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State Parks and Natural Areas

Updated: Oct 30

Henry Horton State Park is located approximately 15 minutes away from Lewisburg in Chapel Hill. Established in the 1960s, this park was built on the property of Henry Horton, a former governor of Tennessee, and is situated along the historic Duck River. Visitors can enjoy dining at the Restaurant at Henry Horton, which is open Thursday through Sunday.

The park offers a variety of activities such as biking, swimming, hiking and fishing. For those interested in learning more about the local environment, the Duck River Education Room in the visitor center presents an exhibit dedicated to the Duck River and the park's history. This includes two large freshwater aquariums that showcase the river's aquatic life and a touchscreen map for an interactive exploration of the Duck River and its points of access.

The park boasts 83 picnic sites as well as 4 large group picnic pavilions. For guests planning an extended stay in Marshall County, the park also provides camping and lodging facilities. Visitors can stay in any of the 65 rooms or 4 suites at the Horton Park Inn, 8 cabins, 75 campsites (including 19 primitive tent sites and 56 RV sites) or the large group campsite at the park.

Sports facilities include baseball, basketball, disc golf, tennis and volleyball courts. On the premises, visitors can take advantage of an Olympic-sized swimming pool equipped with bathhouses and a concession stand as well as swimming river access through a ramp leading directly into the Duck River.

Those who like to fish commonly catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, red-eye and catfish. Please note that a valid Tennessee fishing license is required for fishing anywhere vwithin the state. There are four hiking trails in the park, including the 1.3-mile Hickory Ridge Loop, the 0.7-mile Wilhoite Mill Trail, the 1.7-mile Turkey Trail and the 4.2-mile Duck River Trail.

Golfers can take advantage of the Buford Ellington championship golf course, which is one of the best in the state. The 18-hole course measures 5,625 yards from the forward tees and 7,060 yards from the Championship tees.

State Parks in South Central Tennessee: