The best walks and hikes in Shelby County

Embark on an easy hike along the Wolf River Blue and Yellow Trail Loop, a gentle 3.2 miles (5.1 km) path that takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes to complete. You will experience minimal elevation gain, just 22 feet (7 metres), making it perfect for a relaxed outing. The trail meanders through a serene forest, where you can enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature and glimpses of the Wolf River. Look out for the diverse trees, including oaks and maples, which create a beautiful canopy overhead. This route offers a refreshing escape into nature without demanding strenuous effort.

When planning your visit, you will find ample parking available at various access points for the Wolf River Blue and Yellow Trail Loop. The trails are multi-use, so you will share the path with mountain bikers and equestrians. While the route is generally well-maintained, some sections can become muddy after rain, so be sure to choose appropriate footwear. Consider visiting during the fall for particularly vibrant colors among the trees.

This loop is nestled within the Lucias E. Burch Jr. State Natural Area, offering a tranquil and picturesque environment. As you hike, you will pass through lush hardwood bottomlands, enjoying scenic views along a significant portion of the Wolf River. Many sections are heavily shaded, providing a cool respite during warmer days. It is a wonderful way to connect with the local ecosystem.

Embark on the Wolf River Blue and Yellow Trail Loop for a moderate hike spanning 5.7 miles (9.1 km). You'll gain a gentle 42 feet (13 metres) in elevation, taking about 2 hours and 18 minutes to complete. The route winds through lush hardwood bottomlands, offering ample shade from oaks, birches, and maples. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you cross bridges that provide scenic views of the Wolf River.

This trail is easily accessible, with various parking options available for your convenience. You will also find well-maintained bathroom facilities, making your visit more comfortable. The route is generally open year-round, but visiting in the fall will reward you with vibrant colors from the surrounding trees. Plan your trip to enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience.

Located within the Lucias E. Burch Jr. State Natural Area, this loop offers a quiet, scenic escape right within the urban setting of Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee. It provides a valuable opportunity to connect with nature without venturing far from the city. Benches along the path invite you to pause and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

Embark on an easy 2.7 miles (4.3 km) hike along the Wolf River Greenway, where you'll gain a gentle 33 feet (10 metres) in elevation. This route guides you through lush timberlands and vibrant wildflower meadows, primarily on a 12-foot-wide paved path that is often shaded. Expect to spend about 1 hour and 5 minutes enjoying the serene views of the Wolf River and its surrounding ponds, including a notable 270-foot cable-stayed suspension bridge over the river.

This multi-use trail is perfect for a relaxed outing, whether you prefer hiking, biking, or running. You will find convenient amenities such as picnic facilities, restrooms, and benches thoughtfully placed along various sections, especially well-maintained around the Germantown area. The design of the Greenway ensures broad accessibility, making it easy for everyone to connect with nature.

The Wolf River Greenway offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the Lucius E. Burch Jr. State Natural Area. It stands out as a key regional asset, providing a tranquil escape and a chance to observe the natural environment. The trail's commitment to accessibility and its integration into the natural landscape make it a cherished destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

This easy 1.0-mile (1.7 km) loop offers a quick escape into nature, taking about 25 minutes to complete. You will gain a gentle 36 feet (11 metres) of elevation as you hike through shaded woods and along the edge of a five-acre fishing lake. Keep an eye out for aquatic birds and dragonflies near the water, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. While generally smooth, some parts of the path might have uneven ground or roots, and can get muddy after rain.

Accessing the park is straightforward, with ample parking available at the trailhead. You will find picnic tables and benches, especially around the lake, which are perfect for a short break before or after your hike. While some sections of the trail are suitable for strollers, be aware that the designated hiking paths may present more challenging terrain.

The route winds through the 65-acre International Harvester Managerial Park, a green oasis where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Beyond the main loop, the park features color-coded trails like the Blue, Yellow, and Red, offering options to extend your exploration. You might also spot various songbirds and small mammals as you make your way around the park.

Embark on the Discovery Trail for an easy hike through the serene natural surroundings of T.O. Fuller State Park. As you follow the path, you will find yourself immersed in the local flora and fauna, offering a refreshing break from city life. This route covers 1.6 miles (2.6 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 88 feet (27 metres), making it a perfect short outing that takes approximately 40 minutes to complete.

When planning your visit, you will find the trailhead easily accessible within T.O. Fuller State Park. Ample parking is typically available, so you should have no trouble finding a spot for your vehicle. Before heading out, always remember to check local park information for any specific alerts or seasonal changes that might affect your trip. This ensures you are well-prepared for your peaceful walk.

The Discovery Trail provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature in a quiet setting, away from urban hustle. It is an ideal choice if you are looking for a brief escape into a natural environment, allowing you to enjoy the simple beauty of the park's ecosystem. The trail's gentle nature makes it suitable for most hikers, offering a chance to observe the natural world at a relaxed pace.

The Wolf River Nature Area Germantown Greenway invites you to an easy hike through tranquil riparian habitats, often meandering alongside the Wolf River or peaceful ponds. This paved route covers 3.6 miles (5.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 35 feet (11 metres), making it ideal for a relaxed outdoor experience. You can expect to complete the trail in about 1 hour and 28 minutes, enjoying the serene wooded areas and keeping an eye out for local wildlife.

Accessing the trail is convenient, with various trailheads providing ample parking. Many of these access points also offer amenities such as restrooms, picnic facilities, and benches for your comfort. This multi-use paved pathway is designed to be welcoming for walkers, runners, and cyclists, and is also wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly. You can easily connect to other major trail systems, including the Wolf River Greenway and the Shelby Farms Greenline, if you wish to extend your adventure.

A unique feature of this trail is its designation as a Level One Arboretum, where you can discover over 25 different tree species. As you explore, you will also encounter wildflower meadows and butterfly gardens, enhancing the natural beauty of the area. Interpretive stations like "Beaver Boondocks" and "Turtle Bayou" offer insights into the local ecosystem, making it a family-friendly destination for learning about nature.

Embark on a moderate hike along the Shelby Farms Greenline, a 11.6-mile (18.7 km) route that offers a peaceful escape within the city. You will experience a predominantly paved, flat path, often shaded by a canopy of large oak trees that create a cathedral-like atmosphere in places. The trail crosses scenic wetland areas on wooden trestles, where you might spot local wildlife such as deer or armadillos. With a gentle elevation gain of 224 feet (68 metres), this hike is estimated to take around 4 hours and 46 minutes to complete, providing a unique urban outdoor experience.

Planning your visit to the Shelby Farms Greenline is straightforward, as the route is known for its excellent accessibility. You will find multiple access points along its entire length, making it easy to join the trail wherever suits you best. Parking is generally available at various trailheads, ensuring a convenient start to your hike. This trail is suitable for a wide range of hikers, including those with varying fitness levels or using wheelchairs, offering an inclusive outdoor experience for everyone.

The Shelby Farms Greenline stands out as a unique blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty, making it a notable feature in the region. Located within Shelby Farms Park, it provides a vital green corridor that connects communities while preserving natural habitats. The presence of wetland areas and the potential for wildlife sightings add to its distinct character, setting it apart as more than just a paved path. It serves as a valuable resource for outdoor recreation and nature observation right within the city.

Embark on the Wolf River Yellow Trail for a moderate hiking experience that winds through lush timberlands and along the scenic Wolf River. This route covers 5.7 miles (9.1 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 50 feet (15 metres), offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding forests. You can expect to complete this journey in about 2 hours and 17 minutes, encountering unique bridges that cross parts of the river and add to the trail's charm.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is located within the Lucias E. Burch Jr. State Natural Area, accessible through Shelby Farms Park. Parking is typically available within the park, making it easy to start your adventure. The trail is known for draining quickly after rain due to its sandy composition, making it suitable for most conditions. Dogs are also welcome on the trail, so you can bring your furry companion along for the hike.

As you hike, keep an eye out for local wildlife, as the area is rich in natural features and provides a habitat for various creatures. The Wolf River Yellow Trail stands out for its blend of accessible terrain and natural beauty, making it a popular choice for those looking to connect with nature without a strenuous climb. It offers a peaceful escape into a well-maintained natural setting, perfect for a refreshing outdoor excursion.

Explore the Chickasaw Bluffs Trail, an easy 4.7-mile (7.6 km) hike that takes you through the varied landscapes of Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. You will gain about 164 feet (50 metres) in elevation, with the entire route typically taking around 1 hour and 59 minutes to complete. As you walk, sunlight filters through dense forests, and you will cross several small bridges over streams, leading to a grand view of the Mississippi River.

Before you head out, know that the trail is generally accessible, but you should be prepared for some hills and varied terrain. Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots are a good idea, especially since you might encounter rocky sections and tree roots. Parking is usually available right at the trailhead within Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, making it easy to start your adventure.

This route offers more than just natural beauty; it also has a unique historical touch with an old graveyard found along the way. The trail's highlight for many is the expansive vista of the Mississippi River, providing a memorable endpoint to your journey through the park's diverse environment.