Weakley County: Trails, History and Local Experiences

In Weakley County, designated natural areas meet trails, historic sites and seasonal experiences. Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area covers 270 acres and is part of the 330-acre Big Cypress Tree State Park. In Martin, paved walking and hiking trails provide specific routes for your time outdoors; downtown, the market and events offer more ways to shape your stay.

Trails and Natural Areas

The Brian Brown Memorial Greenway runs for 3.1 miles through wooded areas and open green spaces. It is paved and includes a 92-foot pedestrian bridge. The route combines varied landscape views with a distinctive structure along the way. If you prefer a shorter loop, Pacer Pond has an approximately 1.45-mile fitness trail that loops around the pond. This trail is also paved; it is flat and easy to walk.

Another route option is at the Martin Recreation Complex, where there is a lighted three-quarter-mile walking trail. The complex also includes a 6.5-acre lake and the MTD Soccer Complex, with seven playing fields. The trail lengths are easy to compare: 3.1 miles on the Greenway, approximately 1.45 miles around Pacer Pond and three-quarters of a mile at the Recreation Complex.

Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area and the larger state park offer a different measure of scale: here, the acreage is the focus. The natural area covers 270 acres within the 330-acre park. For planning purposes, it helps to distinguish between the two names: they refer to different areas, even though the natural area is part of the park.

Places for History and Events

The Ned R. McWherter Museum in Dresden preserves the memory of Tennessee’s 46th governor. It officially opened on June 4, 2015. The date places the museum in the town’s recent history, while its commemorative purpose draws attention to a figure in state politics.

Brick sidewalks, locally owned boutiques and distinctive restaurants shape the visitor experience in Historic Downtown Martin. Events are held there year-round, including Christmas markets and summer concerts. If you want to plan your trip around a particular event, check the specific dates, as individual event schedules may change.

The Tennessee Soybean Festival takes place every year during the first week of September in Downtown Martin. It celebrates the soybean as a crop grown in Weakley County. The festival and its timing give your visit a clear connection to the region’s agriculture. Current event dates are useful for planning, as schedules may change.

Market, Farm and Wine

The Martin Farmers Market is open from May through October. Local vendors can offer products they grow, raise, gather in the wild, bake or make within 50 miles. The market pavilion provided by the city has electricity, fans and lighting. The market therefore combines a seasonal schedule with a clearly defined selection of local products. Check current market days before your trip if you want to plan a visit.

Holt Family Farms offers a spring experience in a flower field. The farm also hosts seasonal farm-to-table dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients. Both experiences are seasonal. If they fit your travel plans, ask in advance about current availability during your travel dates.

Beau Monde Vineyards is a winery in Martin that makes wine exclusively from grapes grown on its own estate. The offerings include outdoor wine tastings. Sweet and dry wines rotate; they are available for tasting and by the glass or bottle. As visiting arrangements and selections may change, check current options in advance if a tasting is an essential part of your plans.

More Activities and Getting Around

Anglers at Garrett Lake in Weakley County can catch fish including bass, catfish and crappie. The lake covers 183 acres; its size and the fish species listed give a specific sense of the fishing available there. For a different kind of active recreation, Harrison Road Disc Golf is a permanent 18-hole course.

Rolling Hills Miniature Golf has nine holes and is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities and families. An office for the Northwest Tennessee Human Resource Agency’s public transportation service is located at the Office on Aging. The transportation service is available to people of all ages for medical appointments, recreation and shopping, among other needs; wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available.

Explore more destinations: Dresden, Martin, Wilson, Dickson County, Claiborne County, Sullivan, Obion County, Mcminn County.

Go to the main travel overview: Tennessee.