Outdoors Near Mt. Juliet: Lakes, Parks and Trails in Wilson County
Wilson County rewards anyone who likes to be outside. Old Hickory Lake curves along Mt. Juliet's northern edge, rare cedar glades spread across the countryside south of Lebanon, and city parks tuck walking trails and disc golf between neighborhoods. You can swim in the morning, hike after lunch and still be home for dinner.
These seven spots are all in Wilson County, from lakeside beaches to a state park and an ancient ceremonial mound. Pick by mood: water, woods or a quick loop close to town.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Lebanon · 328 Cedar Forest Rd., Lebanon, TN 37090
The county's outdoor showpiece covers 3,150 acres and protects a globally rare cedar glade ecosystem: open, rocky clearings ringed by eastern red cedars, where endemic wildflowers carpet the ground each spring. About ten miles of hiking trails cross glades, oak-hickory forest and karst country full of sinkholes, and the park adds cabins, a campground, disc golf, horseback riding and a nature center.
Tip: For a fuller hike, take Hidden Springs, the park's longest loop, which passes the deep, round sinkhole it's named for; trail maps are available at the park office.
Cedar Creek Recreation Area
Mt. Juliet (Old Hickory Lake) · 9264 Saundersville Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
Old Hickory Lake spreads across 22,500 acres with 440 miles of shoreline, and this Corps of Engineers area on Mt. Juliet's north side is one of the easiest ways onto it. There's a swim beach, a playground, picnic space and boat access, and the lakeside campground has 60 sites with water and electric hookups. Anglers come for black bass, crappie and catfish.
Tip: Reserve a campsite ahead for a weekend on the water, and bring a fishing rod for the quiet hours around sunrise.
More on MtJuliet.com: Old Hickory Lake & Percy Priest: A Mt. Juliet Guide to the Lakes
Laguardo Recreation Area
Lebanon (Old Hickory Lake) · 7680 Hwy. 109 N., Lebanon, TN 37087
On the Lebanon side of Old Hickory Lake, just off Highway 109, this Corps day-use area is made for a classic lake day: a sandy swimming beach, a family playground, picnic tables, a group shelter and a boat ramp. Swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking all happen here, which makes it a smart pick when everyone in the car wants something different.
Tip: Bring a kayak along with the beach chairs, and pack a picnic so you can stay through the afternoon.
Robinson Family Park
Mt. Juliet · 1246 N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
Tucked behind the shops along North Mt. Juliet Road, this quiet city park is a Certified Wildlife Habitat, managed to give birds and other wildlife food, water and cover. A paved walking trail loops the grounds, with outdoor fitness equipment and benches along the way, so it works for a slow, bird-watching stroll or a quick workout between errands.
Tip: Come early in the morning with binoculars; it's one of the most peaceful walks in the middle of town.
Jones Family Park
Mt. Juliet · 1535 N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
Disc golfers and dog owners both have reasons to love this compact Mt. Juliet park. Alongside a bark park and sand volleyball, it has a disc golf practice area with a driving range marked out to 550 feet and a nine-hole mini course for sharpening putts and approach shots.
Tip: Bring a few discs to work on distance at the range, then let the dog stretch its legs in the bark park.
Sellars Farm State Archaeological Area
Lebanon · 445 Poplar Hill Rd., Lebanon, TN 37090
Off I-40 at the Watertown exit, this state archaeological area preserves the site of a Mississippian-era village and its prominent ceremonial mound. A short trail loop circles the grounds, and an informational kiosk tells the story of the ancient village and the Native American people who lived here. It's quiet, open country with a remarkable story beneath it.
Tip: Watch the Cedars of Lebanon State Park events calendar for ranger-led hikes here, which bring the site's history to life.
Don Fox Community Park
Lebanon · 955 W. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon, TN 37087
Walkers and cyclists love this Lebanon park for its 2.5-mile paved trail, which circles the grounds and continues toward Hill Street, plus a quarter-mile cinder track and a nine-station outdoor fitness circuit. Two large playgrounds (the bigger one is a 25,000-square-foot stockade-style play area), a wading pool, sand volleyball courts and dozens of picnic tables and grills round out a full day outside.
Tip: Bring bikes or skates for the paved loop, then fire up one of the park grills for a cookout.
Plan it
Robinson Family Park and Jones Family Park sit minutes apart along Mt. Juliet Road, Cedar Creek is on the north side of town via Saundersville Road, and Laguardo, Don Fox, Cedars of Lebanon and Sellars Farm are each a short drive east toward Lebanon. A car is the easiest way to link them.
Spring and fall bring the best hiking weather and the glade wildflowers, while summer belongs to the beaches. Bring water, sun protection and a Tennessee fishing license if you plan to cast a line, and check current hours and seasonal facilities before you go.
More Mt. Juliet guides: A Weekend in Mt. Juliet: Lake Days and Local Plates · Where to Eat in Mt. Juliet: Barbecue, Pho and Local Favorites · Family Fun Around Mt. Juliet: Trains, an Orchard and Glow Golf · all guides
Last checked October 2026. Places change: if something in this guide has, tell us at press@j3media.vip and we will update it.
