10 Short Road Trips From Franklin, Tennessee (Williamson County)

10 Easy Road Trips from Franklin, Tennessee: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Williamson County

If you live in or near Franklin, Tennessee, chances are you’ve explored , the local restaurants, and the historic sites more than a few times. But what about the towns and attractions just outside ? Within about an hour’s drive, you’ll find small towns, big-city energy, hiking trails, waterfalls, and classic Tennessee history. These short road trips near Franklin TN are perfect for a Saturday drive, a simple date day, or an easy family outing. Below are 10 out-of-county things to do near Franklin, all in the surrounding counties: Cheatham, Davidson, , Hickman, Marshall, Maury, and Rutherford.

1. Explore the Honky-Tonks and Museums of Downtown Nashville (Davidson County)

Let’s start with the obvious one: Nashville. It’s only about 25–30 miles from Franklin, depending on where you start, but it feels like a totally different world. Stroll down Broadway and you’ll hear live music pouring out of almost every doorway. Even if you’re not a big country music fan, the energy is hard to resist. Some easy stops for a one-day trip from Franklin to Nashville:

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum – A must-do if you love music history. You’ll see stage outfits, guitars, and exhibits on stars from every decade.
Ryman Auditorium – Take a tour of the “Mother Church of Country Music.” The backstage stories alone are worth it.
Walk the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge – Great skyline views, especially at sunset.

If you don’t like city driving, park in one of the garages just off Broadway and walk. Nashville is very walkable in the downtown core.

2. Relax by the Water at Lock Two Park & Shelby Park (Davidson County)

Looking for a quieter side of Nashville? Head to the Cumberland River instead of the bright lights. Two good options:

Lock Two Park – A peaceful spot along the river on the north side of town. Great for a simple picnic, walking the dog, or watching boats go by.
Shelby Park & Shelby Bottoms Greenway – East Nashville’s go-to outdoor spot. You’ll find walking and biking trails, open fields, and river views.

Pack a cooler, grab a blanket, and just enjoy being outside. It’s an easy and low-cost day trip from Franklin TN, especially if you just want some green space and fresh air.

3. Step Back in Time at Historic Columbia (Maury County)

About 30–40 minutes south of Franklin, Columbia is one of those small Tennessee towns that still feels a bit like a movie set. Its walkable downtown is full of brick storefronts, antique shops, coffee spots, and old-school charm. A few things to check out:

Downtown Columbia Courthouse Square – Park once and wander. There are boutiques, vintage shops, bakeries, and murals for a quick photo stop.
President James K. Polk Home & Museum – Learn about the 11th U.S. president in one of Tennessee’s most historic homes.
Local cafés and diners – Perfect for a slow lunch or weekend brunch.

Columbia makes a wonderful “slow day” trip: drive down, walk a little, eat a lot, and just enjoy the small-town pace.

4. Discover Artsy Vibes in The Factory at Columbia & Local Breweries (Maury County)

If you like the feel of Franklin’s Factory, you’ll love the growing creative scene in Columbia too. Around town you’ll find:

Local makers and art spaces – From pottery to handmade goods, there’s always something unique to browse.
Craft breweries and taprooms – Great for an afternoon flight and live music on weekends.
Seasonal events and markets – Check for art walks, car shows, or festivals, especially in spring and fall.

This is a good trip if you want that fun, artsy atmosphere without heading into busy Nashville traffic.

5. Hike the Trails at Montgomery Bell State Park (Dickson County)

If you’re craving woods, lakes, and hiking trails, point your car west and head to Montgomery Bell State Park in Dickson County, roughly an hour from Franklin. Things to do there:

Hiking – There are miles of trails, from short loops to longer hikes through the trees.
Swimming and paddling – In warmer months, you can enjoy the lake beach area or rent a canoe.
Picnicking – Bring a cooler and claim a picnic table near the water.

If you’re not a hardcore hiker, don’t worry. You can still enjoy a scenic drive through the park, stop at overlooks, and take easy strolls instead of long hikes.

6. Go Small-Town Exploring in Dickson (Dickson County)

On your way to or from Montgomery Bell, stop in the town of Dickson for a bite to eat or a simple downtown walk. What to look for:

Downtown Dickson – You’ll find local shops, cozy cafés, and that friendly small-town feel.
Local diners and BBQ joints – Perfect for a casual meat-and-three or smoked barbecue plate.
Community events – Fairs, car shows, and seasonal celebrations pop up throughout the year.

This is one of those places where you might not have a packed “agenda,” and that’s the point. Sometimes the best road trips from Franklin are just about discovering places you’ve never pulled off the highway to see.

7. Explore the Harpeth River & Riverfront Parks in Cheatham County

Head northwest from Franklin and you’ll reach Cheatham County, home to stretches of the scenic Harpeth River and quiet riverfront spots. Popular ways to enjoy the area:

Kayaking or canoeing – During warmer months, local outfitters help with rentals and shuttles for gentle river floats.
Fishing – Cast a line and enjoy the calm water and tree-lined banks.
Picnics by the river – Look for public access points and parks for a laid-back afternoon.

If you like the outdoors but don’t want a long hike, this is a nice in-between: you’re still outside, but you can keep it as relaxed as you want.

8. Take the Scenic Route Through Hickman County’s Backroads

Sometimes the drive itself is the main event. Hickman County, southwest of Franklin, offers plenty of scenic backroads, rolling hills, and classic Tennessee countryside. Here’s how to enjoy it:

Pick a loose route on the map, then be open to detours and side roads.
Stop at small-town markets or gas stations for snacks and local conversation.
Pull over safely for photos when you see barns, fields, or ridge-top views that catch your eye.

This is a great “no schedule” road trip from Franklin. Fill up your gas tank, grab some road snacks, turn on a playlist, and just drive.

9. Unplug in Nature Around Marshall County

To the south, Marshall County offers a quieter, rural escape. While it’s less “touristy” than Nashville or Columbia, that’s part of its charm. Possible things to do:

Country drives – See horse farms, open fields, and rolling hills.
Local restaurants and ice cream stands – Ideal for a simple lunch stop or dessert run.
Community parks – Let kids play, stretch your legs, or just sit on a bench for a while.

If you ever feel like life in Franklin is moving too fast, a slow Marshall County afternoon can reset your pace.

10. Discover History and Greenways in Murfreesboro (Rutherford County)

East of Franklin, Murfreesboro is a college town with a mix of history, shopping, and outdoor space, all within about an hour’s drive. A few highlights:

Stones River National Battlefield – Walk or drive through this historic Civil War site and stop at the visitor center to learn more.
Murfreesboro Greenway System – Paved trails along the river, great for walking, biking, or pushing a stroller.
Downtown Murfreesboro – Restaurants, coffee shops, and a classic courthouse square to explore.

Murfreesboro is a nice choice if you want a mix of outdoor time and a good meal, without the busyness of downtown Nashville.

Tips for Enjoying Short Road Trips from Franklin, TN

To make the most of these day trips near Franklin:

Leave earlier than you think – You’ll have more time to explore and less stress about traffic.
Check hours ahead of time – Museums, tours, and small-town shops can have limited hours, especially on Sundays.
Pack a simple car kit – Water, snacks, a phone charger, and maybe a light jacket. Tennessee weather can change fast.
Stay flexible – Some of the best finds are places you didn’t plan on: a roadside produce stand, a mural, or a local festival.

Ready to Plan Your Next Drive from Franklin?

Living in or visiting Franklin, Tennessee puts you in the middle of so many easy adventures. In less than an hour, you can go from historic downtown streets to riverbanks, forests, small towns, and big-city lights—without ever leaving Middle Tennessee. Which of these short road trips from Franklin sounds best to you?

Live music and museums in Nashville?
Small-town charm in Columbia or Dickson?
Quiet nature days in Montgomery Bell or along the Harpeth River?

I’d love to hear your ideas. Have you done any of these drives already, or do you have a favorite out-of-the-way spot near Franklin that I should add to a future list? Share this post with a friend who’s always saying, “We should get out of town sometime,” and drop a comment with your own tips, hidden gems, or questions. Your stories help other travelers (and locals!) discover new things to do near Franklin, TN.

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