Shelby Bottoms Nature Center Winter Birding & Paved River Greenway

About this adventure

Situated along a wide bend of the Cumberland River in East Nashville, Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Center encompasses 960 acres of protected wetlands, bottomland hardwood forest, and open meadows. The paved 5-mile main greenway trail is completely flat, making it one of Nashville's premier destinations for winter family bike rides, scooter trips, and stroller strolls. During winter, migratory waterfowl—such as hooded mergansers, wood ducks, and wintering sparrows—gather around the wetlands and river sloughs. The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center serves as a welcoming home base on cold days, featuring an interactive indoor play area with puppets, animal skull touch tables, an active honeybee hive display, and lending birdwatching binoculars. Families can also explore the outdoor Nature Play area, where children can construct forts out of fallen branches, balance on cedar logs, and discover winter pine cones. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Outstanding accessibility with miles of paved, completely level greenway trails; the Nature Center building and observation porch are fully step-free. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Heated Nature Center with cozy reading nooks, rocking chairs on the porch, and clean family restrooms with infant changing tables. • Age Suitability: Suitable for all ages; great for babies in strollers, energetic scooter riders, and curious budding birdwatchers. • Sensory Tips: Calm river views and rustling meadow grasses; the indoor Nature Center offers quiet learning zones with natural materials and soft educational sounds.