Greenbelt Park
A mile-long natural oasis along the Mississippi River, perfect for serene walks, bike rides, picnics, and stunning sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Greenbelt Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mile-long natural oasis along the Mississippi River, perfect for serene walks, bike rides, picnics, and stunning sunset views.
"Always a great place to stop and see the Mississippi River. Far enough from Tom Lee Park and the touristy spots to be a lovely little repose."
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The river views at sunset are incredible! Perfect for photos and a peaceful end to your day.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Well-maintained paths are great for walking, running, or biking. Consider renting an e-bike!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mississippi River Views
Along the riverfront
Soak in breathtaking views of the mighty Mississippi River, especially magical during sunset.
Walking and Biking Trails
Throughout the park
Enjoy well-maintained paths perfect for a leisurely stroll, invigorating bike ride, or a peaceful walk.
Picnic Spots
Various scenic locations
Pack a lunch and find a serene spot to enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The river views at sunset are incredible! Perfect for photos and a peaceful end to your day.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Well-maintained paths are great for walking, running, or biking. Consider renting an e-bike!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of scenic spots to enjoy a meal outdoors. A favorite activity for many visitors.
⚠️ Check Park Hours
Gate closing times aren't always posted. Be aware to avoid getting locked in.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The river views at sunset are incredible! Perfect for photos and a peaceful end to your day.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Well-maintained paths are great for walking, running, or biking. Consider renting an e-bike!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of scenic spots to enjoy a meal outdoors. A favorite activity for many visitors.
⚠️ Check Park Hours
Gate closing times aren't always posted. Be aware to avoid getting locked in.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is available, but can fill up during peak times. Consider arriving early.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Greenbelt Park for its serene atmosphere, beautiful Mississippi River views, and well-maintained trails, making it a favorite for picnics and walks. However, a significant concern is the unclear park closing times, which has led to negative experiences with custodians locking visitors in.
"This park is so calming and beautiful, plenty of walking scenery, everything is well maintained, the grass, no trash everywhere, when you actually see couples and family walking talking together it makes you feel safe here , if your legs get tired they have mobil access to electric bicycles and scooters to calm them legs 🦵 nerve down , I've been 4 times already I would say 100/100"
Leon merrill
"Always a great place to stop and see the Mississippi River. Far enough from Tom Lee Park and the touristy spots to be a lovely little repose from the noise and just enjoy the sounds of water and semis crossing the I-40 bridge."
Jesse Fisher
"The park itself is great. The bike trail was very pleasant. However, (a big however) as can be seen from the posted photo, the park does not have any visible hours of operation posted for gate closing. The closing hours have been scratched off of the sign. On the day of our visit we returned from our bike riding with the family to be met with the gates being locked by the "custodian".
Rules are rules and it is acceptable that I was late, but when this custodian observed us feet from the gate and smuggly gets into his van and drives away, you can only be left with a bad experience. This wasn't the best of it, the dude returns 10 minutes later, checks the lock and quickly jumps back into his van where his female companion photographs and laughs at us sitting on the other side of the gate. We sat there baffled at this person's behavior. He reversed from the entrance to never return leaving us to call the Memphis Police to let us out.
Yes, we were late for a time we were unaware of but the subsequent behavior is very uncalled for and left my family unnecessarily worried for the situation.
I sure hope this employee enjoyed his bit of fun and has a blessed life.
Do better.
Other than this, the area is very wonderful and is a worthwhile place to visit."
Brent A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Greenbelt Park is located at 830 Island Dr, Memphis, TN. It's accessible by car and offers parking. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach the park.
Yes, Greenbelt Park has parking lots available for visitors. However, during busy periods, these can fill up, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.
While the Big River Crossing connects Memphis to Arkansas, Greenbelt Park itself is primarily accessed from the Memphis side. The crossing can be steep, so consider that if planning to walk or bike across.
Yes, Greenbelt Park Campground outside of DC is mentioned as suitable for RVs, though this specific mention might refer to a different Greenbelt Park. For the Memphis location, it's a natural floodplain, so check specific RV access if planning to camp.
Driving along the riverfront roads leading to Greenbelt Park can offer scenic views. The park itself is a natural floodplain, so the surrounding areas provide a good sense of the Mississippi River landscape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Greenbelt Park is generally a public park and does not require tickets for entry. Enjoying the walking paths, river views, and picnic areas is free.
The operating hours for Greenbelt Park are not always clearly posted, and signs indicating closing times have reportedly been altered. It's advisable to be aware of the time to avoid being locked in after the custodian closes the gates.
There is typically no entrance fee for Greenbelt Park, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination for enjoying nature and the riverfront.
While the park is generally open, be mindful of potential closing times enforced by park custodians. It's best to plan your visit to allow ample time to exit before any potential closure.
Information on reserving picnic spots or event areas is not readily available. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a good spot.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, biking, picnicking, and simply relaxing while taking in the Mississippi River views. Electric bicycles and scooters are also available for rent.
Yes, it's a great place for families! Kids can enjoy playing, and there are picnic areas for family gatherings. The open spaces are perfect for them to run around.
Restrooms are available in the bathhouses, though showers may be limited. This is particularly relevant if you are considering camping.
While not explicitly mentioned as a dog park, many parks allow leashed dogs. It's always best to check local regulations or look for signage regarding pets. mentions deer, suggesting wildlife is present.
Visitors have reported seeing deer in the park, indicating a presence of local wildlife. You can also enjoy the sounds of the river and potentially see birds.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverfront offers stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The walking trails and natural landscape also provide beautiful backdrops.
One TikTok video explicitly uses drone footage of Greenbelt Park, suggesting it might be permitted. However, always check National Park Service regulations regarding drone usage before flying.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photography. The panoramic views are particularly striking during these times.
The Mississippi River itself is the main attraction. The I-40 bridge in the background can also add an interesting element to your photos, contrasting nature with urban infrastructure.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive river views and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a tripod for those sunset shots!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing along some outdoor games like a frisbee or ball. While not explicitly a playground, the natural environment offers ample opportunities for imaginative play. The availability of electric bikes and scooters might also be a fun option for older children or to give tired legs a break.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Self-Care Seekers
Many find the park to be a safe and serene environment, ideal for de-stressing and reconnecting with nature. The well-maintained trails make it easy to explore at your own pace, and the opportunity to rent electric bikes or scooters adds an element of adventure if desired.
🚴♀️ Active Enthusiasts
For those looking to cover more ground or add a bit of fun to their workout, consider renting an electric bicycle or scooter. This allows you to explore the entire mile-long stretch of the park with ease. The relatively flat terrain makes it accessible for various fitness levels.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mississippi River Experience
Many visitors highlight the unbeatable river views, especially during sunset, which paints the sky with vibrant colors. This makes it a prime spot for photography and a romantic setting for couples. The park's proximity to the river also means you can observe barges and boats navigating the currents, adding to the dynamic scenery.
While the park is a natural floodplain, it's generally well-maintained, with clean paths and minimal trash, contributing to a pleasant experience. The contrast between the natural riverfront and the city skyline in the background offers a compelling visual narrative.
Activities for Every Pace
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, picnicking is a popular pastime. You can find numerous scenic spots to lay out a blanket and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. If you need a little assistance covering ground, electric bicycles and scooters are available for rent, providing a fun and easy way to explore the park's length.
The park's open spaces also make it ideal for casual recreation like frisbee or simply letting children run and play. The natural setting provides a safe and engaging environment for families to spend quality time outdoors.
Camping at Greenbelt Park
It's important to distinguish between the different Greenbelt Parks. If you are interested in camping near the Memphis location, you would need to research nearby campgrounds that cater to RVs and tents, as the Memphis Greenbelt Park itself is a natural floodplain and may not have dedicated camping facilities.
For those looking to camp, the DC-area Greenbelt Park Campground seems to offer a peaceful and affordable experience, ideal for those who prefer a more rustic camping environment without hookups but with essential amenities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit