The Harpeth River State Park is a linear park that manages nine river access sites along 40 river miles. Sites include several natural, archaeological and historic areas. The park is popular for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and hiking. Canoe access areas are located at all sites (excluding archeological areas).
The Harpeth River is a Class I river. It is appropriate for beginners to advanced paddlers. Visitors can bring their own canoe or kayak. Rentals and trip information are available from local outfitters in and around Kingston Springs.
Access sites close for safety during high water. Much of the property around the Harpeth River is private land. Please be courteous to landowners and be aware of trespassing laws. The park and access sites are day-use only. There is no camping or overnight parking. Please observe park hours and plan your trip accordingly as the gates to access sites are locked at designated closing times. The average paddle time is 2 to 3 mph, depending on river flow.
Park Hours
April to September: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
November to February: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
October and March: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Narrows Of the Harpeth
The Narrows of the Harpeth, located off Cedar Hill Road, is an ideal spot for hiking, picnicking, fishing, and canoeing. The Narrows provides an upstream and downstream access, the Bell's Bend five mile float and a unique 1/4 mile portage. Three hiking trails originate at a common trailhead near the park entrance. A half-mile bluff overlook trail includes a steep ascent to a narrow bluff offering hikers a panoramic view of the Harpeth Valley. A half-mile trail along the backside of the limestone bluff leads to the site of Montgomery Bell's Pattison Forge where a small waterfall is all that remains of the iron forge operation. It is also the site of one of the oldest man-made tunnels in existence today. Montgomery Bell, an early iron industrialist had the tunnel built in 1818. The 100 yard tunnel was hand cut through solid rock and is considered one of the great engineering feats of the time. It is an industrial landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. View map.
Hidden Lake
Hidden Lake is a naturalist's paradise featuring hiking trails, majestic bluffs, and abundant wildlife. A one mile trail meanders around and through a wildflower meadow. Another trail offers a half-mile hike through the forest and along majestic bluffs to a small lake with a one mile spur trail ascending to the top of a ridge where the remains of an old marble dance floor are all that remain of a 1940's resort. View map.
Newsom's Mill
Newsom's Mill is one of the oldest gristmills in Davidson County.
Gossett Tract
A two mile loop through open fields is great for birders and late summer wildflower hikes. Gossett Tract is located off Cedar Hill Road near Scott's Cemetery. View map.
Other park sites providing fishing and river access include: Hwy 100 Access located near Warner Park; Kingston Springs Access, located in Kingston Springs City Park; Hwy 249 Access, and Hwy 70 Access.
Harpeth River State Park Addresses
Click here for a map explaining the different areas of the park, or use the list below to find the address to the section you wish to visit:
Gossett Tract -1230 Cedar Hill Road, Kingston Springs, TN 37082
Harris Street Bridge Canoe Access - 1672 Cedar Hill Road, Kingston Springs, TN 37082
Hidden Lake - 7851 McCrory Lane, Nashville, TN 37221
Hwy 70 Canoe Access - 1007 Cedar Hill Road / 1294 Hwy 70, Kingston Springs, 37082
Hwy 100 Canoe Access - 7701 Hwy 100, Nashville, TN 37221
Kingston Springs City Park - 589 Park Street, Kingston Springs, TN 37082
Narrows of the Harpeth - 1254 Narrow of the Harpeth Road, Kingston Springs, TN 37082
Newsom's Mill - 8729 Newsom Station Road, Nashville, TN 37221
Mailing Address - 1640 Cedar Hill Road, Kingston Springs, TN 37082
Mound Bottom and Mace Bluff Archaeological Sites
Mound Bottom is a large Mississippian Period Indian Mound Complex. Archaeologists believe this Native American town had important political and ceremonial functions.
Interpretive Programs
Self-guided interpretive signs are posted at most sites. Guided tours of The Narrows, Newsom's Mill, Hidden Lake are offered throughout the year by reservation. Guided tours of Mound Bottom are offered November through March by reservation. For program reservation information call 615-952-2099.
Picnic Areas
Picnic tables and grills are available at Newsom's Mill Historic Site, The Harris Street Bridge Access Area, and The Gossett Tract.
Notice: Restroom facilities and a park office or visitor center are not available at any location at his time. Handicap accessibility and parking is limited at all locations. Motor coaches, larger than 15 passenger vans, will have difficulty maneuvering along narrow tree lined winding roads and negotiating small parking areas at most locations. Swimmers may wade or swim at their own risk in the river. However, rock climbing, rappelling, bicycling, four-wheeling, horseback riding orienteering, camping, metal detecting, hunting, and collecting or disturbing plants, wildlife or artifacts are not permitted in the park. Artifacts uncovered during an early 1970's excavation of Mound Bottom are on display inside the park office at Montgomery Bell State Park.
Park Trail Maps
Looking for a trail map? Click the link below to see a list of the maps available at this park. The page includes all the trail maps we have available, organized by park. We have free and paid options that provide you the details you need to have your next great adventure in Tennessee.
November to March: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Harpeth River State Park directly.
