BY LINDSAY FERRIER
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. The city is surrounded by some of the most beautiful rolling hills and pastureland in Tennessee, making the area rich in scenic drive opportunities. 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.
FRANKLIN TO THOMPSON’S STATION
31A
This scenic drive takes you down Highway 31 from
of exciting roadside stops sure to satisfy everyone in your
Franklin to nearby Thompson’s Station. Within minutes,
party. You’ll want to take this road on your visit to historic
you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind in
downtown Nolensville, a fantastic place to spend a few
favor of sprawling farms and the gentle green hills that
hours shopping and enjoying a Southern-inspired lunch
have inspired many a country music songwriter over
or dinner. The entire 31A Trail also takes you to Arrington
the years. End your drive at Preservation Park for a walk
Vineyards, considered by those in Middle Tennessee to
on a truly unique trail that takes you up to the top of a
be one of the most beautiful picnic spots in the region,
Sound of Music-style hill offering 360-degree views of the
as well as the Mill Creek Brewing Company and Morning
countryside. Once you’ve burned off some energy, have
Glory Orchard.
Route 31A offers charming countryside views and plenty
lunch in nearby Spring Hill. A few favorite options include Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Hwy 55 Burgers.
OLD NATCHEZ TRACE ROAD
BIG EAST FORK ROAD Here’s another local secret - one most only discover through word-of-mouth! Williamson County’s Big East
I’m letting you in now on a truly local secret. When we
Fork Road is another breathtakingly beautiful country
want to go on a short, scenic drive that threatens to
road that will have you stopping for pictures every chance
break my heart with its sheer loveliness, we head down
you get. You’ll pass grazing cattle, an old covered bridge,
Old Natchez Trace. This beloved four-mile road is one
the lovely East Fork Creek, and charming farmhouses as
of Williamson County’s best-kept secrets, and a drive
you wind your way through the emerald hills surrounding
down it, particularly at sunset, won’t soon be forgotten.
the Natchez Trace Parkway, as well as points of interest
The narrow road beside the Harpeth River dates back to
that beg to be researched, like Graveyard Hollow,
the early 1800s and follows the original Natchez Trace,
Tobacco Patch Hollow, Big Ivey Hollow, and more. This
a trade route used by Mississippian Native Americans
narrow, lightly-trafficked road is popular with cyclists,
for centuries. Today, you’ll still see plenty of remnants
so keep an eye out for them while you’re out sightseeing.
from the past along the Trace, including historic homes
Stay on the road when it crosses under the Natchez Trace
and structures, stone walls built initially by slaves, and a
Parkway and becomes Stillhouse Hollow Road, and you’ll
marker denoting the original location of Old Town.
eventually end up at Highway 46.
10 | OFFICIAL VACATION GUIDE 2022
Photo by @stuartdeming
Scenic Drives
