Long Hunter State Park wilderness guide
State Park · TN

Long Hunter State Park

Long Hunter State Park is a popular outdoor destination in Tennessee offering a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and camping along beautiful J. Percy Priest Lake.

State Park26004+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

2600

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Long Hunter State Park

Long Hunter State Park is a popular outdoor destination in Tennessee offering a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and camping along beautiful J. Percy Priest Lake.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Long Hunter State Park, located approximately 20 miles southeast of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, spans over 2,600 acres and adjoins the expansive J. Percy Priest Lake. This area features a diverse array of recreational opportunities and natural beauty, making it a favored spot for visitors of all ages. The park is sectioned into three units: Couchville, Baker’s Grove, and Bryant Grove, each offering distinctive environments and facilities. Its geography is characterized by hardwood forests, limestone glades, and the scenic lakeshore. Visitors can explore over 20 miles of well-maintained trails suitable for hiking and nature observation. Birdwatchers will find the park particularly appealing during migration seasons. The history of the area is enriched by Native American presence and more recent agricultural exploitation prior to the establishment of the park in 1969. Today, Long Hunter is appreciated for its natural preserves, with efforts in place to maintain its rich biodiversity. Key recreation spots such as the Couchville Lake Arboretum and landmark trails like the Volunteer Trail enhance the appeal of this serene park.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Long Hunter State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Couchville Lake—a serene, 110-acre lake ideal for wildlife watching.✦ Oakland Bluff—a significant geological feature offering striking views.✦ Volunteer Trail—a scenic hiking trail along the banks of Percy Priest Lake.✦ Couchville Cedar Glade—a unique ecosystem supporting rare plant species.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Long Hunter State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Long Hunter State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Long Hunter State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Long Hunter State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Long Hunter State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Long Hunter State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Long Hunter State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fees required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Long Hunter State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Baker's Grove Primitive Campsites

Offers a basic camping experience near the scenic shores of Percy Priest Lake.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Long Hunter State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Smyrna, Tennessee
⌖ 7.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Smyrna, Tennessee

Smyrna, Tennessee, is a lively outdoor destination where hiking, mountain biking, and paddling converge along the shores of Percy Priest Lake. This friendly town offers trails, fishing spots, and camping areas perfect for weekend adventurers.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Hermitage, Tennessee
⌖ 8.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hermitage, Tennessee

Hermitage is a blend of historical charm and outdoor adventure, offering hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching at Long Hunter State Park and Percy Priest Lake, close to Nashville.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Nolensville, Tennessee
⌖ 11.87 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nolensville, Tennessee

Nolensville, Tennessee, offers a relaxed outdoor experience with gentle hikes, paddling on the Harpeth River, and horseback riding through calm Southern farmland. Ideal for travelers seeking nature’s quiet charm just outside Nashville.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Nashville, Tennessee
⌖ 14.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville combines its famous music scene with access to nearby outdoor adventures such as hiking at Radnor Lake and biking the greenways. A cultural hub that loves to explore nature.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Brentwood, Tennessee
⌖ 14.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Brentwood, Tennessee

Brentwood blends peaceful parks with easy trails and calm rivers, making it perfect for hiking, biking, paddling, and relaxing outdoors. Ideal for families and fitness seekers looking for gentle nature escapes near Nashville.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Madison, Tennessee
⌖ 14.86 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Madison, Tennessee

Madison, Tennessee, offers a peaceful suburban outdoor experience with parks, greenways, and calm river access perfect for hiking, biking, paddling, and bird watching close to Nashville.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Long Hunter State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Strap In, Rise Up: ZR Jetpack Flight off Nashville’s Private Dock
ADVEXPEDITION
Nashville, Tennessee
Air ActivitiesADV Bookable

Strap In, Rise Up: ZR Jetpack Flight off Nashville’s Private Dock

A one-on-one, high-adrenaline jetpack session that pairs certified instruction and full safety kit with 40 minutes of individual flight time—this guide explains what to expect, who can fly, and how to prepare.

Air ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Flatwater Paddle and Hidden Stone: West Fork to Jefferson Springs
ADVEXPEDITION
Smyrna, Tennessee
KayakADV Bookable

Flatwater Paddle and Hidden Stone: West Fork to Jefferson Springs

A 4-hour kayak rental that typically takes 2–2.5 hours to paddle, threading still water past rock formations, flooded timber and long swimming shorelines—essential reading for first-time paddlers and families.

KayakPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip