TN 37221
Click here for directions to the Allée
World War 1 Monument
In 1917, the Percy Warner Golf Course was a World War 1 training camp named “Camp Andrew Jackson”. Soldiers of the First Tennessee Infantry prepared for war here before being dispatched to France.
This monument, overlooking the former camp, was constructed in 1936 under the authority of Col. Harry S. Berry. The monument is granite with large bronze plaques on the front and back.
The small plaza surrounding the monument is designed with limestone walls and stone benches, providing seating for visitors to rest and take in the view.
2) Paved Trails
The paved trails in Percy Warner Park are well-maintained and suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. These trails provide a more accessible option for individuals with strollers, wheelchairs, or those who simply prefer smoother surfaces. They wind through the park’s picturesque landscape, offering views of rolling hills, wooded areas, and open fields.
The Percy Warner Paved trails are a scenic place to run, bike, or walk your dogs. These loops can be accessed via various entrances around the park and lead to some of the overlooks within the park. Read on to find out more about park entrances and overlooks.
The park is beautiful any time of the year. During the fall the the weather cools making runs and walks more enjoyable and the foliage is beautiful. The park is still beautiful during the winter as seen in the photo below.
There are many paved trails within Percy Warner and two of them are the 5.8-11.2 mile loop trails. These 2 trails wind up and down the mossy ridges of the park. Signs designate the 5.8-mile loop versus the extended 11.2-mile loop. These 2 paved loops are mostly closed off to vehicle traffic and are very popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists.
The main road that circles through Percy Warner Park is called Percy Warner Park Drive. This road is also paved and serves as a route for both vehicular traffic and recreational activities. Many visitors use this road for walking, running, and cycling.
Although the park’s paved trails offer a smoother surface for walking and running, it’s important to note that the terrain consists of many large hills.
Percy Warner Park and its neighboring Edwin Warner Park together cover more than 3,000 acres, making them combined the second-largest municipal park area in Tennessee.
Both parks were established in 1927 and have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984.
3) Overlooks
Hilltop Overlook
My favorite overlook is simply labeled “Hilltop” on Google Maps but is a great place to take in some panoramic views.
This location is accessible via a paved trail so you can bike, walk or run to this location. I’ve added a map of the location below:
The Hilltop overlook provide a view of the natural beauty year round.
Luke Lea Heights Scenic Overlook
The Luke Lea Heights Overlook in Warner Park offers stunning views of Belle Meade Country Club and the downtown Nashville skyline. Accessible via the White Trail from the Deep Well trailhead or the 5.8 loop, this scenic overlook is a short 0.25 miles from the paved path and is worth a visit.
The location is considered one of Nashville’s best-kept secrets, with a must-see panoramic view of the city. There are also benches and places to relax nearby.
Unpaved Trails
Percy Warner offers over 10 miles of hiking trails that wind through the lush, forested hills of Tennessee. There are hiking trails, equestrian trails, and mountain biking trails.
Warner Woods Trail
One of the most popular trails in Percy Warner Park is the Warner Woods Trail, which is a 2.5-mile loop that takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the park. This trail is rated as moderate and includes several steep climbs and descents, so it’s not recommended for beginners. However, if you’re up for the challenge, the views at the top are stunning.
Mossy Ridge Trail
Another great trail in Percy Warner Park is the Mossy Ridge Trail, which is a 4.5-mile loop that is rated as difficult. This trail takes you up to the highest point in the park, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The Mossy Ridge Trail is also known for its diverse array of plant and animal life, so be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.
This trail provides around 2 hours of exploration. This trail is rated moderate, but is well-traveled and marked, making navigation a easy. Dogs are also welcome, provided they’re leashed. There are some rocky sections along the way and the trail’s leafy canopy provides ample shade.
This trail can be accessed via many of the entrances to Percy Warner Park. Reference my sections of this blog post for more details about park and trail entrances!
Percy Warner Park Trail
If you’re looking for a shorter, easier hike, the Percy Warner Park Trail is a great option. This trail is a 1.5-mile loop that takes you through some of the park’s most picturesque areas, including a lovely pond and a small waterfall. This trail is perfect for families with young children or anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty of Percy Warner Park without tackling a difficult hike.
No matter which trail you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. The trails in Percy Warner Park can be challenging, but the stunning views and peaceful surroundings make it all worth it. So if you’re in the Nashville area and looking for a great hiking experience, be sure to check out Percy Warner Park!
Horse Trail
There is also a horse trail through Percy Warner park and it is one of two municipally owned and maintained horse trails in Davidson County. You can bring your own horse to ride the 9 miles of trail located at 2500 Old Hickory Boulevard.
Horse trails are open from Dawn to Dusk 7 days a week.
4) Park Shelters
Originally built during the 1930s and 1940s, there are 14 shelters throughout Percy Warner Park which can be enjoyed by park visitors and reserved for events. To reserve one call 615-862-8408 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12 noon).
The photos here are of Beech Grove Shelter #3.
5) Parking and Trailheads
Belle Meade Trailhead and Entrance
The Belle Meade Boulevard Entrance to Percy Warner Park is one of the main access points to the park. At this entrance, Belle Meade Boulevard combines with the Allée to form a breathtaking tree-lined path and a stunning visual corridor.
The Allée is particularly famous for its symmetrical and picturesque arrangement of trees that flank both sides of the thoroughfare, creating a beautiful canopy effect. This entrance is on the eastern side of Percy Warner Park.
The walking trails accessible from this entrance allow visitors to experience the tranquility and beauty of nature while getting some exercise. The park’s trails are also open to trail running, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a refreshing workout.
Chickering Trailhead and Entrance
The Chickering Trailhead is a popular access point to Percy Warner Park, located in Nashville, Tennessee. As one of the main entrances to the park, it provides visitors with a starting point for exploring the vast network of trails that wind through the park’s picturesque landscapes.
Situated on Chickering Road, the trailhead offers a large gravel parking area.
Informational signage is available at the trailhead providing a map of the park trails as well as other information. Please note that during busy times parking availability may vary.
One of the highlights of the Chickering Trailhead is the connectivity it offers to other trails within Percy Warner Park. For instance, you can follow the paths to reach popular destinations like the Mossy Ridge Trail or the Warner Woods Trail. These trails provide opportunities to witness stunning views, observe wildlife, and immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the park.
Whether you’re looking for a stroll, a challenging hike, or a place to enjoy a picnic with family and friends, the Chickering Trailhead offers a convenient and inviting starting point.
Deep Well Trailhead and Entrance
This entrance to the park is located off Highway 100 just North of Old Hickory Boulevard. There is plenty of parking along the road as you pull into this location.
Once parked you’ll find a large signage map indicating the trails that are accessible from this trailhead. This trailhead provides access to the paved trails as well as the off-road hiking trails.
The Mossy Ridge Trail is a Nashville favorite that can be accessed from this trailhead. This 4.5-mile loop is considered moderately difficult and can be turned into a 6-mile loop via the Cane Connector trail.
Gaucho Trailhead and Entrance
The Gaucho Road Trailhead is located next to the Steeplechase Horse Track and Cross Country Running Track. The grandstands are just past the trailhead.
The term “gaucho” traditionally refers to skilled horsemen and cattle herders, particularly in the South American pampas, which are vast grasslands. The Gaucho culture is deeply rooted in these regions, and various trails and routes can be associated with them.
This entrance offers scenic views of the Steeplechase area as well as access to the many winding trails of Percy Warner. This trailhead connector meets up with the Cane Connector Trail.
The Steeplechase overlook is just up the asphalt road behind the box seats of the grandstands. It offers a panoramic view of the entire course and beautiful countryside. During the design of the Steeplechase course, the location of the grandstands was selected due to its picturesque views of the entire track.
There is a large parking lot here as well as mobile toilet facilities. Let us know if you have any questions about any of the entrances and trailheads at Percy Warner!
Highway 100 Trailhead and Entrance
Location: The Highway 100 entrance is located on Highway 100, which runs along the southern border of Percy Warner Park. It provides convenient access to the northern section of the park.
Parking: The entrance offers parking facilities for visitors. You can park your vehicle near the entrance area before exploring the park. It’s worth noting that parking availability may vary depending on the time of day and season.
Trail Access: The Highway 100 entrance provides access to several trails within Percy Warner Park. Some of the prominent trails you can access from this entrance include the Warner Woods Trail and the Mossy Ridge Trail.
Scenic Views: While hiking the trails accessible from the Highway 100 entrance, you can enjoy picturesque views of the park’s natural beauty. The trails wind through wooded areas, offering opportunities to observe wildlife, admire wildflowers, and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings of the park.
Connectivity: The Highway 100 entrance is well-connected to the wider road network, making it easily accessible for visitors coming from different parts of Nashville and beyond. It’s a popular entrance for those residing in the nearby areas and those traveling along Highway 100.
As always, it’s recommended to check the current park regulations, any updates on trail closures, and special events before your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at Percy Warner Park.
Vaughn’s Creek Trailhead
Vaughn’s Creek Entrance to Percy Warner Park is located off Highway 100 and features a 2.3-mile cross-country loop. The parking lot is adjacent to a large open field where the cross-country loops starts. Other trails, within the Percy Warner network, can be accessed from this location.
Clubhouse Trailhead:
The Percy Warner Clubhouse Trailhead serves as a gateway to the various hiking and nature trails within the park.
The clubhouse trailhead is located very close to the Alee or the large staircase to the park. If the staircase entrance is crowded and you can’t find a place to park you can drive to the clubhouse trailhead and walk to the staircase in about 10 minutes.
The trailhead offers parking facilities for visitors. This is shared with the golf course and the mountain biking trails.
The name “Clubhouse Trailhead” refers to the golf clubhouse at the trailhead. This facility offers restrooms and drinking water.
The outer porch of the clubhouse is accessible and provides a place to cool down in the shade on hot days.
The golf course itself was originally designed by Donald Ross, a renowned golf course architect, and it originally opened in 1937. Donald Ross is known for designing many classic golf courses across the United States
The course is an 9-hole, par-34 course that offers a challenging and picturesque golfing experience. The course is characterized by rolling hills, mature trees, and scenic views.
Conclusion
Percy Warner Park in Bellevue is a beautiful place during the summer but equally beautiful when the leaves change color, fall off, and sprout in the spring. And there is no shortage of trails, shelters, etc. to enjoy within. We are blessed to live in this city and neighborhood with such accessible beauty nearby. Let us know if you have any questions about the park or what your favorite spot within the park is in the comment below!
