The Duck River shapes two distinct impressions of Maury County: at Yanahli Park, it borders the grounds on three sides; in Columbia, it flows right alongside the historic district. There are also trails of varying lengths and themes, as well as historic homes, churches and local culture.
Parks, Trails and River Landscapes
Chickasaw Trace Park lies northwest of Columbia and covers 240.5 acres. Nine miles of mountain biking trails give the park a clear cycling focus; there is also a boat launch. In the center of Columbia, Maury County Park covers 242 acres. Its one-mile nature trail leads to an outdoor classroom. The two parks therefore offer different ways to explore: mountain biking trails and a boat launch at one, and a nature trail with an outdoor learning space at the other.
Two trails with the same name are easy to tell apart: at Maury County Park, the Storybook Trail features children's books displayed on signs at child height along the path. At Henry Horton State Park, by contrast, the paved Storybook Trail is a 0.33-mile loop where visitors can learn about different tree species found in Middle Tennessee.
At Yanahli Park, the landscape features diverse ecosystems, flora and fauna, as well as distinctive geological and hydrological features. The Duck River borders the park on three sides. The Yanahli Wildlife Management Area covers 12,800 acres of cedar glades and oak-hickory forests with diverse flora and fauna; Prothonotary Warblers and Blue-winged Warblers nest there locally.
The Cheeks Bend Bluff View Trail offers a different view of the Duck River: the two-mile path runs along a bluff and crosses Rummage Cave. Near Mount Pleasant, the Stillhouse Hollow Falls Trail is a 1.2-mile loop. The state natural area covers 90 acres; the waterfall is about two-thirds of a mile from the trailhead.
In the Chapel Hill area of Maury County, Henry Horton State Park covers just over 1,500 acres. The South Horton Trail System offers ten miles of combined trails for hiking, trail running and mountain biking. Other trails add to the variety: the Adeline Wilhoite River Trail Loop is 1.65 miles long and leads to a 20-foot-high observation tower; the 1.5-mile Henry Horton Greenway is paved and accessible. Kayaking, tubing and fishing are available on the Duck River in the state park. The Buford Ellington Golf Course is lined with deciduous trees and has 37 bunkers.
Historic Places and Their Stories
Rippa Villa was built in 1855 and was associated with a significant event of the American Civil War on November 29, 1864. A guided tour of the historic home lasts 60 minutes. A separate 100-minute guided tour of Spring Hill's historic downtown begins at Rippa Villa: it must be booked at least 24 hours in advance and requires at least two participants. The two tours therefore differ in both duration and format.
The Historic Athenaeum was built in 1837 and served as a parsonage for two historic girls' schools. It operated until 1904; afterward, the property was sold to the City of Columbia for use as a public school. Elm Springs is an antebellum home in Maury County, built around 1837. St. John's Episcopal Church was consecrated in 1842; you can visit the church grounds and cemetery in the community of Ashwood.
Rattle and Snap is a private residence and plantation estate, accessible by appointment only. Tours of the mansion and garden should be reserved at least three days before your visit. Confirm your appointment before you arrive.
Columbia and Local Discoveries
The Columbia Commercial Historic Downtown District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Its Federal, Victorian and Revival architecture from the mid-19th century is recognized. A few blocks from downtown Columbia, the Columbia Arts District is located around South Garden and High Street. It was created as a place where artists can live and work. The Polk Home is the only surviving residence of James K. Polk besides the White House; museum educators offer guided educational tours there.
You can also explore the history of Mt. Pleasant in person: the Mt. Pleasant Museum of Local History collects, preserves and displays materials about the town's development, its economy and industry, and the lives of its residents. In Ashwood, St. John's church and cemetery are also historic sites open to visitors.
Columbia combines these historical themes with events and local offerings. Mule Day has been a popular tradition there since the 1840s. The multi-day festival may include a parade, a mule-pulling contest, a horse show and an arts and crafts festival; check the dates and current program before your visit. At First Fridays, local musicians perform on the town square each month, while shops stay open later. Since event details can change, it's worth checking the latest dates.
At the Columbia Farmers Market, you'll find local produce, meat, eggs, honey, preserves, baked goods and handmade products. Another culinary trail is the Fruit Tea Trail, which invites you to explore restaurants and cafés in Columbia and their different fruit tea variations. Each restaurant and café serves its own blends of fruit, juices, tea and herbs.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Columbia, Hawkins County, Bedford County, Crockett County, Giles County, Madison County, Stewart County, Mcnairy County
For the main travel overview: Tennessee.
