About shelby park and Bottoms
the park
Shelby Park and Bottoms encompass nearly 1300 acres of bluffs, rolling hills, and floodplain bordering the Cumberland River in East Nashville. Now the third-largest park in Nashville, Shelby was originally opened as a private amusement park designed to attract residents to the growing Nashville suburbs. On July 4th, 1912 the park was dedicated to the city and opened to the public. Shelby Park and Bottoms now boasts a community center, the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, nearly 10 miles of paved trails, more than 7 miles of unpaved hiking trails, several sports fields and golf courses, and more! You can find more about the park and what it has to offer in the “Explore the Park” section below.
EXPLORE THE PARK
The Park and Bottoms is home to a wide variety of natural and recreational resources – from forest and wetlands to playgrounds, golf courses, and picnic pavilions, Shelby provides a broad range of activities for a diverse group of users.
Visit the center or come for a class and find out all about Shelby Bottoms Natural Area
Gymnasium, after school program, classes and more
Information on playgrounds, dog park, picnic pavilions, and fishing.
Information on historic Shelby Park Golf Course, Vinny Links and First Tee of TN
Information on paved and primitive trails and Cumberland River access
Information on golf, tennis, ball fields, disc golf, fishing, and more
General Information
PARK HOURS
Shelby Park and Bottoms is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to 11:00 p.m.
RESTROOMS
Public restrooms open year-round are located at the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, the Shelby Park Golf Course, and the Shelby Park Community Center.
Public restrooms open seasonally are located at Vinny Links Golf Course, near Lake Sevier at the Events Lawn, and at the East Nashville Athletic youth baseball fields.
Portable restrooms are also located in various areas throughout Shelby Park
There are no restrooms on the trails or in the interior of Shelby Bottoms. Remember to utilize facilities beforehand.
RESERVATIONS AND EVENTS
Events held within Shelby Park and Bottoms require a Special Event Permit. To check available dates or ask general questions call 615-862-8400. Special Event applications should be submitted at least two weeks prior to your event to lisa.king@nashville.gov, or via the online form.
Please note that events including those requesting fundraising, amplification, or the sales/service of alcohol may require Metro Park Board approval. Applications requiring park board approval that are received less than 45 days prior to the Parks Board meeting may not be approved.
Rental or usage fees for all events held in Shelby Park and Bottoms are paid directly to Metro Parks.
More information can be found on the Metro Parks website.
PARK RULES
Photography
All organized/professional photography and video in the Parks require a permit. Find out more about obtaining a permit.
Alcohol in the Park
Per the Metro Nashville Ordinance alcohol is prohibited in Shelby Park and Bottoms unless by special permit of the Park Board.
Dogs in the Park
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County regulations require that everyone pick up after their dog and properly disposing of dog poo in trash cans. Dogs are welcome throughout the park as long as they are kept on a leash, no longer than six feet in length.
The Shelby Park Dog Park is a leash-free zone where dogs may play freely within the fenced area. View a complete list of rules and regulations here.