Outdoor Adventure & Discovery on the Tennessee River Trail
Navigate the winding roads of the Tennessee River Trail to explore the charming small towns, historic sites, and scenic waterfronts that define this iconic route.
Spanning Middle and West Tennessee, the Tennessee River Trail offers a natural paradise where travelers are invited to "just go with the flow." From scenic drives and wildlife viewing to historic battlefields and quaint town squares, the route seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with rich heritage. Best of all, the journey is a culinary delight, featuring authentic Southern cooking and some of the region's finest catfish. Here are ten curated stops along the Tennessee River Trail you should add to your itinerary.
Follow the Tennessee River Trail
Loretta Lynn's Ranch - Hurricane Mills
Visitors flock to Hurricane Mills for a glimpse into the life of country superstar Loretta Lynn, whose legendary career spanned more than 6 decades and 60 albums. Loretta Lynn's Ranch houses multiple attractions, including tours of the singer's home, the Coal Miner's Daughter Museum telling her rags-to-riches story and a recreation of Lynn's childhood home. There's also the Doll and Fan Museum displaying gifts sent by the entertainer's many fans, Loretta's Frontier Homestead featuring furnished original log cabins with more than 400 artifacts, Grist Mill Museum showcasing equipment used to produce cornmeal in the 1800s and the Native American Artifacts Museum containing thousands of relics. In addition, the ranch has shops, cabins, RV and tent camping, and Loretta Lynn's Kitchen, the onsite restaurant with southern cooking, classic country music, and lots of fun memorabilia.
Commodore Hotel - Linden
A shining example of small-town revitalization, the Commodore Hotel in Linden transforms a 1939 landmark into a charming boutique experience. Stepping inside feels like a trip to a bygone era, thanks to period décor and preserved architectural details that capture the nostalgia of the early 20th century. But it is more than just a place to sleep; the on-site Commodore Café is a cultural hub known for its locally sourced cuisine and frequent live music, offering a perfect mix of Southern hospitality and historic elegance.
Shiloh National Military Park - Shiloh
Widely considered one of the most pristine and well-preserved battlefields in the nation, Shiloh National Military Park offers a powerful journey through the dramatic events of April 1862. As you tour the "Hornet’s Nest" and the solemn National Cemetery, you will walk the same grounds where Grant and Johnston clashed. Yet, the history here runs even deeper than the Civil War. The park also protects the Shiloh Indian Mounds, a National Historic Landmark inhabited by Mississippian mound builders some 800 years ago. Visitors can explore these ancient earthworks on a high bluff, which offers one of the most scenic views of the Tennessee River in the entire park.
Eiffel Tower Park - Paris
You don’t need a passport to see the world’s most famous landmark—just a trip to Eiffel Tower Park in Paris, Tennessee. The town’s claim to fame is a 60-foot, lighted scale replica of the Eiffel Tower, a perfect photo op that adds a touch of European whimsy to the South. Beyond the tower, the park is a family-friendly hub featuring a splash pad, disc golf course, and pickleball courts, proving that this small town knows how to have big fun.
Perryville Marina - Parsons
Situated on the scenic shores of Kentucky Lake, Perryville Marina is a gateway to the Tennessee River’s natural beauty. Located just east of Parsons, this full-service marina is a favorite stop for boaters and anglers alike, offering covered slips, pontoon rentals, and easy access to some of the best bass and catfish waters in the region. Whether you're fueling up for a day on the river or settling in at the waterfront campground, it’s the perfect launching point for your aquatic adventures.
Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway - Dover
Winding through the heart of the Land Between the Lakes, the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway offers a peaceful drive through one of the region’s most diverse landscapes. This 43-mile route connects travelers to herds of roaming bison and elk at the Elk & Bison Prairie, as well as the 1850s Homeplace, a living history farm that recreates life before the Civil War. Whether you stop to explore the ruins of the Great Western Iron Furnace or simply admire the rolling timberland between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, the "Trace" is an essential corridor for outdoor enthusiasts.
Court Square - Waverly
The Court Square in Waverly, Tennessee, serves as the vibrant historic and social heart of Humphreys County, centered around the distinctive Modern Art Deco-style Courthouse. While holding onto its 19th-century roots, the Square today is an active commercial district featuring local shops, restaurants, and the historic Mi-De-Ga Theatre. During the summer, the square truly comes alive as the stage for the community’s seasonal "Music on the Square" series, making it a perfect stop for cultural charm and local flavor.
Lime Kiln - Erin
A powerful remnant of the region’s industrial past, the Lime Kilns in Erin, Tennessee, date back to the 1870s and highlights Houston County's most significant early industry. These large, stone masonry structures—including the Twin Kilns and the Quarry Limekiln—were used for decades to burn limestone, producing lime vital for construction and agricultural purposes. Visitors can explore the impressive scale of these National Register-listed ruins, which stand today as silent monuments to the workers who fueled the Middle Tennessee economy well into the 20th century.
Tennessee River Museum - Savannah
Located in a historic post office building in downtown Savannah, the Tennessee River Museum chronicles centuries of life along the river’s edge. Exhibits here span from the prehistoric age of dinosaurs and the Mississippian mound builders to the "Golden Age of Steamboats" and the modern-day musseling industry. Highlights include a half-scale replica of the USS Cairo gunboat—perfect for Civil War buffs—and a moving exhibit on the Trail of Tears, which crossed the river just steps away.
Pickwick Landing State Park - Counce
A haven for water lovers, Pickwick Landing State Park is renowned for its exceptional fishing, boating, and swimming on the shimmering waters of Pickwick Lake. But the relaxation extends well beyond the shoreline. The newly renovated Lodge at Pickwick Landing offers the perfect resort-style retreat, featuring spacious rooms with private balconies that overlook the water. After a day on the 18-hole golf course or the lake, guests can unwind at the on-site restaurant and lounge, enjoying craft cocktails and Southern comfort food with a stunning view of the sunset.