Aspen Grove Park Trails + The Harpeth River Greenway in Franklin, TN

1/11/2019

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)!

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