Fayette County: Forests, Water and History

Fayette County can be explored through a wide range of themes: extensive forests, river and wetland landscapes, historic buildings, and local traditions. The Wolf River State Forest covers more than 5,477 acres in the county. It includes more than 30 miles of streams and 1,560 acres of wetlands. These figures give a clear sense of the scale of the natural area and show that, alongside the forest, water and wet landscapes play an important role.

Forest, Water and Trails

The Wolf River State Forest is accessible only on foot. Motorized vehicles are not permitted; the roads remain closed and gated. Passive activities in the forest include hiking, hunting, wildlife viewing, and fishing. Details about the designated uses may continue to evolve.

The William B. Clark Conservation Area is a 460-acre natural area on the Wolf River in Fayette County. The Ghost River section of the Wolf River presents a different kind of river landscape: it is not channelized and winds through bottomland forests, cypress-tupelo swamps, and open marshlands. So, alongside forests and waterways, swamps and open wetlands are also part of the landscapes described here.

The Ghost River State Natural Area encompasses a 2,220-acre, 14-mile stretch of the Wolf River, running from the parking area near La Grange to Bateman Bridge. The natural area also has a canoe trail through a landscape characterized by Virginia willows, cypress trees, tupelo trees, and stunted swamp ash trees. In the Minnow Slough area, this trail includes a 600-foot-long boardwalk. Separately, a ten-mile-long trail runs from La Grange to Bateman Bridge through five distinctly different wetland landscapes.

Herb Parsons Lake is on a different scale: the lake in Fayette County covers 177 acres. Boat rentals are available at the lake. If you plan to rent a boat, check current availability in advance.

Architectural History and Local Traditions

The Heritage Village at Ames Plantation features restored buildings that represent the region’s architectural heritage from around 1820 to the early 20th century. Visits are currently available by appointment; arrange your visit by phone. Ames Plantation is also home to the sites of several 19th-century plantations. Since 1915, it has also been the permanent venue for the National Championship for Bird Dogs.

The Somerville Historic District comprises 101 buildings. The Fayette County Courthouse stands at the center of Somerville’s town square, within the historic district, and was built in 1925. The town’s history can therefore also be seen in a specific building and its location on the town square.

The Rossville Historical Home Tour is an annual tour of historic homes organized by a private historical committee. It also features arts and crafts by local artists, as well as lunch or refreshments. As event details may change, check the current event dates before your trip.

De Terra Vineyards and Wines of Somerville covers 34 acres and includes a farmhouse and neatly arranged rows of grapevines.

Discover more destinations: Gallaway, Braden, Greene, Sullivan, Carroll County, Hawkins County, Mcnairy County, Davidson.

For the main travel overview: Tennessee.