Hickman County: Nature, History and Rural Experiences

Hickman County combines impressive natural landscapes with stories from the early settlement period and unusual experiences in the countryside. At the approximately 1,800-acre Happy Hollow Wildlife Management Area, you can expect elevated oak forests, steep ridges and wet valleys. The 35-acre John Noel at Bon Aqua State Natural Area offers a different landscape, with features reminiscent of old-growth forest. Those looking for a combination of wildlife observation, outdoor activity and cultural discovery will find several distinct focal points here.

Rivers, Protected Areas and Trails

The Duck River is 284 miles long and is considered the longest river located entirely within the state of Tennessee. The designated section of the Piney River ends where it flows into the Duck River in Hickman County. The Piney River also offers a swimming area and a scenic campground. This information helps you distinguish between a stay focused on river landscapes and an excursion into wooded protected areas when planning your trip, without combining all the destinations into a single route.

Around the Gordon House, you can walk around the house, follow the Old Trace to Fattybread Branch and continue on to the Duck River. The Gordon House was built in 1818. Its history also reaches back to the period before John Gordon’s family moved to the house’s later location: at that time, he operated a ferry across the Duck River, a travelers’ inn and a trading post. Along the Natchez Trace Parkway, near milepost 400.2 close to Sheboss Place, there is an unpaved path where the Benge Party crossed into Hickman County.

History and Unique Experiences

Sheboss Place offers historical exhibits as well as accessible parking for cars, buses and RVs. In Bon Aqua, an abandoned general store and a 19th-century farm were transformed into the Johnny Cash Museum Storytellers Museum & Hideaway Farm. Storytellers also serves as a venue for concerts and songwriter evenings. If you enjoy visiting places with a clearly recognizable history while on vacation, these destinations can be combined with the county’s scenic landscapes.

Local events also shape the character of the region. The annual Halloween parade on the Hickman County square features more than 35 floats. The stops on the Ag & Arts Tour range from local farms and craftspeople to musicians and small businesses presenting their work and stories. This creates a travel experience made up not only of attractions, but also of regional crafts, music and encounters with the local culture.

Wine, Country Roads and Personalized Day Trips

For moments of enjoyment, visit the tasting room at Grinder’s Switch Winery in Centerville. Wine tastings are offered there daily; you can also purchase wine gifts and local handicrafts. The winery’s original location is in a handmade log cabin. At Horseshoe Bend Farm, 18 varieties of wine are produced from fruit grown on-site and other fruit sourced from the region.

Those planning a more active excursion can set aside the Motorcycle Poker Run as a full-day drive through the countryside. At Fisher’s Off-Road Rentals in Williamsport, individuals and families can rent side-by-sides and ride on back roads in the rural areas of Hickman County. The various offerings are therefore suited to different day-trip plans: you can choose historic sites and exhibitions, head to river landscapes or plan an excursion centered on wine, music and regional agriculture.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When searching for a vacation apartment or vacation home in Hickman County, your preferred vacation focus should be your main guide. If nature and trails are your priority, you can assess the accommodation’s location based on the protected areas and excursions you plan to visit. For a trip that includes cultural and culinary experiences, destinations such as Sheboss Place, Storytellers, the wineries and the Ag & Arts Tour are worthwhile options to include in your travel planning. Since the experiences mentioned appeal to different interests, it is worth comparing the actual distances to your personal destinations of choice before booking.

For further orientation, you can also explore Only and other destinations in the same selection: Bedford County, Mcminn County, Blount County, Decatur County, Marshall County, Lauderdale County.

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