Think you can only find beautiful hiking trails in East Tennessee? Granted, you won't find those gorgeous mountain top views in Clarksville, but Middle Tennessee has plenty of hills, creeks and woods to give you a shorter challenging hike or a scenic family stroll. Check out these six scenic options in Clarksville, 40 minutes northwest of Nashville.

Dunbar Cave State Park

Dunbar Cave is one of Clarksville's most popular outdoor spots for both visitors and residents. This 144-acre natural playground in the center of the city includes almost four miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, wildlife, and a newly updated Visitor Center. With the addition of a bridge across the lake, you can now loop around the cave entrance, over the water, and up and down hills to your heart's content. Guided cave tours begin May 1, but fun programs and special events happen all throughout the year.

Best Bet for Lunch: With a 5-minute drive, enjoy the Looking Glass Restaurant and Bakery with divine pastries or beautifully presented breakfast entrees. Try the Strawberry Nutella Crepes or Eggs Benedict with ham or salmon.

The Clarksville Greenway

Abandon the hurries of the city at the Clarksville Greenway. This 9-mile (but ever expanding) converted rail line is a paved walking and biking trail along the Red River and West Fork Creek. This scenic spot offers multiple entrance points that include a variety of hills and flat sections, shade and sun. You'll find it hard to believe you're in the middle of town as you take in all the native species of plants and animals, bluff walls, tree canopies, overlooks, and a 600-foot pedestrian bridge. You can rent a B-Cycle, use the outdoor exercise equipment, or connect to the North Ford Mountain Bike Trail. The flat paved sections are ideal for little ones still using training wheels or learning to do without them.

Best Best for Lunch: The nearest options are going to be downtown, which is about a 15-minute drive. The Mac and Cheese Pie or Shrimp Po' Boy at Roux Americajun will restore any lost energy!

Rotary Park

Find six miles of mostly hilly hiking at Rotary Park, a 111-acre natural area with, a creek, picnic areas, disc golf course and an ADA accessible playground. Trails are generally heavily wooded with plenty of wildflowers, and the winding wide creek makes the area particularly scenic (plus it's a fun way to cool down!) Be aware that trails are shared with mountain bikers.

Best Best for Lunch: The Choppin' Block is a butcher, deli, and restaurant less than one mile away. It's hard to beat a traditional Southern breakfast, but a fresh-made burger comes close. You can also pick up deli containers for a perfect picnic.

Cumberland RiverWalk

Walking or hiking by water is the best! Clarksville's RiverWalk is scenic, interesting and popular along the spectacular Cumberland River. The Cumberland RiverWalk is a promenade with a newly opened extension that runs parallel to the Red River for about a 2.5-mile out-and-back adventure. Make time for the family to enjoy the playground at McGregor Park and the As the River Flows interpretive center. You can also rent a B-Cycle.

Best Bet for Lunch: Head uptown to Strawberry Alley Ale Works for Potato Chip Nachos or Blackhorse Pub & Brewery for a Flatbread Pizza.

Upland Trail

Hiking in nature with woods is loads of fun, but urban hiking can be just as adventurous. The Upland Trail is still a well-kept secret that connects the Cumberland RiverWalk to downtown and Valley Brook Park via a Pedestrian Overpass. The Upland Trail is a system of extensions and spurs give you options to start and stop at any number of places.  You'll see public art, historic buildings, cross a railroad trestle and explore for a little more than five miles if you adjoin the RiverWalk to its end.

Best Bet for Lunch: Hot Pita serves fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner with a make-it-your-way mindset. Try the Philly Steak Pita, Grilled Fish Rice Bowl. With tofu, hummus, and quinoa, you can be as healthy as you prefer. 

Billy Dunlop Park

The Red River wraps around the 30-acre Billy Dunlop Park. Here, you can fish, swim, launch a kayak, picnic or enjoy a 2.2-mile walking trail in the tranquil setting. A picturesque bridge over the river is a highlight.

Best Bet for Lunch: About 4-miles away you'll be near at the Exit 1 interchange at I-24, with many options. Our pick is Smokin Chikin. Four owners from four different counties infuse their ethnic flavors in every dish. In-house roasted chicken with marinade options using fresh spices from around the globe, plus a variety of homemade sides…what's not to love?