Weekend Warriors: Outdoor Edition

You don’t have to drive hours to find nature worth exploring—or adventure that gets your heart racing. In Nashville and Williamson County, the great outdoors is right outside your front door, and the weekend warrior lifestyle is alive and well.

For hikers, it doesn’t get more iconic—or scenic—than the Natchez Trace Parkway. This historic route winds through Tennessee with dozens of trails branching off into quiet forests, rocky overlooks, and picnic-perfect meadows. You can make it a family stroll or a solo reset. Either way, it’s a trail system that meets you where you are—and offers a dose of perspective with every step.

Prefer your adrenaline on the water? The Harpeth River is a local favorite for paddling, canoeing, or tubing. On warm weekends, you’ll see everything from kayakers navigating gentle bends to families floating with coolers and laughter in tow. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and somehow always exactly what you need—whether you’re trying to unplug or just burn off the kids’ energy.

Cyclists, you’re not left out. Spring Hill and Thompson’s Station have become quiet hubs for road and gravel cycling alike. With long stretches of rolling country roads, wide shoulders, and minimal traffic, it’s no surprise that more and more weekend riders are swapping Pelotons for pedals and trading screen time for sunrise rides.

But maybe you want to take things vertical. Enter AdventureWorks Zipline Forest, nestled just outside Franklin. Suspended bridges, zip lines, and aerial challenges make this wooded course a must-visit for thrill-seekers of all ages. It’s a surprisingly doable way to feel like a kid again—and get in a serious core workout while you’re at it.

The best part? You can do all of this without booking a hotel, filling up the gas tank twice, or spending a full day in the car. Everything is local. Accessible. Ready when you are.

Life here supports a rhythm of work and play that’s hard to beat. You can wrap up your week and be on a trail, river, bike, or zip line before most people have even made it out of traffic.

So whether you’re a casual explorer or a committed thrill-chaser, this is your playground. And weekends? They’re for living.