4 Best Trails For Hiking With Your Dog Near Franklin

Updated on October 15th, 2025

AD | Hiking is one of the most fun activities to do with your dog. However, not all trails allow dogs on them. Looking for the best trails that let dogs and humans walk the area is the catch. Whether you are a hiker, camper, or simply a nature lover, exploring the trails near Franklin, Tennessee will be an amazing experience. Exploring with your four-legged tail-wagging friend is one experience you will cherish for years to come. 

Hiking becomes even more fun with your doggo by your side as opposed to doing it alone. The trail you choose depends on your needs, however, an exciting trial pushes the limit.

We have put together the best hiking trails near Franklin that are dog-friendly. These trails are selected based on their uniqueness, exciting nature, features, and general safety. This list will save you the stress and allow you to go straight to hiking the best trails near Franklin with your pup. 

1. Westhaven The Ridge and West Slope Trails 

1601 Grassmere Road
Franklin, TN 37064

Westhaven is located in the middle of this beautiful residential area in Franklin and features a large expanse stretching over 9 miles. 

This dog-friendly trail is subdivided into 7 hiking paths including Gray Trail, Heartbeat Trail, East Slope Trail, West Slope Trail, The Ridge Trail, and Buchanan Trail. All these make for a fascinating hike with your pup, however, this section will focus on The Ridge and West Slope Trails.

Use the Grassmere access through the golf course entrance to access this trail as it is easier than using the Wild Elm access point. There is also ample parking space through this access.

The Ridge and West Slope Trails stretch 4.5 miles, are looped, and are considered moderate in terms of difficulty. This hike can be completed in just over 2 hours. 

The trail may take some getting used to at first but with your map, you will get a hang of it soon enough.

Start by going through the Grassmere trailhead, before quickly getting onto The Ridge Trail and heading southeast to join the West Slope Trail. West Slope Trail then loops back to The Ridge Trail. 

2. Old Natchez Trace Garrison Creek Trail 

Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 427.6
near Leipers Fork, TN

The Old Natchez Trace is arguably one of the most popular dog-friendly hiking trails around Tennessee with different trailheads from different regions including the Garrison Creek trailhead. 

While the Natchez Trace Parkway stretches over three states, the Garrison Creek Trail is only 1.3 miles long making it an easy one that can be completed in 35 minutes. The trail is also great for a family hike with kids and dogs. 

When you get to the trailhead, you will find a pavilion with picnic benches and parking for your vehicle. The trail is perfect for hiking, biking, and even horse riding. 

The trail starts behind the restrooms and takes you through a wooded ridge (your pup will love this area). You will definitely love the canopy of trees that provides some cover against the scorching sun. alongside the green foliage and twittering birds. 

Enjoy this easy trail with your family and dog by your side, which is perfect for people looking for a simple hiking experience. 

3. The Park at Harlinsdale Farm Loop

239 Franklin Rd
Franklin, TN 37064

This is a 200-acre historic site established in 1933 and played a pivotal role in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. The site also serves as the home of Midnight Sun, a two-time world champion. 

Aside from the popular 4-acre dog park in this location, it has many other features including a walking and hiking trail for humans and their dogs known as the Park at Harlinsdale Farm Loop.

The Park at Harlinsdale Farm Loop is a hiking trail that welcomes dogs. It is a 2.62-mile-long looped trail with an elevation of 135 feet. Hikers typically complete the trail in 55 minutes. 

Do not forget to do the historic audio walking tour using an app or the stop number. This tour provides details of each historic monument and site in the park in an audio format. Depending on when you hike, you can enjoy the views of the sunset here.

The Park at Harlinsdale Farm Loop is a circular trail that you can start from the factory or from the middle of the Park. Your route will take you through a variety of surfaces including mowed grass, asphalt, and gravel. 

4. Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

732 Stone Fort Dr 
Manchester, TN 37355

The Old Stone Fort is a prehistoric Native American structure built around 2000 years ago. It is located at the confluence of the Duck and Little Duck Rivers.

The park features this ancient structure that has been preserved over the years for historical purposes. It also includes a museum, a 50-site campground, and a picnic area. But that is not all, it also features over 8 miles of hikeable trails. 

However, the Old Stone Fort trail is 2.8 miles long with an elevation of 275 feet. Despite this elevation and distance, it is generally considered moderate in terms of difficulty. 

The hiking trail starts around the Duck River with a small museum at the trailhead for some history before you start your walk. The great shade along the hiking trail makes it cooler than most areas. Hiking here is also easier due to this temperature. 

You can enjoy this park and its trail from 8 AM to 4:30 PM every day of the week. The archaeological park is also wheelchair accessible and has a private parking lot.

Summary

Enjoying the many dog-friendly amenities around Franklin including hiking the trails requires a well-behaved pup. People who have hiked the trails have seen how important this is in preventing accidents and even avoiding losing your pooch.

One thing that helped them was registering their pups for one of the best dog training programs in the country. Sit Means Sit helps train their furry friends to become more confident and a better member of their families. 

You too can take advantage of this offer from Sit Means Sit if you are looking to hike the different trails and do more fun activities with your tail-wagging friend. Their approach is focused on helping your pooch grow and become better.

This way you have little worry when hiking with your dog with or without a leash. That confidence stems from your doggo’s trust in your judgment and obedience gained from training.