Memphis and the surrounding areas have so many wonderful places to run, from limestone and dirt trails to paved paths to reclaimed railroad tracks. While not a complete list, the locations below are a good start to explore all the running and walking that Memphis has to offer.
In the heart of Mid-Town Memphis, The Old Forest at Overton Park contains a 1.4-mile limestone running trail, over a mile of paved trails, and four miles of unpaved walking paths, including the popular Old Forest Loop. The one-mile loop begins just inside the arched gate between Rainbow Lake Playground and Overton Bark and contains 35 markers to guide your walk. To download a map of the loop, click here.
Shelby Farms Greenline is a 10.65-mile* paved, urban trail that connects pedestrians and cyclists in Midtown Memphis through Shelby Farms Park to Cordova. The Greenline is a rails-to-trails project that transformed an unused railroad line into one of Tennessee's favorite trails. The Greenline runs from Tillman Street at Walnut Grove Road in Midtown to B Street at Macon Road in Cordova. There are access points at Tillman Street, Highland Street, High Point Terrace, Graham Street, Waring Road, Podesta Street, Sycamore View, Farm Road at Mullins Station Road, Whitten Road, Appling Road, Raleigh LaGrange Road, Germantown Parkway, Cully Road, A Street, and B Street / Macon Road at the Cordova Depot.
4,500 acres of green space and miles of urban and dirt trails. It's a community treasure, unrivaled in size and potential anywhere else in the United States.
The Wolf River Greenway is a corridor of protected green space along the Wolf River that includes a paved pathway for non-motorized transportation. Built in phases, this 10-foot and 12-foot wide pathway will eventually extend a total of 36 miles to connect neighborhoods all the way from the north end of Mud Island, in downtown Memphis, through the neighborhoods of north central Memphis, connecting to Shelby Farms and then to the cities of Germantown and Collierville, Tennessee.
Get to know this 20.1-km dirt loop trail near Memphis, Tennessee. Generally considered a moderately challenging route,this is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Privately funded and community supported, the V&E Greenline is a 1.7 mile urban trail that provides a natural, serene space for walking, running, exercising pets, bike riding, and observing wildlife. Through the generous donations and volunteer efforts of individuals, the V&E Greenline remains in peak condition for residents and visitors alike to enjoy Memphis Original Greenline.
The Collierville Greenbelt System provides 18.58 miles of walking and exercise opportunities and is designed to connect neighborhoods, parks, schools, and commercial areas by providing alternative transportation options with miles of trails and connectors.
AT NEARLY A MILE IN LENGTH, BIG RIVER CROSSING IS THE LONGEST PUBLIC PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ACROSS THE MISSISSIPPI.
Big River Crossing is also the country’s longest active rail/bicycle/pedestrian bridge. It serves as the connection point of Main Street to Main Street, a 10-mile, multi-modal corridor that also features the Big River Trail System, creating ties to attractions throughout the Memphis, West Memphis, and delta region.
University of Memphis Public Track
Located next to the Elma Roane Field House is the public track on the University of Memphis campus. There is a parking garage next door available for public parking, along with bathrooms and water fountains inside the field house if needed. It is a newly surfaced, well-maintained 6 lane track.
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