Long Hunter State Park Couchville Lake Paved Winter Loop & Deer Walks

About this adventure

Situated along the shoreline of J. Percy Priest Lake in Hermitage, Long Hunter State Park encompasses 2,600 acres of cedar glades, hardwood forests, and serene lake waters. The park's signature winter highlight for families is the Couchville Lake Trail, an exceptionally maintained, paved 2-mile asphalt loop that circles the perimeter of 110-acre Couchville Lake. The trail is completely level and ADA accessible, allowing families with standard strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs to enjoy an immersive winter lakeside hike without navigating rocks or mud. In January and February, bare forest canopies make it easy for children to spot wintering songbirds, woodpeckers, osprey nests, and herds of white-tailed deer foraging near the shoreline. A scenic 300-foot wooden pedestrian bridge crosses over the lake inlet, providing panoramic lake views where kids can look for winter fish beneath the surface. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: One of the finest paved stroller trails in Middle Tennessee, featuring smooth asphalt with no steps or steep slopes along the entire 2-mile loop. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Covered picnic pavilions, lakeside wooden benches, and heated modern restrooms with diaper changing stations at the Couchville Lake recreation area. • Age Suitability: Ideal for all ages, from infants in strollers and beginning bike/scooter riders to curious young naturalists. • Sensory Tips: Calm and restorative natural environment with gentle water breezes, rustling cedar needles, and soft bird chirps.