Trail Review: Beaman Park (#23)

[First, yes, I realize I’m laughing in nearly all my pictures. Instagram model = no, happy woman = yes.]

Beaman Park is a beautiful hiking area nestled in the foothills just north of Nashville (near Whites Creek and Joelton).

Beaman Park is a great place to take a group because you can choose your own adventure for varying fitness levels or time constraints. The “entire” hike is actually made up of three trails. The first is a .6 mi out-and-back trail that connects to the second trail, a 2-mile loop. The 2-mile loop is interrupted by the third trail, a 2.1-mi one-way trail. Completing the third trail, joining back with the second loop, and going back out the first trail adds up to about 6.5 miles. The trails are marked with yellow, white, and red blazes, respectively. 

The terrain is easy, with gentle elevation gains. There are some rocks and roots along the way, but not continuously, and I’ve never had an issue with brush or downed trees there. The trails are rated as moderate online, but I think that’s a stretch; if you hike even just a few times a year, this feels much easier than “moderate.” I’ve been here multiple times on the weekend, and it’s never been busy.

You can also include hikers of various fitness levels — if they only feel up to hiking the first out-and back, or that and the second loop, they can break off from the main group. The trails are well marked and obvious. This time, I was hiking with some women from a Meetup group that I co-lead. Even though I prefer hiking solo, it can be fun to bring a group of friends or acquaintances into the woods. The relaxing environment tends to put people at ease, and it’s fun to get to know each other. One of the ladies had a time constraint and could only complete the first and second trail, and another lady arrived late and joined us at the trail head of the second trail. The flexibility of the trail system at Beaman Park is ideal for these scenarios.

Other things to note:The trails are open daylight to dusk. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a 6-ft leash at all times. There is ample parking at the nature center, as well as restrooms. I’ve never had an issue with my vehicle parked at the Nature Center, but (as always) park smart — lock your doors and leave the valuables at home, folks.

Hiking clothes shout-outs:

Hat – Cumberland Transit
Bag – Kavu Rope Bag – Cactus Bloom
Shirt – Ex Officio Give-N-Go Shelf Bra Camisole
Shorts – Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
Watch – Suunto Traverse
Sandals – Teva Verra