Is Shelby Park and Bottoms the best park in town? There’s a strong case to be made. Located in East Nashville along the Cumberland River, and boasting nearly 1,300 acres of land — from groomed fields to tangled forest — it’s an urban oasis with something for everyone.
🥾 Miles of Greenway and Trails
If you like to ride on something with wheels, the Shelby Bottoms greenway out-and-back provides eight miles of scenic pavement, and you can add on the Cornelia Fort Airpark for some extra loops. But for those on foot, the primitive trails are where the magic happens. No bikes back here — just the chance to walk or run in nature and say hi to the neighborhood deer.
🐝 Explore the Natural World
The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center provides great programming for naturalists; it’s also surrounded by some of the coolest things in the park, like beehives and pollinator gardens, and the newly-revamped Nature Play area where kids can get properly grubby. This is where you’ll set out to see the annual tickseed superbloom. Bonus: Great restrooms!
🐕 Places to Play
Whether your baby is of the human or fur variety, Shelby has plenty of places for them to romp and run free. The dog park (located behind the community center) is one of the city’s best, and the shady playground nearby gets high marks from kiddos. Another playground can be found between the ballfields below the lake. Picnic shelters also abound, perfect for birthday parties.
🎾 From Pickle to Paddle
Shelby might boast the most diverse selection of recreation activities in town, including pickleball, tennis, baseball, basketball, and golf for all ages — even frisbee golf. Running races (fun speed and competitive) base out of Shelby year-round. For those who like to take life a little slower, Sevier Lake is regularly restocked for fishing, and you’re welcome to put in a kayak at the boat ramp.
Sevier Lake’s ducks enjoying the sunset. (Courtesy of Friends of Shelby)
🍻 Parks Build Community
Friends of Shelby does a terrific job of programming regular events and activities in the park, from a Friday morning walking club to weekly art classes — and they’re revamping the old Naval Center as a cultural commons. The Cornelia Airpark Concerts bring great bands to the airplane hangar every summer, and while we may be biased, Fridays by the River is the coolest pop-up party in town. If you want to remember why you love Nashville, there’s no better place to be.
