Maury County: River Landscapes, Trails, and History

Three sides of Yanahli Park are bordered by the Duck River. Maury County combines river landscapes and trails through diverse natural areas with historic homes, churches, and museums. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, the planned mix of nature, culture, and excursions can help determine your focus.

Parks and trails with a variety of highlights

The Maury County park system covers approximately 1,000 acres and includes six parks. The trails offer opportunities for walking, mountain biking, and challenging hikes. Chickasaw Trace Park, northwest of Columbia, features nine miles of mountain biking trails; the 240.5-acre park also has a boat launch. Maury County Park is in central Columbia. There, a one-mile nature trail connects to an outdoor classroom.

Maury County Park also offers a variety of activities: Along the Storybook Trail, children’s books are displayed on signs at child height. During several annual events, the Mid-South Live Steamers miniature railroad offers rides to the public; check the event dates before visiting.

Henry Horton State Park is in the Chapel Hill area of Maury County and covers just over 1,500 acres. Its South Horton Trail System offers ten miles of combined trails for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. Other trails have their own highlights: The paved Henry Horton Greenway is 1.5 miles long and accessible. The paved Storybook Trail is a 0.33-mile loop that passes information about Middle Tennessee tree species. The Adeline Wilhoite River Trail Loop is 1.65 miles long and leads to a 20-foot-tall observation tower.

The Duck River at Henry Horton State Park offers opportunities for kayaking, tubing, and fishing. Golf enthusiasts will also find the Buford Ellington Golf Course there; the course, lined with hardwood trees, has 37 bunkers.

Yanahli Park is notable for its diverse ecosystems, flora and fauna, and geological and hydrological features. The Yanahli Wildlife Management Area includes cedar glades and oak-hickory forests; prairie warblers and blue-winged warblers also nest locally. The 90-acre state natural area Stillhouse Hollow Falls is in Maury County; the Stillhouse Hollow Falls Trail runs near Mount Pleasant. The loop trail is 1.2 miles long, and reaches the waterfall after about two-thirds of a mile.

Historic sites and tours

Rippa Villa was built in 1855 and is associated with a significant event of the American Civil War on November 29, 1864. A 60-minute tour takes visitors through the historic home. A separate 100-minute tour of historic downtown Spring Hill begins at Rippa Villa. This tour requires at least 24 hours’ advance notice and a minimum of two participants.

The Historic Athenaeum was built in 1837 and served as a parsonage for two historic girls’ schools. It operated until 1904; the property was then sold to the City of Columbia for use as a public school. Elm Springs is an antebellum home in Maury County, dating to around 1837. St. John’s Episcopal Church was consecrated in 1842; you can visit the church and cemetery on the grounds in Ashwood.

Rattle and Snap is a private residence and plantation estate in Maury County, accessible by appointment only. Tours of the mansion and gardens should be reserved at least three days in advance. Confirm the appointment terms before your arrival.

Columbia: Architecture, Art, and Local Traditions

The Columbia Commercial Historic Downtown District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Its recognized architecture includes Federal, Victorian, and mid-19th-century Revival styles. A few blocks from downtown, the Columbia Arts District is located around South Garden and High Street. It was created as a place where artists can live and work.

Columbia is home to James K. Polk’s only surviving residence besides the White House. The Polk Home offers educational tours led by museum educators. The Mt. Pleasant Museum of Local History displays historical materials about the town’s development, its economy and industry, and the lives of its residents. The Pryor Art Gallery presents works by regional artists, traveling exhibitions, and works by college and school students.

Columbia’s culinary offerings and events are also good reasons to include the city in your travel plans. The Columbia Farmers Market offers local produce, meat, eggs, honey, jams, baked goods, and handmade products. The Fruit Tea Trail invites visitors to explore restaurants and cafés serving different fruit tea variations; each offers its own blends of fruit, juices, tea, and herbs.

Mule Day has been a popular tradition in Columbia since the 1840s. The multi-day festival may include a parade, a mule-driving contest, a horse show, and an arts and crafts festival. At First Fridays, local musicians perform monthly on the town square while shops stay open later. Since event dates and program details may vary, check the dates for your planned visit.

Discover more destinations: Columbia, Hardin County, Carroll County, Bedford County, Haywood County, Monroe County, Giles County, Hardeman County.

For the overview of the wider region: Tennessee.