Most People Have No Idea These 2,000 Year Old Ruins Are Hiding Near Nashville

Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park was built 2,000 years ago by Native Americans and is now protected by the state of Tennessee. Take a walk amongst its towering trees and breathe in the smell of middle Tennessee. You may have to fight the humidity, but this beautiful space pulses with history and will amaze even the youngest of visitors. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this park is what is hidden inside. Among the overgrowth, you can see ancient remnants of past people tucked away in the forest. These ruins near Nashville are enticing visitors to come in and take a trip through time. So come and walk with us, and learn a bit about this beautiful place we call home.

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The Old Stone Fort in Coffee County, Tennessee was built between 80 AD and 550 AD, during what is known as the Middle Woodland Period. You can still visit parts of it today in the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, which is about an hour's drive south of Nashville.

Denise Davis/ AllTrails

The Manchester-based protected park is a great place to learn about this strange, beautifully preserved piece of state history. There is a small museum and beautiful hiking trails, and the waterways are so clear you can see straight to the bottom. Still, the number one draw may possibly be the ruins that lay hidden within the woods.

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Native Americans used the area in and around the park for more than 500 years, although it was eventually abandoned. The ruins never functioned as a fort, however. When European settlers came through Tennessee, they had no idea what the area was used as, but they decided to name it a fort anyway. Perhaps it was the easiest way to name such a strangely stunning place.

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It was in 1966 that the state decided to purchase part of the privately owned Chumley Estate. More than 400 acres from the property became the core of the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park.

Tonya Larson/ AllTrails

While at the park, you will want to find the Enclosure Wall Trail, which you can download a map on AllTrails before you go. On that hike, you will have the chance to visit what was once a ceremonial gathering place for local Native Americans. The entrance to the fort was even designed to face where the sun rises from the horizon on June 20th — the summer solstice. Plus, there are multiple waterfalls throughout the park that are positively lovely.

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You can see here the very limited remains of one of the paper mills that ran along the Duck River. There used to be quite a few in the area, with all having since gone to ruin.

Matt Wilkinson/ AllTrails

If you're a history buff, heading to the Old Stone Fort is quite a treat. You can take in dioramic displays in the on-site museum or view an orientation film at their small theater. You can visit from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week. Happy adventuring, dear ones!

Next time you are visiting our state’s capitol take a trip to see these ruins near Nashville. Not only is it a beautiful forest filled with towering trees and limestone ledges, but there are waterfalls, tranquil streams, and of course the remains of an ancient past. This is a fascinating hike for anyone interested in history or someone who loves to find abandoned places. So feel free to explore Middle Tennessee and allow the scenery to impress you once again at this wonderful state park. For more information please visit the Old Fort State Archeological Park website.

If you are interested in digging into the past then check out the Earth Experience to see fossils of old. It is only a 30-minute drive from the Old Fort State Archeological Park!

Have you gone on this beautiful Tennessee countryside hike just yet…? It’s stunning!