Harpeth River State Park

Harpeth River State Park is part of the Tennessee state parks system. Located in Kingston Springs, Tennessee, the linear park extends along central or Middle Tennessee's Harpeth River. Several archaeological and historical sites along the river are connected by the park, including the Montgomery Bell Tunnel.

Boating

The park is centered on the Harpeth River and offers numerous boat access points, providing the opportunity to enjoy boating and fishing in the bends and oxbows of the river. The river holds a variety of fish species for anglers, including smallmouth bass, crappie, bream and many others.

Hiking

For hikers, there are easy trails beginning at several points along the river. Three trails begin from the Narrows of the Harpeth River, one of which leads to the historic Pattison Forge. Two short trails wind through the Gossett Tract, one taking hikers along the river to the Mound Bottom Archaeological Site. A further complex of short trails is available at Hidden Lake. All trails are two miles or less in length and range from easy to strenuous.

Associated parks and sites

The Harpeth River State Park adjoins or is coextensive with several other historical sites, national monuments and Tennessee state parks. The Mound Bottom and Mace Bluff Archaeological Sites are included within the park, the former enclosed in a bend of the Harpeth River, as is the Newsom's Mill Historic Site. The Narrows of the Harpeth is the site of the Montgomery Bell Tunnel, a national historic landmark, and it is home to the Pattison Forge ironworks associated with the tunnel. The park provides ample scope for exploration by visitors interested in local history.

Although the Harpeth River State Park does not provide any developed facilities beyond picnic tables and grills, the park is well worth a stop for visitors to the Middle Tennessee region. Most sites along the river have interpretive displays, and guided tours are available by reservation. The park is a matchless window into Tennessee history.