Freewill - Candies Creek Walking Trail - Cleveland, TN
Freewill – Candies Creek Walking Trail: A Pet-Friendly Trail in Cleveland, Tennessee
Freewill – Candies Creek Walking Trail offers dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts a scenic 1.25-mile trail located in Cleveland, Tennessee. This dog-friendly trail lets you enjoy both gravel and paved pathways, winding through lush wetland areas formed on a former golf course. The trail is known for its abundant wildlife—including rabbits, deer, birds, and even small fish—making it perfect for a peaceful stroll or an adventurous hike with your pup.
While the trail welcomes dogs on leash, it also serves families with children, offering safe, kid-friendly walks and plenty of natural sights to explore. Trail users note the beauty of the scenery, particularly in the first half of the route, but advise caution after heavy rain as some sections may become muddy or partially flooded. Parking is available, though backing out onto Freewill Road requires attention. With no fenced areas or separate dog zones, this park is best for leashed adventures and enjoying the outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the main feature is a 1.25-mile walking and hiking trail.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, after heavy rains, parts of the trail may be under water and can remain muddy for days.
- Is this park good for kids? Yes, the trail is described as good for kids and offers a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is a parking area on site.
- Is the area shaded? There is some shade provided by the surrounding greenery, especially through the scenic first half of the route.
Reviews
A great spot to walk/ride and see a lot of wild life since the middle is so grown up. I wish whoever owned this would do some trail maintenance as there’s a-lot of soil and rock over the pathway in certain areas.
Easy 1.25 mile walk on a gravel and paved trail.
IIRC this section of an old golf course was purchased by the City and made a wetlands to offset natural wetlands consumed by the new Cleveland Jetport. As such, it is a wetlands with all that this implies. After heavy rains, the trails may be under water and muddy for days. So completing the full loop may require wading. On the positive, go early and see all the wildlife that enjoy the area. Be careful backing out of the parking area onto Freewill raceway.
Length- 1.25 miles
Pathway- concrete and overgrowning areas of soil and greenery
I believe this was constructed by one of the many owners you will pass by on your walk/run
The first home has a beautiful garden out back and the first half of the path is scenic. The later part is overgrown and you will see wildlife.
Things I saw on first run
White dragonfly
Rabbit
Deer
Wild flowers
Small fish
The run experience was great 👍
I’m working myself around to different trails so follow along