Just west of downtown, Shelby Farms Park is one of the signature green spaces in Memphis and at 4,500 acres is one of the largest urban parks in the country. There are some 40 miles of multi-use trails, including the Greenline trail at the northern end of the park (see separate route), which runs 10+ miles from Midtown to the Cordova neighborhood, through the park. The trails are a mix of open fields and farmland, and wooded sections. The information here has information on some of the recommended trails. Note: Park open sunrise to sunset.
One highlight for runners is a the 2.35 mile paved Baptist Memorial Health Care Promenade trail around the lake. It’s separated from cyclists! In the northern part of the park is the 2.75 mile Chickasaw Trail, which is more wooded. The South Trail is a 4.1 mile multi-use track running parallel to Walnut Grove Road, on the south side, to the Germantown Trailhead.
The Greenline Half Marathon & 5k is run every November. Also very special is Starry Nights, which features 4 million lights. There are several designated evenings where running is allowed, including the 2.25-mile BuffaGLO run (check the park calendar for dates).
Just west of downtown, Shelby Farms Park is one of the signature green spaces in Memphis and at 4,500 acres is one of the largest urban parks in the country. There are some 40 miles of multi-use trails, including the Greenline trail at the northern end of the park (see separate route), which runs 10+ miles from Midtown to the Cordova neighborhood, through the park. The trails are a mix of open fields and farmland, and wooded sections. The information here has information on some of the recommended trails. Note: Park open sunrise to sunset.
One highlight for runners is a the 2.35 mile paved Baptist Memorial Health Care Promenade trail around the lake. It’s separated from cyclists! In the northern part of the park is the 2.75 mile Chickasaw Trail, which is more wooded. The South Trail is a 4.1 mile multi-use track running parallel to Walnut Grove Road, on the south side, to the Germantown Trailhead.
The Greenline Half Marathon & 5k is run every November. Also very special is Starry Nights, which features 4 million lights. There are several designated evenings where running is allowed, including the 2.25-mile BuffaGLO run (check the park calendar for dates).
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Essentials
Depends on trail chosen
Somewhat hilly
Depends on trail chosen
Ample free parking. MATA bus routes 34, 53, and 82 stop nearby. Bike access via Greenline Trail
This path bordering the Mississippi River is one of the gems of Memphis running. Do the 3-mile loop and add with the Big River Crossing, a mile-long pedestrian bridge that's the longest active rail/bike/pedestrian bridge in the USA.
An upscale neighborhood just across a small bridge from downtown. High-end homes, marina views, and miles of trails. Good water views and lots of green space. A full tour of the island is about 7 miles, with many options to vary.
For a big city, Memphis has its fair share of green spaces, but when it comes to unlimited running it doesn’t get any better than the Shelby Farms Greenline, which stretches over 10.5 miles from Midtown Memphis to the Cordova neighborhood.
On the south end of Shelby Farms Park, the Wolf River Greenway meets up with the Germantown Greenway to form a network of paved bike paths perfect for a long or short run. As an out and back, the two greenways make up an approximately 9 mile route.
Locals know that Cooper Young is one of the hippest neighborhoods in Memphis — a hub of arts and culture with a rich history and a tight knit community. It’s a wonderful place to stay if you’re visiting Memphis, and an especially great location for an urban run.
One of the gems of running in Memphis, with 342 acres of grassy public lands complete with trails and endless sights. It even has a designated running loop. It's 4 miles west of downown.
Great neighborhood for running east of downtown. Includes 1.7 mile V&E Greenline along former railroad track, and a tour of the Vollintine Hills Historic District. Pleasant residential streets for running as well.
Audubon Park, just north of the University of Memphis’ Park Avenue Campus, is a long green space bordering a beautiful golf course. The surrounding neighborhood includes the Memphis Botanical Gardens and the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, both worth a detour.
The first state park open for African Americans east of the Mississippi River. Several miles of gentle trail running here, with the signature loop being the 4 mile Discovery Trail. Pleasantly shaded.
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Essentials
Depends on trail chosen
Somewhat hilly
Depends on trail chosen
Ample free parking. MATA bus routes 34, 53, and 82 stop nearby. Bike access via Greenline Trail
One highlight for runners is a the 2.35 mile paved Baptist Memorial Health Care Promenade trail around the lake. It’s separated from cyclists! In the northern part of the park is the 2.75 mile Chickasaw Trail, which is more wooded. The South Trail is a 4.1 mile multi-use track running parallel to Walnut Grove Road, on the south side, to the Germantown Trailhead.
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!