Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
100.00 ft (30.48 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.40 mi (2.25 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Hidden Lake is a gem that few people have been to, yet is located only 20 minutes from downtown Nashville. There are several short side trails in the area, but a main trail leads to a junction where one can either hike to the lake or to the ridge above the lake (both are recommend).

The Hidden Lake area has a varied and intriguing history. The area was used for farming in the 1800s; then, around 1895, the property was purchased by the Hutton family, and they developed the major limestone quarries, the remnants of which can be found here today. In 1931, a different owner converted the property into a family resort, built a lodge, and coined the appropriate name Hidden Lake. In the 1940s their lodge sadly burned, and their resort was gone. The only remains of the resort is a marble dance floor on top of one of the ridges overlooking the lake. After the resort fire, the property went back to being used for farming, cow pastures, and local sport fishing until 1993 when the state of Tennessee acquired the land.

Much history can be found by walking the ridgeline above the lake including the dance floor, an old fuel tank, and the remains of a few buildings. The beauty of the lake and surrounding area also make it a must-do hike.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Easy hike. Secluded lake. Not crowded.

Cons

Highway noise is audible from the lake.

Trailhead Elevation

500.00 ft (152.40 m)

Features

Historically significant
Mine

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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