Forget Long Trips - Take A Daycation At Harpeth River State Park In Tennessee
By Meghan Kraft|Published September 04, 2020
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
If you’re looking for a slow, luxurious step away from the humdrum stress of daily life, then a long vacation in the Tennessee wilderness is exactly what you need. If you’re in Middle Tennessee, you don’t even need to book a hotel! The famed Harpeth River State Park lends itself to adventurous folks looking for hiking, kayaking, and swimming opportunities in the Volunteer State. Make this year the first year you take a deliciously beautiful vacation right here at home. Learn more about a Harpeth River State Park daycation below!
Harpeth River State Park is located in both Davidson and Cheatham Counties in Tennessee. It's a linear park, strange in structure and scope, and was created to connect a series of natural, archaeological, and historic sites studding the lower part of the Harpeth River.
The park is known for its stunning views and tranquility. You'll find everything from meadows scattered with wildflowers to stony bluffs to lushly forested woodlands.
One of the most famous sights in the park is the Montgomery Bell Tunnel, which is also known as the Patterson Forge Tunnel. The Cheatham County was ordered and named after Montgomery Bell, a man whose involvement in the iron trade functionally turned around the economy of Middle Tennessee. It is a water diversion tunnel that's now registered as a historic landmark.
Hidden Lake Double Loop is also a popular feature within Harpeth River State Park. The 1.9-mile loop features a lake and is great for both kids and puppies. It's considered easy, and the fractional increase in elevation gain makes it easy to go bird watching or simply wandering without strenuous physical requirements.
There are all sorts of companies located along the Harpeth River that rent everything from kayaks to canoes. You can paddle your way downriver, or choose to reserve a campsite on the banks of the water.
The Narrows of the Harpeth is known for being the best place to canoe, fish, hike, and picnic. There's even an overlook trail that results in expansive views of the Harpeth Valley.
Have you been to the Harpeth River State Park before? Will you be visiting this year? Make sure to leave your favorite tips and tricks in the comments below! Whether you're hiking, kayaking, or simply hanging up a hammock and reading, any local experiences are wildly encouraged.
