Decatur County: Nature on the Tennessee River and History

The Tennessee River, a variety of protected areas, golf and early industrial history give Decatur County its own distinctive character. Those looking to explore the landscape will find several clearly distinct settings, from riverbanks and wetlands to floodplain forests and a natural area near the river. The history, too, can be traced through specific places and dates.

River Landscapes and Protected Areas

Cypress Pond Refuge covers approximately 585 acres and lies along the banks of the Tennessee River. Its landscape includes hardwood stands on higher ground, agricultural land and wetlands. This combination sets the refuge apart from a landscape shaped solely by forest or water.

Beech River WMA covers approximately 450 acres and is located in Henderson and Decatur Counties. It includes floodplain forests, swamp and wetland areas, as well as sections of the channelized Beech River and its original meanders. Compared with Cypress Pond Refuge, the different river sections and floodplain landscapes are especially prominent here. The area can be accessed via pull-offs on Darden Road and a gravel parking area on Elliot Drive.

Carroll Cabin Barrens is a 250-acre natural area near the Tennessee River. At the trailhead, there is a parking area at the corner of Smith Gravel Pit Road and Carroll Cabin Road. This makes it possible to plan a visit to the natural area around a specific starting point, without conflating it with the distinct landscapes of the other protected areas. Decatur County is one of the nine counties along the Tennessee River Trail Scenic Byway, adding a broader regional route perspective to the nature-focused attractions.

Golf with Water in Play on Ten Holes

Tennessee River Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course in Decatur County on the Tennessee River. Water comes into play on ten holes, and the course also has a driving range. Since operating details and the availability of facilities can change, check the club’s current information before your trip.

Blast Furnace and Transportation History

Brownsport Furnace was the first hot-blast furnace built in the state of Tennessee. It began operating in the 1830s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Brownsport Furnace Park features an interpretive display of an old pig-iron smelting furnace.

The Tennessee Midland Railway connected Memphis with the Tennessee River at Perryville. The first train reached Parsons on June 30, 1889.

City Park and Events

In Decaturville, the city park has a walking loop and a play area for children. This means the park offers both a place to walk and a dedicated play area. Facility information may change; check it before your visit.

The annual Decatur County Fair features a fair, livestock shows, competitions for all age groups, exhibits, music, entertainment and food. If you’re interested in a particular program, it’s a good idea to check the latest event dates. The World’s Largest Raccoon Hunt is also held annually: since 1976, it has taken place from Thursday through Sunday on the second full weekend in April. Dates may change.

The 20th edition of the annual Carl Perkins Bass Classic is scheduled for October 10, 2026, at Beech Bend Park. If this date is important to your travel plans, check the event information ahead of time. Together, these different events show that nature, golf, history and activities offer different reasons to stay in Decatur County.

Discover more destinations: Parsons, Williamson, Jefferson County, Cumberland County, Dekalb, Hardin County, Anderson, Sumner County.

Go to the broader travel overview: Tennessee.