Centennial Park

Centennial Park is located at 2500 West End Avenue in West End and was the site of the Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition in 1897. The park hosts a playground, a steam engine that served on the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Rail Road, a large open field that frequently hosts outdoor events and a man-made lake with walk paths and gardens. The park also holds the Parthenon which is not only an art museum but is also the worlds only full-scale replica of the Partheonon in Athens, Greece.

You can fine more information on these and other Metro parks on the Parks and Recreation website at http://www.nashville.gov/parks.

Chickasaw State Rustic Park

Henderson TN
Situated on some of the highest terrain in west Tennessee the park is located in Chester and Hardeman Counties, south of Jackson TN. The park has hiking, biking, boating, cabins and camping sites (each with water and electric hookups). All campsites have picnic tables and grills. Each of the three campgrounds has modern bathhouses, hot water, and restrooms and a playground for children. The swimming beach is on the shore of Lake Placid. A valid fishing license is required for persons over 13. The park is named for the Chickasaw Indians – and includes approximately 1,400 acres. The Chickasaw Land-Use project provided funding for the restoration and development of historic and prehistoric sites near Bolivar and Henderson that included Pinson Mounds, the vacation home of President James K. Polk.
20 Cabin Lane
Henderson TN 38430
731-989-5141
http://www.thepeoplespaths.net/special/mounds.htm
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/Chickasaw/index.shtml
http://www.stateparks.com/chickasaw_hardeman.html
http://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/imagegallery.php?EntryID=C078

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Technically, only part of the park is in Middle Tennessee (the other part is in East Tennessee). Nevertheless, it is close enough and it is a must visit attraction, either for a day trip or for an extended stay and is only two to two and a half hours from downtown Nashville.

The park was created by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression and was handed over to the State of Tennessee in the mid 1940's. It is inside of a large hickory and oak forest with a 345 acre lake, streams, cascades, and several large waterfalls. The largest, Fall Creek Falls, is 256 feet high and is the highest waterfall in the eastern United States.
If you are looking for a place to experience the beauty of nature, this park offers a fantastic opportunity to fulfill that while providing a wide variety of outdoor activities.

For the Tourist:
The main attraction, Fall Creek Falls and the nearly adjacent falls, Coon Creek Falls, are visible from an easily accessible overlook. If you have more time, and endurance, there is a fairly rigorous and steep trail to the base of the falls from the overlook.
About 4 miles down the road, there is a nature center with interpretative displays and daily programs. Behind the nature center is a moderate, stepped trail to the Cane Creek Cascades.
From the Fall Creek Falls overlook parking lot, there is a one-way scenic road with several overlooks with small pull-offs. Take care if you choose to get out on some overlooks as there may be no rails from the edge of the cliff.
There are places to picnic throughout the park. The park also has several covered picnic pavilions that can be reserved in advance for parties up to 75 people.

For the Hiker:
The park boasts of over 34 miles of hiking trails including two overnight hiking trails.

For the Horse Rider:
There are stables that offer guided trail rides during warm months.

For the Bicycle Rider:
The park has 15 miles of moderately difficult mountain bike trails and three miles of paved bike trails.

For the Golfer:
The park contains a 6,669 yard course with driving range and practice green and has been honored by Golf Digest as one of the top 25 public courses in America.

For the Fisherman:
Fishing is allowed (with Tennessee license and park permit) in Fall Creek Falls Lake and in park creeks. Although private boats are not allowed, you can rent pedal boats, canoes and jon boats (although you will need to provide trolling motor and battery). Largemouth bass, channel bass and bream are reported to be in the park.

For the Swimmer:
The park has an Olympic-sized pool that is open during the summer months The pool has bathhouses and a food stand that is available for swimmers. Swimming in the Lake is available in designated areas only.

For those Staying Overnight:
Camping: The park has over 228 campsites with grills, tables, water and electricity and is serviced by several bathhouses with hot running water. Some sites have sewer connections and some can take RVs up to 45 feet in length. Campsites are under a pleasant tree canopy. The park also offers several primitive walk-in sites and a few are located on the overnight trails. The campground is very popular during holidays and weekends during warm months and reservations are highly recommended. There are also two group camps for groups of up to 100 or 150 campers equipped with rustic cabins. There is a camp store located nearby and ice and firewood is available for purchase year round.
Cabins: The park offers many two to three bedroom cabins designed to sleep eight to ten people. Some cabins are located on a hill overlooking the lake and some cabins are located on the lake which allows fishing right from the porch. The cabins are fully equipped and are open year round.
Hotel: The Fall Creek Falls Inn is located on the lake and all rooms have baths and cable. There is also a fitness room, game room and an outdoor swimming pool.

For the Hungry:
There is a restaurant located inside the Fall Creek Falls Inn serving buffet and prepared meals.

For more information, please visit the official park website at: http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls/

Fort Donelson National Battlefield

Under the command of Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant, this is the site of the North’s first major victory of the Civil War. Fort Donelson National Battlefield offers curriculum-based classroom materials, including lesson plans for teachers. Slaves from surrounding areas in Tennessee and Kentucky came to Forts Donelson and Henry after they were captured by the Union Army where they were protected. Located in Dover, Tennessee.
http://www.nps.gov/chch
http://www.nps.gov/archive/fodo/indepth/home.htm
http://www.nps.gov/history/history/park_histories/index.htm
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_nbp/tn_fortd.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Donelson

Harpeth River State Park

Cheatham County
Located on the Harpeth River in Middle Tennessee – this park offers natural, cultural, and recreational day use areas, canoeing, fishing, hiking, the Montgomery Bell’s Pattison Forge, picnic tables, and guided tours of Newsom’s Mill Historic Site, the Narrows, Mace Bluff, and Mound Bottom (by reservation). Objects from the excavation of Mound Bottom are on display inside the park office.

Hwy 70
Kingston Springs TN 37887
715-952-2099
http://cleanairtn.org/environment/parks/HarpethRiver/

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park

Old Stone Fort State Archaelogical Park, located near Manchester, TN is the site of a pre-historic Native American structure featuring pedestal mounds and earthworks. The site also hosts ruins of an old papermill. The park is located at the joining of the Duck River and the Little Duck River. This location is on the edge of the Highland Rim and hosts several waterfalls, such as the Blue Hole Falls, pictured here.

The park offers a small museum and camping. For more information, visit http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/OldStoneFort.

Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park

Pinson, TN
Pinson Mounds, one of two state archaeological parks (the other is Old Stone Fort), is set aside to protect the prehistoric remains found there. Pinson Mounds, the largest Middle Woodland Period mound group, consists of at least 15 earthen mounds, a geometric enclosure, habitation areas and related earthworks on almost 1,200 acres. The Mounds are located on a plateau and lay upland above the South Fork of the Forked Dear River. Divided into three sections – the Inner Complex includes Sauls’ Mound (named for John Sauls – owner of the land purchased by the State) and is at the center of the complex, the Eastern Section which features the Eastern Citadel and the Western (Ozier) Section featuring the Ozier Mound and Twin Mounds.

460 Ozier Road
Pinson TN 28366
731-988-5614
http://www.tnvacation.com/vendors/pinson_mounds_state_archaeological_park/
http://frank.mtsu.edu/~soc/anthropology/pinson/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinson_Mounds_State_Park
http://books.google.com/books?id=9DjMSsxUR_UC&pg=PA243&lpg=PA243&dq=loca...

Red Clay State Historical Park

Located in the southwest corner of Bradley County – just above the Tennessee-Georgia state line, the park covers 263 acres and contains the natural landmark, the Blue Hole Spring, which rises from beneath a limestone ledge to form a deep pool that flows into Mill Creek. The spring was used by the Cherokee for their water supply during council meetings. The park has a 100-person capacity picnic pavilion and 18 individual picnic tables – available on a first come, first served basis. Behind the Amphitheater near the picnic area is the entrance to a 1.7 mile loop trail to Overlook Tower. The park hosts the Annual Cherokee Days of Recognition Festival each year in early August. Between 1832 and 1838, Red Clay served as the seat of Cherokee government, consisting of 11 general councils and 5,000 people. The Trail of Tears began here, for it was at Red Clay Council Grounds that the Cherokee learned they had lost their lands forever. The park preserves the site of the last Cherokee encampment before their relocation to Oklahoma. The visitor center features 19th century Cherokee artifacts and replicas of a council house, Cherokeefarmhouse, corn crib and barn, as well as the Blue Hole Spring. Red Clay State Historical Park is a certified interpretive site on the Trail of Tears.

1140 Red Clay Park
Cleveland TN 37311
423-478-0339
http://www.thepeoplespaths.net/special/mounds.htm
http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/RedClay/
http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/RedClay/features/historic.shtml
http://www.ohwy.com/tn/r/reclhisp.htm

Sellars Mound (Sellars Farm State Archaeological Area)

Wilson County
Located on a the Sellars Farm State Archaeological Area, the area contains the remains of a Native American community that existed in prehistoric time and was abandoned by the time European settlers arrived in Middle Tennessee. While most of the mounds in Tennessee have been destroyed long ago, Sellars Farm is one of the few mounds in Tennessee that is protected under government ownership. Relics found include complex stone carvings now housed at the McClung Museum in Knoxville. The mound is located next to Spring Creek, a tributary of the Cumberland River, which provided food in the form of mussels and fish and a form of defense, as it surrounded the village on three sides. It is located on the southeastern edge of Lebanon and Wilson Counties. The site was deeded to Lt. Nathaniel Lawrence in the mid to late 1700’s and passed through his daughter to the Lindsley descendents. In 1877, Dr. Frederick Putnam explored and excavated the Lindsley Estate finding pottery, corn cobs, arrowheads, earthen pots, pipes carved from sandstone, and numerous other relics. He also found the remains of numerous children and adult Native Americans. The artifacts were returned to the Peabody Museum. In 1909, James Sellars purchased the property and forbid any excavation at the village and mound site. The Sellars Indian Mound was added to the national Register of Historic Places in 1972. The State of Tennessee acquired the land in 1974 with plans to protect the Sellars Farm Site.
http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-4113862/Assessment-of-species-fo...
http://www.tnhistoryforkids.org/places/sellars_farm/
http://webwhisper.com/Sellars_Farm_SAA/fsfindex.html

Stones River National Battlefield

A battle of the Civil War between more than 80,000 men in the town of Murfreesboro, TN. The National Park Service preserves and protects about 20% of the actual battlefield. Established as Stones River National Military Park in 1927, the site also contains the Stones River National Cemetery. The battle site is located along the Stones River – and following this fierce midwinter battle, the Confederate Army withdrew and ceded control of Middle Tennessee to the Union.

3501 Old Nashville Highway
Murfreesboro, TN
http://www.nps.gov/stri/
http://www.friendsofstonesriver.org/
http://www.nps.gov/stri/siteindex.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stones_River_National_Battlefield

Warner Parks

Edwin Warner and Percy Warner are collectively known as the Warner parks. They are administred by Metropolitan Nashville Parks and recreation and they are the largest municipally administered parks in Tennessee. The parks offer miles of scenic hiking trails, scenic overlooks, an equestrian center, athletic fields and golf courses. They are located on TN-100 just south of Belle Meade and are bisected by Old Hickory Boulevard.

You can fine more information on these and other Metro parks on the Parks and Recreation website at http://www.nashville.gov/parks.