Out of all the parks, paths and trails in Williamson County, TN, this is the one I utilize the most! It is a beautiful park, the trails are wide (big enough to run alongside another person), well maintained, clearly defined and I just really enjoy it! There are 4 different paths that total 7.1 miles with something for everybody! You can choose to do a shorter, flatter trail or a longer, more intense one with a high elevation gain. Marcella Vivrette Smith Park is Brentwood's largest park at 400-acres. It is located at 1825 Wilson Pike, Brentwood, TN 37027. The property includes the beautiful Ravenswood Mansion - built in 1825, two multi-purpose athletic fields, restrooms, a picnic shelter, and a playground. It also connects to the Brentwood Parks Trail System so if you want to get in a really long training run that includes trails and paved paths, this is the place for you! If you wanted to stay within the park you could run on the road or the paved paths to add on a little extra mileage as well. As I said, plenty of options for everybody!
The park is open from dawn to dusk, so keep that in mind as they close the gates during the off-use time. When you come through the entrance you will drive down a long road and over a bridge (over train tracks) before you come to Ravenswood Mansion. You could park on the left side by the playground, fields, picnic shelter and bathrooms or drive further to the right and park by the entrance of the trails. There is a bathroom there, a water fountain, and a place to scrape off your muddy shoes. Speaking of shoes, if you plan on walking, hiking or running the trails you will want to wear the proper footwear - hiking or trail running shoes. There are some areas that can be a little slick, if it rains it definitely gets muddy and they will also help with the elevation gain and descent! If you select to do the more intense 5-mile trail (the one I have listed below that I normally do that utilizes all of the trails without really repeating anything - 520 ft elevation gain) you will begin at the Blue trailhead on the left and start a quick, uphill climb. Just for kicks, add in the Red trail and proceed to the top (this makes a little longer than a 1/2 mile climb from the start) before heading back down with a descent for a little over a 1/2 mile as you travel down Red and to the left on Blue through the woods until you reach a field. The back portion of the park on the Blue trail is pretty flat as you run through the rolling fields (be on the lookout for turkeys). You will then enter back into the woods and again just for kicks, head up the blue trail on a pretty steep climb over rocks, before heading back down to get on the Green trail. Through the woods you go as you travel up and down hills before coming to a bigger clearing with an open path that ultimately leads you back to the parking lot. You will travel up that path and then back down before coming back around to the Blue trail on your left. You will go into the woods and over a small creek before eventually turning on the Black trail loop before getting back on the Blue loop and heading to the parking lot. A majority of the trails are heavily wooded with a few portions of them through a field or on a wide open path. Be on the lookout for plenty of deer, turkeys, squirrels and birds (I even saw some sort of weasel once)! This is a great place to come on your own to enjoy the peacefulness or to bring your family and dogs! If you wanted the challenge you could even pack a picnic and work for it as you travel up the Blue and Red trail to the picnic shelters at the very top :) Also, I don't know why it is better here than other parks but during the summer there aren't as many spiderwebs clinging to your face as you run through the trails and you aren't rubbing against brush to have to really worry too much about ticks (huge bonus). The Trail Run Project and All Trails app lists all of the trails and can be used in helping you navigate when you are out there. You can also download the map here. As I always say though, the best way to experience these trails is to take your time and explore. Find the path that you enjoy the most or switch it up and have fun!!! I pulled this information from the City of Brentwood Marcella Vivrette Smith Park map on the individual trails so you can know more before you decide which one to do! Red Trail - 1.5 Miles (Difficult) Mostly uphill with one section that is very step. At the top it opens up to a nice level scenic overlook area. Great views in the fall & winter. Blue Trail– 2.25 Miles (Easy - Moderate - Difficult) This trail is the longest in the system. It consists of uphill sections and flat sections. Great views throughout. Wildlife can be seen frequently on this trail. Black Trail - 2.0 Miles (Easy - Difficult) Heart of the trail system. Trail stays within mainly wooded areas. Can be a little rocky at points. Wildlife is abundant on the trail. Green Trail - 1.36 Miles (Easy) This is the easiest trail in the park. Consists mostly of flat areas with awesome view of pastures. This section also has a great view of old slave walls. Find more paths, trails and places to hike/run/walk in Williamson County, TN here! 
1 Comment
7/15/2022 09:15:05 am
s for sharing the article, and more importantly, your personal experience mindfully using our emotions as data about our inner state and knowing when it’s better to de-escalate by taking a time out are great tools. Appreciate you reading and sharing your story since I can certainly relate and I think others can to Leave a Reply. |
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
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Elena McCown, LLC Health Coach in Georgetown, TX