Hickman County: Forests, Rivers and History

Higher-elevation oak forests, steep ridges and moist valleys define the Happy Hollow Wildlife Management Area in Hickman County. The area covers about 1,800 acres. The John Noel at Bon Aqua State Natural Area is much smaller, at 35 acres, and has features of an old-growth forest. The two protected areas therefore offer different natural landscapes and scales: here, the focus is on ridges and moist valleys; there, on the features of an old forest.

River Landscapes and Natural Areas

The Duck River is 284 miles long and the longest river that flows entirely within Tennessee. The Piney River has a swimming area and a scenic campground. The designated section of the Piney River ends where it meets the Duck River in Hickman County; the designation is current as of May 5, 2026. Together, the river and protected areas offer different ways to plan a trip focused on landscapes and nature.

Gordon House and Historic Trails

Gordon House was built in 1818. Visitors can walk around the house, follow the Old Trace to Fattybread Branch, and continue to the Duck River. The route description names specific stops and combines a visit to the house with a walk along the river. The site’s history also includes an earlier period in John Gordon’s life: before his family moved to the later site of Gordon House, he operated a ferry across the Duck River, a travelers’ rest stop and a trading post. The walk and this backstory offer different ways to experience the site: the named route on the one hand, and Gordon’s earlier services for travelers on the other.

Exhibits, Music and Local Products

Sheboss Place features historical and interpretive exhibits, accessible parking for cars, buses and RVs, and wheelchair access. On the Natchez Trace Parkway, at milepost 400.2 and near Sheboss Place, there is an unpaved trail where the Benge group crossed into Hickman County. A visit therefore combines historical exhibits with a specific connection to the Parkway.

In Bon Aqua, an abandoned general store and a 19th-century farm were transformed into the Johnny Cash Museum Storytellers Museum & Hideaway Farm. Storytellers also serves as a venue for concerts and songwriter evenings. If you’d like to include an event in your trip, check the dates for your travel period.

In Centerville, the original location of Grinder’s Switch Winery is in a hand-built log cabin. The tasting room offers daily wine tastings, along with wine gifts and local crafts for purchase. Check current operating details before your visit. Bon Aqua and Centerville offer different experiences: the former focuses on the adaptive reuse of a historic building and music events, while the latter features wine tastings and local products.

The Ag & Arts Tour features stops at local farms and with artisans, musicians and small businesses, showcasing their work and stories. Its various stops give the tour a different character from a visit focused on a single house, exhibit or wine tasting. Check the specific tour dates as you plan your trip.

Plan Your Stay

When planning a hotel stay in Hickman County, it helps to distinguish time-specific events from other travel interests. For concerts, songwriter evenings and the Ag & Arts Tour, check the dates for your travel period; it’s also a good idea to check current operating details for wine tastings. The landscapes, the walk at Gordon House and the exhibits at Sheboss Place offer different experiences from attending an event on a specific date. Consider what you want to shape your trip, and search for a hotel based on your travel dates and interests.

Discover more destinations: Centerville, Only.

Discover more destinations: Bedford County, Carter, Cheatham County, Maury County, Haywood County, Dyer.

Return to the regional travel overview: Tennessee.