The Westhaven Trails in Franklin are another set of trails I am extremely excited to feature because I feel like not that many people know they exist...and not only do they just exist, they are amazing, consist of 7 trails and are about 9 miles long in total! If you live in Franklin or the surrounding area and you like to hike, walk or trail run, this is the place for you! If you have ever been to Percy Warner, I would say the trails are somewhat similar, but the ones in Westhaven might be even more intense. For example, if I go in to run 5 miles on any of the trails, I normally come out with at least 1,000 ft elevation gain, give or take a few hundred depending on the exact trails I do. You might not know these trails exist because you access them through Westhaven, a mixed-use community, in the residential area between the houses. There are two trailheads: Wild Elm and Grassmere. Wild Elm is literally between two houses and the path starts by wrapping behind some houses before getting up into the woods. You might have passed it by and never even noticed it was there. There is a sign there but I recommend parking at the other trailhead: Grassmere (located at 1601 Grassmere Road, Franklin, TN 37064). There is a lot more space between the houses on this one and more areas to park (without feeling like you are parking in front of someone else's house). This trailhead is easiest to get to if you enter Westhaven by the golf course entrance versus the main entrance. Both trailheads start with a pretty decent ascent that lasts 1/4 - 1/2 mile before it levels out a bit. It is a good introduction to the trails in general. Most of the trails are labeled as moderate or difficult. Again, there is some pretty good elevation gain on these trails and some are pretty steep. Make sure you are prepared for that. A lot of the trails have rocks and roots and are a bit technical, but there are also some that you can crank out some faster running on, so it is a great, interesting mixture! Not only are the trails exciting, but you get amazing views and a bunch of wildlife, too! So far I have seen a coyote (just saw it running away in the distance), a turkey, deer, turtles, bird, chipmunks, squirrels and bugs. It is so peaceful and beautiful out there, besides the occasional noise you might hear from the construction being done around Westhaven, you might forget where you are! There is also a new picnic table near the beginning of the trails (about a half mile in). You will work up an appetite as you hike up the hill to get there ;) They are always working on the trails to make them even better and I really like that. Follow @westhaventrail on Facebook and Instagram to find out even more about the trails and what they do to keep improving and adding on to them! I recommend downloading the Trail Run Project or Hiking Project app (or website) by REI or the AllTrails app (or website) before heading out there for a hike, walk or run so you don't get lost. There are also signs on the trail that let you know which trail you are on. Or you can be like me and get lost but love the adventure of exploring and figuring out where the trails end up (if you have the time). You can read more in depth about the trails so you know what to expect on each one. There are no bathrooms or water around (unless you visit one of the nearby stores or restaurants) so make sure you come prepared. Since it is Middle Tennessee, take all precautions for being in the woods, especially come spring and summer with insects/poison ivy/snakes/etc. I really can't say enough good things about this trail. I hope you take some time to meander out that way and explore all that these trails have to offer and enjoy being in nature! Find more paths, trails and places to hike/run/walk in Williamson County, TN here!
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This is my new go-to for a quick, healthy, cheap, super tasty dip to bring to a party! It is sooooo easy to throw together! It looks and tastes indulgent but it is just full of veggies and beans! I have another version that uses avocado and is great, but that one is more like a hybrid spinach artichoke dip/guacamole. This one tastes like the real deal and no one will believe it is vegan! Make this before your next party, I promise it will be a hit! Servings: 8
Prep/Total Time: 10 min Ingredients:
Directions:
I like creating recipes and using ingredients that are a little surprising or unique. I think it is fun and important to be willing to try new things. You never know what you might like! These bars are a fun way to eat quinoa, vegetables and fruit in bar form for breakfast, a snack or dessert! Plus, they are only sweetened with fruit, not sugar! I always like making recipes that sneak in as many vegetables or fruit as possible. You could easily replace the carrot with zucchini for a zucchini bread bar or omit the veggies and add chocolate chips or just include more raisins for a sweeter treat since as the recipe is, they aren't super sweet. Play around with the ingredients and see which combination you like best. While I used an egg, these could quickly be made vegan by subbing in a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 Tbsp water). Make these on the weekend and freeze them in individual baggies for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack/dessert during the week! Servings: 12
Prep/Total Time: 40 min Ingredients: Bars
Directions: Bars
Like this recipe? Check out more of my recipes and meal plans + thousands of others with the Prepear app! While it might be a pretty simple breakfast idea, it keeps you satisfied until lunchtime plus is tastes delicious! Try this avocado egg toast as a quick breakfast during the week or as a lazy Sunday brunch. Feel free to add more veggies - like spinach or tomato - if you want to get fancy! Servings: 1
Prep/Total Time: 5 minutes Ingredients:
Directions:
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I am so excited about my new project highlighting all of the walking/hiking/running trails in Williamson County, TN! As a runner, I am always looking for new trails, paths and places to run/walk to keep things interesting but there isn't a website that has all of that combined, so I decided to create one myself! I also thought it would be a helpful resource for my health coaching clients who are looking for new places to explore and get active, as well as for new people/families to the area or even for those who have lived here forever but just haven't discovered all the trails yet!
The first one I am going to highlight is: Aspen Grove Park Trails. I chose this one to be my first feature since it is a hidden gem in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Cool Springs. I like to think of it as a quick escape from reality as I run through the trees and over the bridges to clear my head. It is just a beautiful, well maintained park and paved trail system that is close to the heart of Cool Springs so it is easy to access while in the area or coming from Mack Hatcher or 65. There is one main entrance to the park with parking as well as another area where you can park and a few different access trails from the surrounding businesses. The main entrance is at 3200 Aspen Grove Dr, Franklin, TN 37067 with a parking lot, a bathroom and a water fountain. Unfortunately, as of 1/10/19 when I went there, the water fountain appeared that it was currently turned off for the winter. The other parking lot is off Cool Springs Blvd, in between Pie Five Pizza and P.F. Chang's - you can't miss it, there is a large pavilion with picnic tables, a bike rack and a path going into the park. There are a few other picnic tables around the park with a playground, a large swing, and another large pavilion by the main entrance with picnic tables and a huge fireplace/grill. I always thought this would be a nice park to bring your family, play at the playground, walk your dog, go on a run, pack a lunch or to take a quick break from work (maybe from one of the surrounding businesses) and get some fresh air with a nature walk while listening to the running water from the Harpeth River or Spencer Creek. Another really cool thing about these trails is that they connect across the street (over Aspen Grove Dr) to The Harpeth River Greenway. It looks like this will eventually be expanded, but for now it adds on about an extra mile by going to the end of it and back. Without having to repeat much, you can get in about 2.25 miles by starting at the main entrance parking lot, running across the street (don't forget to look both ways) down the .5 mile Harpeth River Greenway and back, then completing Aspen Grove Trail 3 (the smallest loop on the left), then completing the Aspen Grove Trail 2 (the loop on the right) + 4 (to the other pavilion and back down). You can definitely do more here by adding on the biggest loop - Aspen Grove Trail 1 and repeating some of the same sections you did before. I normally do that to get in about 3 miles. I have included pictures and the route map with elevation below so you can get more of a feel for what it looks like before you go. The route is shaded (for the most part) since it is among so many trees. It is also paved but the bridges can be a bit slippery at times so be careful. Oh yeah, and it is dog friendly! I hope you enjoy these trails as much as I do! If there is something else you want me to include in my trail descriptions around town, please reach out to me and let me know! Happy running (or walking)! Find more paths, trails and places to hike/run/walk in Williamson County, TN here! |
About MeI am a food loving, activity seeking health coach who resides in Franklin, TN with my husband and two sweet dogs (Lola & Penny). AllergiesI believe everyone should eat balanced and not cut food groups if you don't medically need to. All foods can fit in a healthy diet. Unfortunately, I have to avoid gluten and also limit myself with dairy, so my goal is to provide healthy, gluten-free/dairy-free recipes so EVERYONE can enjoy all foods, even if you do have to cut out certain food groups. My recipes are encouraged for everyone to eat, not just for those with sensitivities/allergies! Most of my recipes can be easily converted by using real dairy and whole-wheat in place of my allergy-free substitutes. SearchLooking for something specific? Everything can be found by category under the "Life" and "Recipes" sections on my website or you can search below. Archives
October 2024
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