Murfreesboro's greenway runs 15 miles in seven sections with 16 trailheads. Distances, loops, mountain bike trails, battlefield paths, parking and rules.

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. Distances, hours and rules come from Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation’s Greenway System, Greenway Sections, Barfield Crescent Park and mountain bike trails pages, and the National Park Service’s Stones River hiking page.

The Murfreesboro Greenway is the city’s main walking and biking route: 15 miles of paved trail in seven sections, with 16 trailheads, following the Stones River and Lytle Creek from Barfield Crescent Park in the south to the national battlefield in the north. (The city’s main greenway page counts “over 17 miles” once bridges and boardwalks are included.) Add the battlefield’s nearly 7 miles of paths and Barfield’s trails, and you can walk or ride for an afternoon without repeating a step.

Who to call

  • Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation (report a trail problem): 615-890-5333
  • Police non-emergency: 615-893-1311; emergencies, 911
  • Stones River National Battlefield: 615-893-9501

Greenway sections

Section Length Where it goes
Stones River Trail 10.5 miles The backbone: along the West Fork Stones River from Thompson Lane Trailhead to Barfield Crescent Park, with 11 trailheads, two Bark Parks and two small-craft launches
North Murfreesboro Greenway 1.3 miles Stand-alone, along the East Fork Stones River on the northeast side, with two river overlooks
West College Street Spur 1.4 miles West College Street Trailhead to the Stones River National Battlefield visitor center
Lytle Creek Trail 1.1 miles The most urban section, from Cannonsburgh Village to Old Fort Park, a block from downtown
Fortress Rosecrans Loop 0.9 miles An asphalt loop past the earthworks of Fortress Rosecrans, the Union fort built in 1863
Murfree Spring Wetlands Trail 0.4 miles Boardwalk and asphalt through the wetland by the Discovery Center; the boardwalk is closed for repairs
Gateway Island Trail Loop A lit loop around Gateway Island, open until 10 p.m., used for charity walks and races

Print the city’s greenway map and trailhead distance chart before you go.

Good starting points

  • General Bragg Trailhead, 1540 W. College St.: a Bark Park, parking for large groups, and a short walk to Gateway Island.
  • College Street Trailhead, 1902 W. College St.: parking for the lit Gateway Island loop.
  • Old Fort Park Trailhead, 275 Golf Lane: at the 50-acre Old Fort Park, where the Lytle Creek Trail meets the Stones River Trail; the Fortress Rosecrans Loop is nearby.
  • Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S. Front St.: the downtown end of the Lytle Creek Trail.
  • Barfield Crescent Park Trailhead, 697 Veterans Parkway: the southern end of the Stones River Trail.
  • Cason Trailhead, 1100 Cason Trail: the second Bark Park.

Loops and day plans

  • Short and lit: the Gateway Island Trail, open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • History loop (0.9 mile): the Fortress Rosecrans Loop from the Old Fort Park area.
  • Downtown to the river (1.1 miles each way): Lytle Creek Trail from Cannonsburgh Village to Old Fort Park.
  • Greenway to the battlefield (1.4 miles each way): the West College Street Spur to the battlefield visitor center, then the park’s own trails.
  • Long ride (10.5 miles each way): the whole Stones River Trail on a bike.

Stones River National Battlefield

The national battlefield has nearly 7 miles of trails for hiking, walking and jogging, connected to the city greenway. The half-mile Cotton Field Trail is paved and accessible; the 3.2-mile boundary trail is a harder walk through woods and rock. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. The main entrance is at 1563 N. Thompson Lane; call 615-893-9501 for hours.

Barfield Crescent Park

Barfield Crescent Park, 697 Veterans Parkway, covers 430 acres and is open from sunrise to 9 p.m. It has more than 7 miles of paved and unpaved hiking and walking trails (trail map), plus the greenway’s southern trailhead.

At its south end are more than 7 miles of mountain bike trails for beginners to advanced riders. Helmets must be worn at all times. The mountain bike trailhead and its parking are reached from U.S. 231 via Oak Meadows Drive.

Greenway rules

From the city’s greenway page:

  • Hours: daylight to a half hour before sunset; Gateway Island 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Who: pedestrians and non-motorized wheels only. No motor vehicles, horses or skateboards, and no alcohol.
  • Etiquette: keep right and pass on the left; groups use no more than half the trail; faster traffic yields to slower and oncoming traffic.
  • Bikes and skates: paved trail only, moderate speed, yield to pedestrians, give an audible signal when passing; riders under 16 must wear helmets.
  • Dogs: on a leash; clean up after them.
  • Safety: the trail floods quickly. Leave during heavy rain or lightning, and carry lights or wear reflective clothing around dawn and dusk.

What this means for you

  • After work in winter: Gateway Island is the only lit greenway loop open after dark.
  • New rider: start on the paved greenway, then try Barfield’s beginner mountain bike trails.
  • Report a downed tree or damage: 615-890-5333.

More guides: parks and trails, dog-friendly Murfreesboro and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Murfreesboro Greenway?

The city’s greenway sections page counts 15 miles of trails in seven sections, with 16 trailheads. The longest, the Stones River Trail, runs 10.5 miles from Thompson Lane Trailhead to Barfield Crescent Park.

What time does the Murfreesboro Greenway close?

Trailheads open at daylight and close a half hour before sunset every day. Gateway Island and the Gateway Island Trail are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where can I ride a mountain bike in Murfreesboro?

Barfield Crescent Park has more than 7 miles of mountain bike trails for beginners to advanced riders. Park at the trailhead off U.S. 231 via Oak Meadows Drive. Helmets are mandatory.

Can you ride bikes on the Murfreesboro Greenway?

Yes, on the paved trail only. Keep speed moderate, yield to pedestrians, give an audible signal when passing, and riders under 16 must wear helmets.

Where should I park for the Murfreesboro Greenway?

Use a trailhead lot. For Gateway Island, park at the College Street Trailhead, 1902 W. College St., or the General Bragg Trailhead, 1540 W. College St. Barfield Crescent Park, 697 Veterans Parkway, is the southern end.