![]() Here’s another local secret - one I only recently discovered through word-of-mouth! Williamson County’s Big East Fork Road is another breathtakingly gorgeous country road that will have you stopping for pictures every chance you get. The entire 31A Trail also takes you to Arrington Vineyards, considered by those in Middle Tennessee to be one of the most beautiful picnic spots in the region, as well as the Mill Creek Brewing Company and the Morning Glory Orchard. ![]() Check out my full guide to Nolensville for all the details on this Williamson County gem. ![]() You’ll want to take this road on your visit to historic downtown Nolensville, a fantastic place to spend a few hours shopping and enjoying a Southern-inspired lunch or dinner. Route 31A offers charming countryside views and plenty of interesting roadside stops sure to satisfy everyone in your party. It’s a popular place for families to cool off in the summertime. If the day’s a hot one, check Google Maps for the Harpeth River Rope Swing location, located just off the Trace. Today, you’ll still see plenty of remnants from the past along the Trace, including historic homes and structures, stone walls originally built by slaves, and a marker denoting the original location of Old Town, a highly developed Native American society that flourished here between 9 A.D. ![]() The narrow road beside the Harpeth River dates back to the early 1800s and follows the original Natchez Trace, a trade route used by Mississippian Native Americans for centuries. This beloved four-mile road is one of Williamson County’s best-kept secrets, and a drive down it, particularly at sunset, won’t soon be forgotten. When we want to go on a short, scenic drive that threatens to break my heart with its sheer loveliness, we head down Old Natchez Trace. I’m letting you in now on a truly local secret. This is meant to be a slow, scenic drive, and park rangers regularly ticket speeders who drive even a few miles over the limit. While on the Parkway, keep an eye out for cyclists: They’re everywhere, and they’re allowed to take up the full lane if they choose (though they will generally move to the side to allow you to pass more easily) and heed the speed limit. You’ll find plenty to do along the way, including an exit that takes you into Leiper’s Fork, two waterfalls, and the historic Gordon House, one of only two remaining structures from the old Natchez Trace. Drive down the parkway for a few minutes or a few hours. Ask for a map of the trails at the park’s Visitor Center before heading out for your walk. Just beyond the bridge, you’ll find Timberland Park and one of my favorite area hiking trails – the 2.5 mile Big East Fork Reserve Trail. Hop on the Parkway from Highway 96 in Franklin and stop at the award-winning Natchez Trace Parkway bridge, famous for its breathtaking views of Franklin’s famous countryside. Natchez Trace Parkwayĭid you know one of the most popular scenic drives in the nation runs right through Franklin? The Natchez Trace Parkway is a federally protected, 444-mile road that goes from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi, and the natural landscape on either side of this two-lane road is spectacular. Want to drive on a little farther? Continue on Highway 31 from Thompson’s Station to Pulltight Hill Road in College Grove, where an overlook offers another glorious view of your surroundings. Once you’ve burned off some energy, have lunch in nearby Spring Hill - A few favorite options include Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries. End your drive at Preservation Park for a walk on a truly unique trail that takes you up to the top of a Sound of Music-style hill offering 360-degree views of the countryside. Within minutes, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind in favor of sprawling farms and the gentle green hills that have inspired many a country music songwriter over the years. This scenic drive takes you down Highway 31 from Franklin to nearby Thompson’s Station. Whether you have an hour or a day to spend taking in the sights, here are six scenic drives guaranteed to set your spirits soaring. The city is surrounded by some of the most beautiful rolling hills and pastureland in all of Tennessee, making the area rich in scenic drive opportunities. While many flock to Franklin each year for its historical tours and fabulous shops and restaurants, locals know downtown Franklin is only part of what makes Williamson County special.
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