Hiking with Kids Open
Nesbit Park - Stanky Creek Trails
4.5(425)4.5 out of 5 stars, 425 reviews Memphis, TN
About Nesbit Park - Stanky Creek Trails
Nesbit Park offers a network of rustic, well-marked dirt trails within the heart of Bartlett, providing a shaded natural escape ideal for hiking and mountain biking. It's particularly well-suited for families with elementary-aged children (7-11 years old) looking for a moderate trail experience or a relatively short nature walk.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families with elementary-aged children (7-11) seeking an introductory or moderate hiking experience.Mountain biking enthusiasts looking for dirt trails.Individuals or families desiring a short nature walk or hike in a shaded environment.Anyone looking for a natural outdoor activity conveniently located within Bartlett.A peaceful spot to park and enjoy a shaded lunch.
Why families love it
- Several hiking and biking trails are available.
- Trails are generally well-marked.
- The blue trail is specifically noted as being suitable for kids aged 7-11.
- The trails are largely shaded, providing comfort during walks up to 3.5 miles.
- Reviewers enjoy the 'nature sounds' and natural, rustic setting.
- Offers options for short hikes; the blue trail can be completed in approximately 45 minutes.
Insider tips
- Check weather conditions and 'avoid going if it's recently rained' to prevent muddy trails.
- Be alert and 'watch your back' for mountain bikers, as trails are shared.
- If visiting in summer, 'bring water' as the creeks may be dried up and not provide a water source.
- Be prepared to encounter off-leash dogs, despite 'rules posted at the trailhead' requiring leashes.
- For a quick hike with kids, the blue trail offers a ~45-minute option.
Good to know before you go
- Visiting immediately 'after it's recently rained' to prevent dealing with muddy conditions.
- If your children are younger than 7 and not accustomed to rustic dirt trails or potential uneven terrain.
- If you are expecting active creeks or water features during the summer months.
- If you are highly sensitive to encountering off-leash dogs or rule-breaking on trails.
- Trails are entirely dirt and can become 'muddy after rain', making hiking less pleasant.
- Crowds
- The trails are used by a mix of 'hikers and bikers' and 'runners', indicating a moderate level of activity.
- Value
- No specific pricing is mentioned in the reviews, suggesting it is likely free to access the trails. This offers excellent value for a natural outdoor activity compared to paid entertainment venues.
- Food
- No explicit food policy is stated, but a reviewer 'parked here to eat my lunch in my car', suggesting personal food consumption is acceptable within parking areas. No on-site food services are mentioned.
- Accessibility
- No accommodations mentioned. Given the description of 'dirt trails, rustic', it's likely not fully wheelchair or stroller accessible beyond paved parking areas.
- Safety
- Trails are 'pretty well marked' to help with navigation.
What parents say
"There are several hiking and biking trails. The trailers seem pretty well marked, overall. They are dirt trails, rustic, but doable. The blue trail was ok for my kids aged 7-11. Might be muddy after rain. It was summer, so any creeks were dried up. Not sure how many bikers use this, but did see bike trails on even the blue trail, so watch your back. Highly recommended for trail experience for kids or adult, in heart of Bartlett ."
9 months ago
"Parked here to eat my lunch in my car today. I didn't get out of the car, it was nice and shady and the breeze was great. Everything seemed well kept. I'd love to hear the story about how the name of "Stanky Creek" was given, lol."
2 weeks ago
"Great place for a short hike through the trees. It's all dirt trails so I wouldn't go if it's recently rained. I hiked the blue trail and it only took 45 minutes."
a year ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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