Tennessee is full great places to run RCs. Whether you are into racing, bashing, crawling, or scale trail drives, there are plenty of options around. We are often asked about good places to take RCs out, especially during the week and for those who are just getting into the hobby. Whether you are new to RCs or are just looking for new places to go, check out some local favorites below.
Note: This list was compiled from our own experience and those of regular visitors to RC Field Days.
Apex Raceway, Murfreesboro, TN – Indoor Carpet tracks.
* Barfield Crescent Park, Murfreesboro, TN – two popular options are the disc golf area or parking at the Wilderness Station and taking the trail south.
Big Buddha’s RC Ranch, Cookeville, TN – lots of rocks and good crawling. Hosts a variety of competitions throughout the year.
* Bledsoe State Park, Gallatin, TN – check out the hiking trails around the lakeshore.
* Burgess Falls, Sparta, TN – short hike with multiple waterfalls. Take the stairs down to the top of the big falls at the end for flat rock creek and water crawling. There is a short side hike with bluff overlooks and additional trails behind the playground area.
* Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN – check out the trails behind the nature center and the creek bed in between the camp grounds and playground.
Chickasaw Trace Park, Columbia, TN – this park has both a radio control flight field and a well designed radio control car track.
* Henry Horton State Park, Chapel Hill, TN – we like the Wilhoite Mill and Spring Creek Trails.
* Jim Warren Park, Franklin, TN – popular youth sports fields, but you can also find trails and boulders.
Music City RC, Nashville, TN – Nashville’s only indoor RC track, located within Music City Indoor Karting around back.
* Narrows of the Harpeth, Kingston Springs, TN – There are three hiking trails that start near the park entrance. The bluff overlook trail includes a steep ascent to a narrow bluff offering hikers a panoramic view of the Harpeth Valley. A half-mile trail along the backside of the limestone bluff leads to a small waterfall and the site of one of the oldest man-made tunnels in existence today.
* Old Hickory Dam – the dam is popular, but there are also small rocky areas at many of the boat access sites and public recreation areas like Rockland Recreation Area, Sanders Ferry Park, Shutes Branch Recreation Area, Lock 4 Park at the mouth of East Station Camp Creek, and Little Cedar Creek Recreation Area.
* Percy Priest Lake Trails – While you can crawl around the lakeshore and by the dam, it’s also worth checking out Hamilton Creek Recreation Area and the Twin Forks Horse Trail that runs along the shoreline from Walter Hill Dam to Nice’s Mill Recreation Area.
RC Farm, Crossville, TN – Indoor Radio Controlled off-road race track.
RC Field Days, Smyrna, TN – Outdoor RC courses with a mix of natural surface, rock trails, and man-made obstacles. Crawling and bashing areas. Open the first full weekend of the month plus special events.
* Rock Island State Park, Sparta, TN – this heavily visited State Park has plenty of rock features and waterfalls. Best visited in the off season to avoid crowds.
RRW Krawlzone, Sevierville, TN – while not in our greater Middle Tennessee area, this one is worth checking out when visiting East Tennessee! They are open Wednesday through Sunday plus special events.
* Winding Stairs Park, Lafayette, TN – plan on elevation changes and stairs on the way back to the vertical cascades.
Note:
*Our state and local parks are easily accessible and do not charge for entry, but they are not designed as an RC park. While RCs are generally tolerated at state and local parks, be responsible and respectful.
- Be aware of flying discs in disc golf areas and be prepared to yield to mountain bikers, equestrians, and others on trails. Minimize damage to plant growth, especially after heavy rains.
- When visiting State Parks, policy generally allows for the use of portable electric, and other, engines in developed and public use areas as long as natural resources are not impaired and that no undue interference with public enjoyment of the park area will result.
- Some parks, especially during their busiest seasons, lump RCs in with skateboards, segways, scooters, and “like recreational equipment.” These items are prohibited except in locations designated by the Park Manager by the posting of appropriate signs.