parks

For picnics, walking or any other outdoor activity, a park just can't be beat. Here are some of the local options if you want to head outside and enjoy nature:

Bowie Nature Park, Fairview -- 722 acres of forest, lakes and trails. Besides walking and running, the park accommodates bicycling, horseback riding, fishing, and playing on the Treehouse Playground. The park's Nature Center is a great place to learn about what you might see on your walk; it can be reserved, as can the Outdoor Classroom and picnic areas. (7211 Bowie Lake Road; 615-799-5544; Website)

College Grove Park (Williamson County Parks and Recreation) -- walking path, playground, tennis courts, baseball fields, rec center/gymnasium. (Intersection of Horton Hwy. and Arno-College Grove Road, College Grove; 615-368-2126.)

Nolensville Park (Williamson County Parks & Recreation) -- walking trail, baseball fields, playground, youth football field. (2310 Rocky Ford Road, Nolensville; 615-790-5719 ext. 15.)

Jim Warren Park of Franklin City Parks -- 58-acre park is home to the Franklin Baseball Club and Franklin Cowboys youth organizations. Walking trails, 12 baseball fields, four football fields, tennis courts, skatepark, basketball courts, picnic area, fish-and-release pond, and playground. A large enclosed pavilion may be reserved. (705 Boyd Mill Ave.; 615-794-2103.)

Pinkerton Park of Franklin City Parks -- located on Murfreesboro Road, it is the most highly used park in the park system. The Harpeth River runs along the west side of the park; Fort Granger lies to the north. Amenities include a one-mile paved pedestrian track (lighted) encompassing the park, Tinkerbell playground, three picnic pavilions, Sue Douglas Berry Memorial pedestrian bridge connecting the park with downtown. (405 Murfreesboro Road, Franklin; 615-794-2103.)

Thompson’s Station Park of Thompson’s Station -- walking trail, pavilion and playground.