Trail journal from your mud-stomping correspondent, Gunny

Today’s adventure took us to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee. It had just rained the night before, and the skies still looked undecided about whether they were done. Cloudy, quiet, and damp, it’s the kind of weather where your paws stay cool and your nose picks up every scent imaginable.

We hit the Harlinsdale Farm Loop, a big grassy path mowed out through open fields and gentle slopes. It isn’t your typical forest hike, but that didn’t mean it was lacking adventure. There are paved walking paths around the main park, but we made a beeline for the loop trail instead. More space, fewer humans, and plenty of soggy surprises.

About 60 steps in, the trail threw us our first test: a wide puddle about a foot deep stretching clear across the grass. My human paused to assess. I didn’t. I took a running leap and belly-flopped straight into the middle of it. That set the tone.

The trail started curving through wide fields, surrounded by overgrown greenery that made everything smell like fresh plant life and mud. It felt like hiking through a living salad bowl. That’s when we found the pond. Gunny Rule #12: Always sprint toward the water. Even if you have no idea where it begins or ends.

So, I did.

Turns out it was one of those sneaky drop-off edges. I skidded and splashed halfway in before clambering out with zero shame and a leaf on my nose.

We weren’t alone though. Around the bend, a full battalion of geese stood waiting. At least 12 of them, maybe more, all posted up like they had territory to defend. I approached slowly. They honked in chorus. I paused. They shifted formation and made for the water. The standoff was brief, but intense. I wasn’t scared. Just tactically cautious.

The trail eventually dipped behind a line of homes, and just a heads-up to anyone bringing a dog: keep your leash snug. Lots of backyard activity, barking behind fences, and smells strong enough to pull your attention in five directions.

🐾 Trail Tip: Keep your dog leashed tight when the trail borders the neighborhood. Squirrels, other dogs, and geese flashbacks may create excitement.

From there, the loop wound its way toward some of the older structures left behind from the property’s farm days. We wandered between silos and barns, sniffing corners and doorways. Everything smelled like time. And maybe a little raccoon.

We finished the loop and made it back to the car, with one of us soaked and panting, the other somehow still clean and carrying the snacks. It wasn’t the longest or hardest hike we’ve done, but it packed in a full experience: mud, chaos, livestock diplomacy, and a few moments of total calm in the wide, open space.

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Trail Tips from the Farm

1. Expect puddles after rain. The loop doesn’t drain fast.
2. The grass can get tall. Tick check afterward is a good idea.
3. Keep a tight leash near houses and the geese zone.
4. Bring a towel, extra water, and a backup plan for the car seat. We love the nomadix towels
5. Don’t underestimate how pretty the wide open fields can be — they make for a peaceful loop, even without a tree canopy.

Until next time,
Gunny 🐾

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