Cheatham County: Forests, Water and History

Cheatham WMA covers about 20,810 acres and consists mainly of upland hardwood forests, along with some pine stands. The trails also give the area its own character: closed roads and ATV trails offer opportunities for hiking away from the main gravel roads. Travelers who put nature experiences and activity at the center of their trip will find a different focus here than at the county’s water destinations or historic sites.

Hiking Trails and Scenic Views

Two trails offer different route profiles. The TSU Farm Interpretive Trail near Sams Creek is three-quarters of a mile long and ends at an observation platform overlooking a wetland. At about 6.5 miles, the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail is considerably longer. As a rails-to-trails route, it caters to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders, as well as birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts.

Another hiking destination is the Narrows Tunnel Trail, also called the Bluff Trail. The 1.5-mile trail in Harpeth River State Park leads to a scenic gorge and a tunnel hand-dug in 1818. The same state park offers opportunities for paddling, hiking, fishing, and cycling. It is a 650-acre linear park that extends along 40 river miles. An outing here puts both outdoor activities and a remarkable structure in the spotlight.

Lake, River, and Activities on the Water

At the normal pool elevation, Cheatham Lake covers 7,450 acres and has 320 miles of shoreline. You can fish for largemouth bass, walleye, white bass, and sunfish at Cheatham Lake. Another water-based outing takes you to the Cheatham Dam Right Bank Recreation Area, where there is a designated swimming area next to a sandy beach.

The Harpeth River flows nearly 125 miles to its confluence with the Cumberland River near Ashland City. Its blueway connects parts of Harpeth River State Park with the surrounding communities. This regional connection is a distinct aspect of the river, complementing the specific trails and activities in the state park.

Archaeology and County History

The Mound Bottom State Archaeological Area contains prehistoric Indigenous mounds from the Mississippian period, dating to about 1000–1350 CE. The central area includes at least twelve earthen mounds arranged around a seven-acre plaza. Important for visitors: Access to Mound Bottom is prohibited without permission from Harpeth River State Park or the Tennessee Division of Archaeology.

The Cheatham County Museum preserves artifacts from the period before the county was established in 1856. The Cheatham County Courthouse has stood in the center of Ashland City since 1859 and is one of the county’s best-known architectural landmarks. The two sites offer different insights: the museum preserves artifacts from the period before the county was established in 1856, while the courthouse itself stands as a historic building in the heart of town.

Other traces of the past can be found in various locations. A steamboat-building operation stood at the mouth of Marrowbone Creek in the mid-19th century. Forest Hill Cemetery in Ashland City was established as a community burial ground in 1836. River Bluff Park occupies the site of former ferry, steamboat, and flatboat landings in Ashland City. It is just off Highway 49 West and can be reached via Ashland City By-Pass Road. At Lock A Nature Trail, the former lockkeeper’s residence, foundations, and other remains of the earlier settlement are visible.

Discover more destinations: Kingston Springs, Pleasant View, Washington County, Humphreys, Haywood County, Hardeman County, Loudon, Madison County.

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