Have you ever wanted to escape the loud city noise without driving for hours? Long Hunter State Park is the perfect solution. Located just a short drive from downtown Nashville, this massive natural playground sits right on the beautiful shores of J. Percy Priest Lake.
Whether you want to hike a quiet forest trail, set up a primitive campsite under the stars, or spend a warm afternoon swimming, this park offers endless outdoor fun. Because the park is so large, it can be confusing for first time visitors to know exactly where to go.
In this complete visitor guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know. You will learn about the best hiking paths, how to navigate the park sections, and how to plan the perfect family day trip.
What Is Long Hunter State Park?
Long Hunter State Park is a free 2,600 acre natural recreation area located in Hermitage, Tennessee. Situated along the eastern shores of J. Percy Priest Lake, the park features over 30 miles of hiking trails, rare cedar glade ecosystems, primitive backcountry campsites, and multiple boat ramps for water access.
Here are a few quick facts about this amazing outdoor destination:
- Location: Just 30 minutes east of downtown Nashville.
- Entry Fee: Admission is completely free all year round.
- Top Feature: Incredible lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Explore the Four Sections of Long Hunter State Park
Because the park is huge, it is physically split into four different sections. Each area offers completely different activities. Knowing exactly which section to visit will save you a lot of time.
Couchville Area
The Couchville section is the main hub of the entire park. This is where you will find the official visitor center and the park office. It features a beautiful, flat paved trail that wraps entirely around Couchville Lake. If you want a relaxing walk or need a smooth path for a stroller, this is the best place to start.
Baker’s Grove
If you love rugged nature, you need to visit Baker’s Grove. Located in the northern part of the park, this area is designed for serious hikers. It gives you direct access to the most challenging trails and beautiful rocky cliff overlooks. This is also the only section where you can access the primitive backcountry camping sites.
Bryant Grove
Bryant Grove is located at the southern tip of the park. This section is highly popular with families during the summer. It features a sandy swimming beach right on the edge of J. Percy Priest Lake. You will also find large picnic pavilions, a children’s playground, and easy boat launch ramps.
Sellars Farm Archaeological Area
Sellars Farm is a unique detached area of the park located nearby in Lebanon, Tennessee. It protects an ancient Native American mound site. Visitors can walk an easy loop trail to see exactly where ancient indigenous people built their community near the river.
Discover the Best Hiking Trails at Long Hunter State Park
Long Hunter State Park trails are incredibly diverse. You can choose a flat 10 minute walk or a sweaty 11 mile adventure.
Trail Overview Guide
| Trail Name | Total Distance | Difficulty Level | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couchville Lake Loop | 2 miles | Very Easy | Flat paved path perfect for wheelchairs |
| Day Loop Trail | 4 miles | Moderate | Beautiful rocky views over the lake |
| Volunteer Trail | 11 miles round trip | Difficult | Deep forest hike leading to campsites |
| Bryant Grove Trail | 4 miles | Easy to Moderate | Flat shaded path connecting two park areas |
| Deer Trail | 1 mile | Easy | Prairie views with native summer wildflowers |
Volunteer Trail
The long hunter state park volunteer trail is the longest path in the park. It follows the rocky shoreline of the lake deep into the woods. Why is it called the Volunteer Trail? It was originally built by dedicated local volunteers. This trail is an out and back path, meaning you walk 5.5 miles in, and then you must turn around and walk 5.5 miles back out.
Day Loop Trail
The Day Loop connects directly to the beginning of the Volunteer Trail. It is a rocky 4 mile loop that takes you up onto tall limestone bluffs. It is called the Day Loop because camping is not allowed here. It is designed for visitors who want a solid, sweaty hike that only takes two hours to finish.
Couchville Lake Loop
This is a peaceful 2 mile paved path. It acts as a self guided arboretum trail, meaning there are signs teaching you about the different native trees. Because it circles a quiet inland lake rather than the main reservoir, the water is always calm and beautiful.
Bryant Grove Trail
This flat 4 mile trail connects the Couchville area to the Bryant Grove swimming beach. You will walk across small wooden footbridges and pass through a deeply shaded forest canopy. It is one of the best spots in the park for bird watching.
Deer Trail
Located right next to the visitor center, the Deer Trail is a quick 1 mile walk through a restored prairie. It is a wonderful place to see colorful butterflies and native blooming flowers during the hot summer months.
Use the Long Hunter State Park Trail Map Effectively
Getting lost in the woods is never fun. Learning how to read the trail systems will keep you safe.
Where to Find Official Maps
Before you start your hike, you should always grab a physical long hunter state park map. You can pick up a free paper map inside the visitor center at the Couchville location. You can also download a digital map directly from the official Tennessee State Parks website to keep on your phone.
Understanding Trail Markers
The park rangers paint colored shapes on the trees to help you stay on the correct path. These painted shapes are called blazes. For example, the Day Loop Trail features white blazes, while the Volunteer Trail features orange blazes. Always pay close attention to these colors so you do not accidentally wander onto a much longer trail.
Planning Routes Before Arrival
Because cell phone service can drop deep in the woods, you should plan your route before you arrive. Review the long hunter state park trail map at home. Tell a friend or family member exactly which trail you plan to hike and what time you expect to return.
Experience Camping at Long Hunter State Park
If you want to sleep under the stars, this park offers a very specific type of outdoor experience.
Primitive Campsites
Long hunter state park camping is strictly primitive. This means there are no RV hookups, no electricity, and no running water. The campsites are located deep in the woods along the Volunteer Trail. You must carry all of your gear on your back and hike roughly 6 miles to reach your sleeping spot.
Reservation Information
There are only two backcountry campsites available in the entire park. Because space is extremely limited, you must reserve your spot in advance. You can book your primitive site online using the state park reservation system.
Camping Rules and Facilities
Because you are staying in a protected natural area, you must pack out all of your own trash. Leave no trace behind. You are allowed to build small fires in the designated stone fire rings, but you must make sure the fire is completely cold before you go to sleep.
What to Pack
For a successful backcountry trip, you should pack a lightweight tent, a warm sleeping bag, a reliable water filter, and a first aid kit. Remember to bring plenty of calorie dense food to keep your energy up after the long hike.
Enjoy Activities Beyond Hiking
You do not have to be a hiker to enjoy this massive natural area.
Swimming
During the hot summer months, the Bryant Grove section becomes highly popular. It features a designated sandy beach right on the edge of the lake. It is a great place to cool off, and there is plenty of shallow water for children to play safely.
Fishing
If you love to fish, you are in the right place. You can enjoy excellent bank fishing along the 30 miles of park shoreline. You can catch bass, crappie, and catfish in J. Percy Priest Lake. Just make sure you purchase a valid Tennessee fishing license before you cast your line.
Boating and Kayaking
The park features two excellent public boat ramps where you can easily launch motorized fishing boats into the main reservoir. If you prefer quiet paddling, you can take a kayak or canoe onto Couchville Lake. Keep in mind that gas powered motors are strictly banned on the smaller Couchville Lake to protect the quiet environment.
Bird Watching and Wildlife Photography
This park is officially recognized as a top tier birding destination. Over 200 different bird species live in or visit the park throughout the year. If you visit in the winter, you can see rare migrating waterfowl like loons resting on the water. It is a fantastic place to practice your wildlife photography skills.
Visit Percy Priest Lake From Long Hunter State Park
The massive J. Percy Priest Lake is the crown jewel of the park. It provides endless opportunities for water recreation.
Lake Access Points
You can access the water from several spots. The Bryant Grove area is best for swimming and picnicking by the water. The Baker’s Grove area provides excellent high cliff views looking out over the massive reservoir.
Best Times to Visit
The lake is busiest on summer weekends. If you want a peaceful day on the water or want to secure a prime picnic table, you should visit early on a weekday morning.
Know the Park Hours, Fees and Visitor Information
Planning your trip is easy when you know the basic rules of the park.
Park Hours
The long hunter state park hours are very generous. The main gates open daily at 5:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM. The Couchville Lake area opens slightly later at 7:00 AM. Always check the time so you do not get your car locked behind the gate after dark.
Entrance Fees
You will be happy to know that there are no entrance fees. Parking, hiking, and swimming are completely free for everyone.
Visitor Center and Accessibility
The visitor center at Couchville sells small snacks, park souvenirs, and educational books. The park is also highly accessible. The 2 mile Couchville Lake Loop is fully paved and flat, making it a wonderful outdoor option for visitors who use wheelchairs or families pushing heavy strollers.
Follow Safety Guidelines While Exploring the Park
Nature is beautiful, but it can also be unpredictable. Following basic safety rules ensures everyone has a great time.
Trail Safety
Always stay on the marked trails. Exploring off the path can damage rare native plants called cedar glades. These rare flowers only grow in very shallow soil over limestone rock. Walking on them destroys their fragile root systems.
Water Safety
If you take a kayak or boat onto the water, the law requires you to have a properly fitting life jacket. If you are swimming at Bryant Grove, remember that there are no lifeguards on duty. You are responsible for watching your own children in the water.
Wildlife Awareness
You will likely see deer, wild turkeys, and maybe even a harmless snake crossing the trail. Give wild animals plenty of space. Never try to feed or touch them.
Real-Life Application: Plan the Perfect Day Trip
Do you need help deciding what to do? Here are two practical itineraries you can copy for your next visit.
Suggested Half-Day Itinerary
If you only have three hours:
- Drive to the Couchville area and park near the visitor center.
- Walk the easy 2 mile paved Couchville Lake Loop and look for turtles sunbathing on the logs.
- Visit the park office to buy a souvenir sticker.
- Eat a packed lunch at one of the shaded picnic tables before heading home.
Suggested Full-Day Itinerary
If you want a massive all day adventure:
- Arrive at the Baker’s Grove parking lot at 8:00 AM.
- Hike the rocky 4 mile Day Loop Trail to see the stunning morning views over the cliffs.
- Drive down to the Bryant Grove section by noon.
- Change into your swimsuit and relax on the sandy beach to cool off.
- Walk the flat Bryant Grove trail in the late afternoon to do some quiet bird watching before the park closes.
Compare Long Hunter State Park With Other Tennessee Parks
How does this park stack up against other local favorites? Let us compare it to another popular spot.
Long Hunter State Park vs Henry Horton State Park
Both parks are located in Middle Tennessee, but they serve completely different types of visitors.
Which Park Is Better for Hiking?
Long Hunter wins for hiking. It offers 30 miles of trails, including the difficult 11 mile Volunteer Trail. Henry Horton state park has much shorter, easier trails located near a golf course.
Which Park Is Better for Camping?
Henry Horton wins for traditional camping. It offers massive campgrounds with full RV hookups, electricity, and hot showers. Long Hunter only offers primitive backcountry sites where you must hike 6 miles into the woods with no running water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Hunter State Park
What is the prettiest state park in Tennessee?
While Fall Creek Falls and Roan Mountain frequently win awards for their dramatic waterfalls and mountains, Long Hunter is considered one of the prettiest parks in Middle Tennessee due to its rare cedar glades and sweeping lake views.
How long is the day loop at Long Hunter State Park?
The Day Loop Trail is exactly 4 miles long. It is a moderately rocky path that takes an average hiker about two hours to complete.
Can you swim at Long Hunter State Park?
Yes. The park features a designated sandy swimming beach located in the Bryant Grove section. Swimming is free, but there are no lifeguards on duty.
What to do at Long Hunter State Park?
You can hike over 30 miles of trails, swim at the Bryant Grove beach, fish along the banks of Percy Priest Lake, paddle a kayak on Couchville Lake, or enjoy a picnic with your family.
Does Long Hunter State Park have a lake?
Yes. The park sits directly on the massive J. Percy Priest Lake. It also contains a smaller, quiet inland body of water called Couchville Lake.
Are dogs allowed on Long Hunter State Park trails?
Yes, dogs are welcome in most areas of the park. However, strictly enforced rules require you to keep your dog on a physical leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the paved Couchville Lake Loop to protect the sensitive wildlife.
Where do wealthy people live in Tennessee?
While this is a common travel question, the wealthiest neighborhoods in Tennessee are typically located in Belle Meade, Brentwood, and Franklin. These areas sit just a short drive west of Long Hunter State Park.
How do I get directions to Long Hunter State Park?
The easiest way to find the main entrance is to plug the official visitor center address into your phone GPS: 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076. This will take you directly to the Couchville hub.
