BEDFORD COUNTY
Shelbyville
Coy Gaithers/Bedford Lake
Shelbyville, 37160
931-781-6622
Coy Gaithers/Bedford Lake can be found in Bedford County. The lake is approximately 14 miles east of Wartrace, TN and Shelbyville, TN. The lake is 47 acres and has a picnic area for visitors. The fishing facilities also include a boat launching ramp, fishing pier, and fish attractors.
Duck River
Shelbyville, 37160
931-684-7820
The Duck River is the longest and one of the most beautiful rivers in Tennessee. It originates near downtown Manchester at the meeting place of the Barren Fork and the Little Duck in Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. The Duck River runs for 268.5 miles, twisting and turning its way across seven counties before emptying into Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River. This river is a natural treasure, supplying water for many communities along the river.
This natural area provides fishing, boating, camping and Duck River access for canoes and small watercraft. The Duck River is stocked with trout and other game fish. Visit the Normandy Fish Hatchery in the area. Group tours available with advanced reservations.
Normandy Dam Reservoir and Fish Hatchery
365 Huffman Rd
Normandy, 37360
800-882-5263, 615-781-6622
www.tva.gov/sites/normandy.html
Normandy Reservoir attracts bass anglers, campers, and boaters from a wide area. Barton Springs Recreation Area on the south shore of the reservoir is particularly popular.
The Duck River watershed is one of the most biologically diverse river systems in the nation. Over 500 species of fish, insects, and other
aquatic life inhabit the ecosystem, including two species of mussels — the Cumberland monkeyface and the birdwing pearly — on the endangered species list.
Normandy is the largest of the non-power dams on tributaries of the Tennessee River. It is operated for flood damage reduction, water supply, and recreational opportunities. Normandy also provides water for a fish hatchery immediately downstream.
COFFEE COUNTY
Manchester
May Prairie State Natural Area
Manchester, TN 37355
615-532-0431
https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/na-natural-areas/natural-areas-middle-region/middle-region/na-na-may-prairie.html
May Prairie State Natural Area protects 340 acres of forest and prairie.
Late summer is the showiest time to visit the prairie while the woods support flowering azaleas in the spring. Visitors can park at the designated parking area on Asbury Road and walk an unmarked pathway south through the forest to the prairie.
Old Stone Fort State
Archaeological Park
732 Stone Fort Dr
Manchester, 37355
931-461-7676
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/old-stone-fort
The Old Stone Fort is an earth and stone enclosure, built as a sacred site by Woodland Native Americans 1,500 – 2,000 years ago. The picturesque waterfalls of both forks of the Duck River also attracted 19th-century industries, the ruins of which are still visible. There are approximately five miles of hiking trails and 50 RV campsites. Nearby is May Prairie State Natural Area, a prairie remnant containing dozens of rare plants.
Rutledge Falls
1400 Rutledge Falls Rd
Tullahoma, 37388
615-613-5627
Located halfway between Tullahoma and Manchester. Follow signs for Rutledge Falls Baptist Church. Ice-cold spring-fed waterfall. Rutledge Falls is a gorgeous site for weddings; but advanced permission must be requested as the Falls are on private property.
Short Springs State Natural Area
Hwy 55, Country Club Rd
Tullahoma, 37388
931-455-4186, 615-532-0431
www.tullahomatn.gov
Located three miles west on Country Club Dr off Hwy 55. A 420-acre preserve that features waterfalls and over five miles of walking-hiking trails. The natural area is excellent contrast between Highland Rim and Central Basin geology and vegetation. When descending along the Machine Falls trail, you can observe exposed black Chattanooga shale at mid-slope, a formation that delineates these two Basins.Thickets of mountain laurel grow on the upper slopes under a dry oak hickory forest canopy that is characteristic of Highland Rim vegetation. Short Springs is one of the very best Spring wildflower locations in the state showcasing Virginia bluebells, jack-in-the-pulpit, larkspur, and Dutchman’s breeches.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
Winchester
The Bear Trace Golf Course at Tims Ford
Tims Ford State Park
891 Wiseman Bend Rd
Winchester, 37398
931-968-0995
https://tnstateparks.com/golf
This premier “Bear Trace” golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus features 18 holes and is one of the premium golf courses in Southern Middle TN. Amenities include a driving range, practice green, on-site lodging, snack bar, and club rental.
Tims Ford State Park
570 Tims Ford Dr
Winchester, 37398
931-968-3536
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/tims-ford
Situated in the shadows of the Cumberland Plateau in south-central Tennessee, this 3,546-acre park is home to Tims Ford Lake, renowned as one of the top bass fishing and recreational lakes in the Southeast. While the park’s focus is on fishing and water recreation, it also boasts 22 miles of biking and hiking trails, seven of which are paved. Additional facilities include cabins, campsites, a boat dock, and a Jack Nicklaus signature “Bear Trace” golf course.
Walls of Jericho Wilderness Area
Belvidere, 37306
615-781-6622, 615-532-0431
http://www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/jericho/
The Walls of Jericho is a 750-acre natural area that is within the 8,943-acre Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Tennessee, which is contiguous to the Skyline WMA in Alabama. It was designated in 2016 and is owned by State of Tennessee. The area features picturesque cascades. There are hiking trails and horse trails. Both lead into the gorge. A tent only camping area is available at the bottom. This area is managed by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
LINCOLN COUNTY
Kelso
Elk River
190 Smithland Rd
Kelso, 37348
931-937-6886
The Elk River rises on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau in Middle Tennessee and flows southwest through steep wooded hills and farm land to the Tennessee River near Wheeler Dam in North Alabama. It has good current, yet is a pastoral stream suitable for family recreation. It is also a scenic stream and is easy to float (Class 1). The Elk River offers excellent trout fishing in the upper stretch and smallmouth bass fishing is popular in the deep pools.
MARSHALL COUNTY
Chapel Hill
The Golf Course at Henry Horton State Park
4358 Nashville Hwy,
Chapel Hill, 37034
931-364-2319
https://tnstateparks.com/golf
On-site amenities include a driving range, practice green, pull carts, on-site lodging, snack bar, and club rental.
Henry Horton State Park
4358 Nashville Hwy
Chapel Hill, 37034
931-364-2222
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/henry-horton
This park is on the old estate of Henry H. Horton, the 36th governor of Tennessee. It is on the Duck River, the longest remaining stretch of free-flowing river in Tennessee, which supports the most diverse mussel fauna in the world. With opportunities to paddle the Duck River and explore over 10 miles of trails, Henry Horton is a wonderful place to get outside. The Lodge at Henry Horton State Park offers eight cabins, a campground, and a lodge with 65 rooms and four suites. The restaurant and visitor center were completely renovated in Spring 2022. 40 miles south of Nashville off I-65.
The Restaurant and Lounge at Henry Horton State Park offer fresh meals and a variety of local and Tennessee spirits, wines, and beers.
Lewisburg
Rock Creek Park and Walking Trail
310 Old Farmington Rd
Lewisburg, 37091
931-359-1544
Rock Creek Park and Walking Trail is located near Lewisburg’s downtown attractions. The park features a farmers’ market pavilion, an outdoor stage, a bricked area honoring local veterans and leaders, an iron bridge, and several miles of walking track along the historic Rock Creek. Benches are placed appropriately along the walking trail for scenic enjoyment. The park is the site of several annual music festivals and/or holiday celebrations.
Monteagle Mountain/South Cumberland Area
Grundy County
Franklin State Forest
11370 2nd St
Sherwood, 37376
931-598-0830
www.state.tn.us/agriculture/forestry/stateforest06.html
This forest covers 8,836 acres. The land was acquired in 1936 from the Cross Creek Coal Company and was highly degraded. The Forest is on the Cumberland Plateau and located in south-central Tennessee, in Marion and Franklin Counties. The forest is 35-40 miles west of Chattanooga. About 99% of the land is forested and about 90% of the land is in hardwood forest types both young and mature. About 10% of the Forest is pine. The area has a history of timber abuse by diameter-limit cuts and uncontrolled wildfires. It is home to a diverse number of wildlife species. The forest has been traditionally used for hunting, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and camping.
Savage Gulf State Park
1183 Stone Door Rd
Beersheba Springs, 37305
931-692-3887
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/savage-gulf
Savage Gulf State Park, featuring one of Tennessee’s most scenic wilderness areas, includes the nearly 19,000-acre Savage Gulf State Natural Area. The park offers approximately 60 miles of hiking to remarkable vistas, waterfalls, historical locations and nine backcountry campgrounds. Camping reservations are required and can be made online.
South Cumberland State Park
11745 US Hwy 41
Monteagle, 37356
931-924-2980
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/south-cumberland
Spanning over 12,000 acres, South Cumberland offers some of the region’s best hiking and backcountry camping. The Visitor’s Center, located on State Hwy 41 between Monteagle and Tracy City, provides interpretive exhibits and information about the park. Explore areas like Fiery Gizzard, Denny Cove, Lost Cove, and Grundy Lakes. Fiery Gizzard, one of the nation’s top trails, connects Grundy Forest and Foster Falls, offering swimming opportunities and panoramic views. Carter State Natural Area is part of a unique 18,000-acre sinkhole valley named Lost Cove, Sewanee Natural Bridge is a stunning sandstone arch overlooking Lost Cove. Grundy Lakes, a day-use area near Tracy City, offers swimming, picnicking, fishing, hiking and a view of 19th-century Coke Ovens. The park has both primitive and backcountry campsites. Camping reservations are required and can be made online.
