Cheatham County: Nature, Water and History
Accommodation in Cheatham County
Cheatham County combines extensive forests, large bodies of water and impressive evidence of its history. The Cheatham WMA covers approximately 20,810 acres and consists predominantly of deciduous hill-country forests, complemented by some stands of pine. It is also home to Cheatham Lake, which covers 7,450 acres at the normal pool level and has a shoreline of 320 miles, as well as the Harpeth River, which flows for almost 125 miles to its confluence with the Cumberland River near Ashland City. For a trip with a variety of interests, this landscape offers many points of connection – from active days on the water to historical discoveries.
Hiking Trails, Water and Nature Experiences
In the Cheatham WMA, closed-off roads and ATV trails away from the main gravel roads offer opportunities for hiking. Another option is the approximately 6.5-mile Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail. This rails-to-trails route is intended for hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts. If you prefer a shorter route, you can plan to take the three-quarter-mile interpretive trail at the TSU Farm near Sams Creek. It ends at a viewing platform overlooking a wetland.
Harpeth River State Park is a 650-acre linear state park that stretches for 40 river miles. It offers opportunities for paddling, hiking, fishing and cycling. The Harpeth River Blueway connects sections of Harpeth River State Park with the surrounding communities. At Cheatham Lake, you can fish for largemouth bass, walleye, white bass and sunfish. The Cheatham Dam Right Bank Recreation Area also has a designated swimming area next to a sandy beach.
For an active day trip, the 1.5-mile Narrows Tunnel Trail, also known as the Bluff Trail, in Harpeth River State Park is a good choice. The trail leads to a scenic gorge and a tunnel constructed by hand in 1818. These different routes help you make your trip varied: longer trails can be followed by shorter nature-watching stops or time spent by the water.
Prehistoric Sites and the History of Cheatham County
Among the exceptional cultural sites is the Mound Bottom State Archaeological Area. It contains prehistoric Native American mound structures from the Mississippian period, dating to approximately A.D. 1000 to 1350. The central area includes at least 12 earth mounds arranged around a seven-acre plaza. Important for your planning: Access to Mound Bottom is prohibited without permission from Harpeth River State Park or the Tennessee Division of Archaeology.
The Cheatham County Museum also takes visitors far back into the past. Its artifacts date from before the county was founded in 1856. Cheatham County Courthouse has stood in the center of Ashland City since 1859 and is one of the best-known architectural landmarks in Cheatham County. Forest Hill Cemetery in Ashland City was established as a community burial ground, or public cemetery, as early as 1836.
Further traces of history can be found in various locations. The mouth of Marrowbone Creek was the site of a steamboat-building operation in the mid-19th century. At Lock A Nature Trail, the former lockkeeper’s residence, foundations and other remains of the former settlement are visible. River Bluff Park is located immediately off Highway 49 West and can be reached via Ashland City By-Pass Road. It occupies the site of Ashland City’s former ferry, steamboat and flatboat landing.
The Right Accommodation for Planning Your Trip
When choosing a vacation rental in Cheatham County, it is worth defining the focus you want for your trip. If you would like to combine hiking, cycling or birdwatching, the different trail lengths and landscapes can shape your daily planning. For a trip centered around water, fishing, paddling, the swimming area at Cheatham Lake and the river landscapes take center stage. If you are more interested in history, Mound Bottom, the museum, the courthouse and the historic traces of Ashland City can be included as cultural highlights.
An accommodation thus becomes more than just a place to spend the night; it becomes the starting point for your personal mix of activities. When searching, check which of the places mentioned you actually want to include and whether a vacation apartment or vacation home suits your preferred pace. For additional destination pages, you can then discover Kingston Springs and Pleasant View.
For the higher-level travel overview: Tennessee.
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