In Hickman County, quiet forest areas, river landscapes, and places with a layered history lie close together. This character is especially clear in the contrast between protected natural areas and traces of earlier routes and settlements. You can discover the area through these tangible contrasts: large and small forest areas, a river on a regional scale, and historic places where routes and the past converge.
Forests on Different Scales
The Happy Hollow Wildlife Management Area covers about 1,800 acres. Its landscape includes higher-elevation oak forests, steep ridges, and damp valleys. At 35 acres, the John Noel at Bon Aqua State Natural Area is much smaller and features characteristics of old-growth forest. Together, these two areas offer different perspectives on the nature of Hickman County: one is a more expansive area shaped by ridges and valleys, while the other centers on a small remnant of forest with characteristics of an old-growth forest. Those interested in forest landscapes will find specific, clearly distinct nature experiences in these two protected areas.
The Duck River and Piney River
The Duck River sets a larger scale: at 284 miles, it is the longest river located entirely within the state of Tennessee. The Piney River, meanwhile, offers a specific reason to explore the river landscape. There is a swimming area and a scenic campground there. This brings together a river of significance to the entire state and a place to spend time outdoors within the county.
Historic Routes and Places
The Gordon House was built in 1818. Years before John Gordon moved with his family to the house’s later location, he operated a ferry across the Duck River, a travelers’ rest stop, and a trading post. This sequence in time connects the history of the house with earlier travel without relocating the ferry or trading post to the later residence. At the house, visitors can walk a loop, follow the Old Trace to Fattybread Branch, and continue to the Duck River. Thousands of travelers used the Old Trace before today’s visitors; exploring the site brings this history to life.
At Sheboss Place, historical and interpretive exhibits add to the visit. The site has parking for cars, buses, and RVs, and is wheelchair accessible. Near Sheboss Place, an unpaved trail is located on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 400.2. At this point, the Benge detachment crossed the border into Hickman County. The house, trail, and exhibit site offer different ways to encounter the past: the history of a building, an earlier route through the landscape, and a place to learn about history.
Local Culture and Discoveries
In Centerville, the original location of Grinder’s Switch Winery is in a hand-built log cabin. The tasting room offers daily wine tastings, as well as wine gifts and local crafts for purchase. Since visitor information can change, check the latest details before your trip. The Ag & Arts Tour takes visitors to locations featuring local farms, artisans, musicians, and small businesses showcasing their work and stories. Alongside the landscape and history, this also brings local creativity into focus.
In Bon Aqua, a disused 19th-century general store and farm was converted into the Johnny Cash Museum Storytellers Museum & Hideaway Farm. This example connects the property’s former use with its later role as a museum. Together with the Gordon House, it shows how differently historic places in the county have been shaped: by a house built in 1818 and by a former store and farm that became a museum.
Discover more destinations: Centerville, Only, Hardin County, Putnam County, Decatur County, Maury County, Giles County, Morgan County.
For the regional travel overview: Tennessee.
