Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon - The Warner Parks

The Warner Parks

The Warner Parks, one of eighty parks owned and operated by the Nashville Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation, are located in southwest Davidson County in the Harpeth Hills. The Parks comprise a vast rolling woodland in the heart of the Nashville community, and are situated just 9 miles (14 km) from downtown. Surrounded by urban and suburban settings on all sides, the Warner Parks include the adjoined Percy and Edwin Warner Parks, together encompassing nearly 3,000 acres (12 km2) of forests, fields, hills, valleys and wetlands. The Warner Parks together make up one of the largest city parks in the country. While the parks have walking and nature trails, the singular draw for runners is their extensive network of paved running routes.

Snaking through the 2,058 acres (8.33 km2) Percy Warner Park is the 11.2-mile (18.0 km) Main Drive. "The 11.2", as the locals call it, winds its way through the tree-shaded Park, covering over 1,500 feet (460 m) of elevation gain and loss with grades of up to 10–12% at times, with occasional open fields and densely-forested glades. The route goes by scenic overlooks of Nashville, various sports and recreation areas, and quiet picnic pavilions. Runners also pass the Iroquois Steeplechase, one of the country's oldest grassy horse tracks.

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