Visit Attractions Along Harpeth River Nashville Tennessee

By Susan Bell


Not everyone wants to spend their vacation standing in long lines in the hot sun waiting to ride the attractions at a famous theme park. Some prefer to explore the country in order to learn more about its history and natural wonders. If this is something that interests you, the State Park Harpeth River Nashville, and its attractions, should be on your list of places to visit.

People into canoes and kayaking love spending hours paddling this linear stream and enjoying the scenic views along the way. Hikers also consider this a great destination for walking trails that are rated from easy to challenging. Some people enjoy spending time wandering over the meadows which are loaded with beautiful wildflowers most of the year. This is an excellent place for the fly fisherman in your family to spend countless relaxing hours in the pursuit of catfish, bass, bream, and bluegill.

There is plenty here to delight the most dedicated American history buff. You might decide to start with Montgomery Bell's Pattison Forge. This is the site of the first full scale tunnel built in the United States. It is nearly three hundred feet in length and was created as a water diversion by Montgomery Bell using slave labor to blast through the solid limestone. Today a waterfall is about all that is left of its original iron forge.

People fascinated with ancient history should love touring the Mound Bottom, a one hundred acre archaeological site studying the tribal community that lived there more than a thousand years ago. You will see the Temple Mound where the tribal chieftain lived and conducted ceremonial rituals. The central mound is encircled by eleven smaller ones. Inside their confines the community lived, worked, prayed and traded goods.

Hidden Lake is a fun hike that is easy to do and not very long. The trail wanders around to the lake and up on a ridge is the marble remains of a dance floor, all that is left of a popular nineteen forties resort. There are no railings, benches, or restrooms along the way. If you are hiking with children, you need to keep a careful eye on them so they don't slip and fall.

At one time this part of the country was dependent on an agrarian economy. That is why Newsom's Mill was so important to the residents of the area. The shell of the grist mill still exists for people to get a sense of what it once was like. The original shaft and wheel can also be seen.

When you are in the park, it is very important to observe the rules and regulations park officials have laid down. You won't be able to camp here, ride horses or bikes, rock climb, or hunt. Swimming in the river is not prohibited, but neither is it overseen. There is limited parking and tour buses probably won't be able to make it up the winding roads.

Harpeth River is a great place to spend a relaxing and interesting vacation. You can participate in formal guided tours or tour the sights on your own, whatever works best for you.




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