Year-Round Beauty & Views Far Beyond
Among the most beloved natural features of the Warner Parks are the scenic overlooks which provide gorgeous scenery throughout all four seasons: colorful leaves in the Fall, more open vistas in Winter, the return of green forests in Spring, and the beautiful framed views of Summer.
FOWP recently funded a project for a professional arborist to carefully prune trees and enhance the views at three of these overlooks, and there are even more to enjoy!
Check out the trails for reference as you explore new overlooks.
The Allée
The best known scenic overlook is at the recently restored Allée. There are multiple views at different elevations as you ascend.
Access: The Belle Meade Entrance to Percy Warner Park.
Park visitors who enjoy this feature include runners, hikers, horse riders, and bicyclers. Reservations can be made and permits issued for weddings and professional photography.
The Steeplechase
The Steeplechase overlook is at the asphalt road behind and above the box seats and offers a panoramic view of the entire course. The location and original design for the Steeplechase course were in fact selected because of this hillside perspective, awarding spectators with visibility of the entire race.
Access: Gaucho Road off of Old Hickory Boulevard.
Luke Lea Heights
Luke Lea Heights was named by the Park Board to honor the donor of the original 868 acres that established Warner Park in 1927. The spectacular view includes glimpses of the Belle Meade Country Club, and in the distance, the skyline of the downtown Nashville central business district.
Access: Luke Lea Heights can be accessed via the White Trail. From the Deep Well trailhead, hikers would take the loop to the right and go left at the intersection with the roadway. It is also accessible from the 5.8 loop; marked by a newly placed sign, it is a short .25 miles from the paved path.
Church Overlooks
Two other scenic overlooks in Percy Warner Park are known for churches that can be seen within their respective view sheds, St. Henry’s Catholic Church on Hwy 70S, and Christ Presbyterian Church on Old Hickory Blvd. Both of these overlooks are found alongside the asphalt trails that are designated for pedestrian and bicycle use.
Access: The St. Henry overlook is located at approximately mile 4 on the 11.2 loop. It is just beyond the gate that marks the separation of the 5.8 and 11.2 loops. This overlook is on the ridge above Dripping Springs (Red Trail), another sightly destination. One may also access this overlook on a short spur branching from the Red Trail.
The Christ Presbyterian Overlook can be found a little further along the paved roadway not far beyond where the 5.8 and 11.2 reconnect. From the Beech Woods picnic area, hikers can climb what is known as 9 Mile Hill and continue right at the intersection of paved pathways. The bench and overlook are but a short way past this climb.
Edwin Warner Overlooks
Finally, there are also two scenic overlooks in Edwin Warner Park. One of these is known as Sharp View and it can be accessed from either the Hungry Hawk Trail or the Old Roadway.
Sharp View is unique in that it features a wooden platform deck designed to simulate a bird’s nest on the edge of the tree line. FOWP is currently undertaking a project to repair some of the decking and handrails, and to pressure wash and reseal the structure.
Nearby is another overlook beside a unique section of historic stone wall that was built in the 1930’s. Plans are also underway to restore the wall, and to prune and remove selected trees that are overgrown and now block the view to the North that overlooks the Burch Reserve.
Consider supporting our efforts to preserve, steward, and protect Warner Parks by becoming a sustaining member, donating, or volunteering your time! #ProtectWarnerParks
