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More to do if you're going to Roo
- Ryan P. French
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
There are no shortage of amazing outdoor activities across Middle Tennessee. So if you are looking for a caving experience, a long hike, a short hike, or just searching for beautiful waterfalls and scenic overlooks, I’ve got you covered.
Today, we are focusing on a community that sits just a short drive from Manchester, yet offers everything you could possibly want when it comes to the outdoors. Our friends at Visit Tims Ford have put together an incredible outdoor destination guide stretching from Sewanee Mountain down into the valley and across Tims Ford Lake. Here’s a little preview of what to do and where to do it.
Sewanee: Tennessee’s Mountain Escape
Sewanee Village sits atop the bluffs of the Cumberland Plateau, though locally you’ll simply hear people call it “the mountain.”
Sewanee is home to The University of the South, ranked by many as one of the most beautiful campuses in America — and honestly, you’ll hear no argument from us.
The University’s 13,000-acre campus, known simply as “The Domain,” is perched high above the Tennessee Valley and filled with breathtaking overlooks, sandstone bluffs, waterfalls, and dense forests. The campus itself is famous for its Collegiate Gothic architecture, particularly the iconic All Saints’ Chapel, which looks like something pulled straight from Europe.
But Sewanee isn’t just beautiful to look at — it’s an outdoor playground.
Head of the Crow State Park
Dedicated in October 2025, Head of the Crow State Park quickly became one of Tennessee’s most stunning outdoor destinations.
Located near Sewanee in Franklin County, the 4,258-acre park protects rugged karst landscapes, deep forested coves, and the headwaters of Crow Creek. Previously managed as part of South Cumberland State Park, the area was established as its own standalone park to protect natural resources while boosting eco-tourism in the region.
The park combines several remarkable natural areas, including:
Sherwood Forest
Hawkins Cove
Harry Lee Carter
Sewanee Natural Bridge
Sewanee Natural Bridge
One of Tennessee’s most beautiful hidden gems, this 50-foot natural sandstone bridge is accessible via a short and easy trail, making it perfect for casual hikers and families.
Buggytop Cave
Buggytop Cave is one of the largest cave openings in Tennessee and remains a favorite for adventurous visitors. The cave is typically open for exploration from May 1 through August 31.
Hiking Trails
The park offers several incredible hiking opportunities:
Natural Bridge Trail — 0.10 miles
Buggytop Trail — 2.05 miles
Pack Hollow Trail — 1.60 miles
Sherwood Day Loop — 2.85 miles
Birding
The Sherwood Loop is especially popular among birdwatchers, with opportunities to spot warblers, woodpeckers, and barred owls.
The Mountain Goat Trail
The Mountain Goat Trail is one of the most unique outdoor projects in Tennessee.
Built along a historic railroad bed that once connected communities across the Cumberland Plateau, the trail currently features paved sections perfect for walking, running, and biking. Once complete, the trail system will span more than 35 miles and connect seven mountain communities including Sewanee, Monteagle, and Tracy City.
It’s one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Plateau at your own pace.
Sewanee Outdoor Recommendations
Down the Mountain: Tims Ford Lake & Winchester
Once you come off the plateau, the landscape changes dramatically. You move from cliffs and forests into rolling hills, rivers, and lake life.
Franklin County may honestly be one of the best snapshots of Tennessee you’ll find anywhere — mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes all wrapped into one destination.
At the center of it all is Tims Ford Lake.
Tims Ford State Park
Located in Winchester, Tennessee, Tims Ford State Park is a premier 2,200-acre recreational destination sitting along the shores of the 10,700-acre Tims Ford Lake.
Known as one of the best bass fishing lakes in the Southeast, the park offers everything from boating and kayaking to hiking and championship golf.
Boating & Fishing
Tims Ford Lake is famous for its fishing and crystal-clear water. Marinas throughout the lake offer pontoon, kayak, and boat rentals, making it easy to spend an entire day on the water.
Camping & Cabins
The park features:
RV and tent campgrounds
Rustic camping areas
20 fully furnished cabins available year-round
Hiking Trails
The park includes more than 11 hiking and walking trails winding through forests and along the shoreline.
The Bear Trace
Golfers can enjoy The Bear Trace at Tims Ford, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course consistently ranked among Tennessee’s best public courses.
Scenic Suspension Bridge
One of the most photographed features inside the park is the pedestrian suspension bridge overlooking the lake.
Winchester Recommendations
Bear Trace Golf Course
Holiday Landing Marina
Tennessee’s Perfect Outdoor Side Quest
One of the best parts about Bonnaroo is discovering the places surrounding it.
Within less than an hour of Manchester, you can hike sandstone bluffs, explore caves, kayak crystal-clear lakes, bike historic rail trails, and watch sunsets from mountain overlooks.
Whether you want an active recovery day between sets or you’re simply extending your Tennessee road trip, Sewanee and the Tims Ford region deliver some of the best outdoor experiences in the South.
And honestly? This is the Tennessee most people never expect to find.
