Hilltop Heritage Tour

Begin this adventure by exiting I-40 at Exit #258. Go south on Highway 53 and turn left at the caution light. Check out the beautiful architecture of the older homes lining Main Street as you cruise through Gordonsville. At the railroad tracks, turn left to stay on Hwy. 264 N. Enjoy the roller coaster, as breathtaking views great you at the crest of each hill. Turn left onto Hwy. 70N. The rolling farmland continues as you drive by the Smith County residence of former Vice President Al Gore. Slow down to enjoy the ride on the green bridge that takes you over the Caney Fork River. Continue on down 70, past the interchange with Hwy. 25 and through the town of South Carthage. Turn right to go on the Cordell Hull Bridge, which was built in 1936, and over the Cumberland River.

Smith County CourthouseTurn left at the red light and welcome yourself to a picture of rural American life on the Smith County Courthouse Square. The courthouse was built in 1879, and in it’s time, was the finest in all of Tennessee. Hang a right onto Third Street to visit the Smith County Heritage Museum (open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 2pm). The museum tells many stories and their new Civil War Exhibit is a must-see. Back on Main Street, continue going north, away from the courthouse. Enjoy the magnificent maple and magnolia trees that line the street. Continue until the intersection of Main and Hwy. 25. Go straight through the light, to travel on Hwy. 263 N, towards Cordell Hull Lake Dam. As you climb, enjoy the views of fall’s splendor on the left. Turn right at the sign for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Cordell Hull Lake Dam. Here you can enjoy a picnic and playground, hike on the Turkey Creek Trail, and stop by the visitor’s center. Be sure to go all the way to the end of the road to get a good look at the dam.

After you’ve gotten in touch with nature, backtrack back down to the red light. Turn left to go south on Hwy. 25. Smith County hands you a few more vistas of rambling farms and rolling hills as you follow the signs back to I-40. (Roughly 25 miles roundtrip.) If you’re tired of the interstate, go west on Hwy. 70 N to Lebanon or east to Cookeville.