Franklin, Tennessee may be best known for its Southern charm and Civil War history, but it’s also a place where trails and taprooms come together. Just outside the bustle of Nashville, Heartbeat and Gray Trail offers a wooded escape perfect for a morning trek — and not far off, Curio Brewing Company awaits with a pour for every pace. Whether you’re capping off your hike with an IPA or recharging with a rich espresso, this blend of nature and craft makes for a day well-spent.
A Post-Hike Pick-Me-Up: Curio Brewing Company
Whether you’re a morning hiker craving a cold brew (the coffee kind) or finishing an afternoon trek and thirsting for an IPA, Curio has you covered. While most breweries focus solely on hops, Curio breaks the mold — offering both freshly roasted coffee and craft beer under the same roof.
“Curio is less a name and more a question,” owner Von Wotring told us. “Be curious and explore our unique and wonderful community centered on beer, coffee, food, and fun.” Serving up coffee by day and beer by night, Curio creates an eccentric and unconventional blend of community and flavor. When you walk in, it’s not just the rare pairing of ground coffee and hops in the air that reflects Curio’s philosophy — it’s the space itself. The interior fuses the warmth of a cozy coffee shop with the industrial edge of a modern brewery. It’s a place where comfortable leather sofas and wood chairs meet concrete countertops.
The brewery prides itself on its IPAs – the Setting Sun West Coast IPA is their best-seller, but the Barn Cat Farmhouse IPA is also a must-try. With a wide range of selections from ales to lagers, the brewery has something for everyone. If coffee’s more your speed, they offer a variety of caffeinated options — from brewed coffee to espresso-based drinks. The variety offered at Curio speaks to Von’s mission of crafting a unique community centered around beer, coffee, and conversation. “We are Franklin’s brewery on a less-worn path just south of downtown. More and more first-time visitors are finding us, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Curio’s community keeps growing — with Trivia on Wednesdays and Bingo bringing the fun every Friday night. They also run a variety of smaller events and invite you to enjoy live music throughout the year. Curio Brewing is 16 miles northeast (roughly a 20-minute drive) from the Heartbeat and Gray Trail, and located in Franklin, Tennessee. If you’ve got the time, defintely checkout the city’s historic Main Street.
Trail Time: Exploring Heartbeat and Gray
For those seeking a moderately challenging trail near Nashville, Tennessee, the Heartbeat and Gray Trail in Franklin is an ideal choice. Winding through serene, wooded parkland, it offers a peaceful escape from the city. Managed by the City of Franklin, the park features a network of trails, many of which intersect, so navigation can be tricky at times. We recommend downloading the AllTrails map to stay on track. Along the way, you’ll pass through quiet woods, open fields, and rolling pastures, with a picnic area waiting at the top of one of the hills.
The Heartbeat and Gray trail is approximately 2.5 miles long, and has an elevation gain of just over 200 feet (fact check this). It is the longest of the group of Westhaven trails in Franklin, but many of these trails intersect with Heartbeat and Gray and can take you around all parts of the scenic park. The park itself is very hilly, but has been well maintained so that the trails are free of debris. Even in the rainy season, the paths remain in decent shape despite steep inclines.
Getting to the trailhead is straightforward. You have to drive to the end of a small and quiet neighborhood in Franklin. While there is no designated parking area for the trailhead, parking is available right in front of the trailhead. If these spots are taken, find street parking in the neighborhood.
A day that starts with a hike and ends with a good beer is tough to top. For more Post Hike Brew adventures like this one, explore our Interactive Brew Map to discover the perfect brew to pair with your next hike.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we explore the country to help you find your next favorite pint Cheers to the trails!
