This end of Williamson County, Tennesee offers more than unique shopping, eating, entertainment and day-to-day life—it’s a great place to enjoy many outdoor activities.

Bank Fishing

To find out if you need a license, consult the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Web site or call 615.781.6500 for more information.

Bowie Lake―(see Parks) 7211 Bowie Lake Road in Fairview, this TWRA guide-listed lake has10-15 acres stocked with bass or sunfish, catfish, crappie. Handicap accessible parking and restrooms. No fee, but license required for over age 13. Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 615.799.5544

West Harpeth River—A tributary of the Harpeth River, this waterway runs near Leiper’s Fork and along with many area creeks, is a favorite among bank fisherman.

Great Drives

Whether touring by motorcycle, sports car or rust eaten pick-up truck, many beautiful middle Tennesess back roads are a rural alternative to the Natchez Trace Parkway for unwinding. Heads up, though, they’re also favorites of cyclists.

Beechwood Hall Loop—This is a beautiful and encompassing route put together a couple of years ago by some locals specifically for the village's visitors. In about a half hour’s drive time, it takes wanderers past some of the prettiest pastoral scenes and antebellum mansions in the area, including Beechwood Hall. Maps of this route are available at Leipers Fork Antiques.

Directions: From the village’s downtown, go north on Old Hillsboro Road to Southall Road, which is right turn only. Continue to Carl Road, go right and take it to its end; turn right on Carter’s Creek Pike, right on Bear Creek Road, right on Bailey Road which eventually brings you to the southern end of Leiper’s Fork on Old Hillsboro Road.

To Fly & Back—Travel through Leiper’s Fork going south, and you’ll find yourself on Leipers Creek Road. After about 10 miles, you’ll see to take a left onto Highway 7, shortly later finding yourself in Fly, Tennessee. Along the way is an ongoing viewshed that further proves the area’s reputation for beauty. Stop at the general store in Fly for gas, a boloney sandwich and a brief cultural experience that you will not forget, or follow the signs to tiny Santa Fe for further offerings.

Parks

Bowie Park & Nature Center—7211 Bowie Lake Road in Fairview. About a 15-minute drive from Leiper’s Fork, Fairview’s nature park contains 722 acres of forest, lakes and trails. Year-round bicycling, horseback riding, fishing, running, walking and playground. The Nature Center offers a beautiful indoor facility and, along with the Outdoor Classroom or Picnic Areas, may be reserved for community or social events. 615.799.5544 Park Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Nature Center: Hours Tues - Sat 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sun noon to 4 p.m.

The Natchez Trace Parkway—The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates an ancient trail that connected southern portions of the Mississippi River to salt licks in central Tennessee. The Parkway’s entrance ramp on Pinewood Road is two miles from downtown Leiper’s Fork. Enjoy a scenic drive to hiking trails, picnic areas and nature walks. The linear national park offers amazing views and a safe roadway for cyclists and motorists.

Heading south, there are 16 possible stops throughout the next hour’s drive, each offering at least one of these opportunities: restrooms, overlooks, foot and horse trails. Some highlights under an hour from Leiper’s Fork include, with approximate mileage from the town’s center:

• Garrison Creek – (4 mi) This is the nearest stopover from Leiper’s Fork, with restrooms, picnic tables and parking. It is the trailhead for a Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail and allows hiking or horseback riding along its 25 miles. Call the park rangers station for a permit to camp at 615.790.9323. There are 10 stopover points between its beginning and end at Milepost 408, Duck River.
• Tennessee Valley Divide – (14 mi) This stopover has a very pleasant 5-mile foot trail that is a favorite of the Native Plant Society; take two cars and leave one at the northern end, park at the southern, if you don’t want to double your hike.
• Water Valley Overlook – (20 mi) A great spot to picnic and enjoy the view.
• Jackson Falls – (About 25 miles) For cyclists going south, you’re over the hilliest terrain.
• Fall Hollow Falls – (Under 40 miles) Beautiful!!
• Meriwether Lewis Park – (Under 50 miles) The closest camping facilities (Milepost 385.9).

Heading north, drive or cycle over the magnificent twin-arched bridge to the northern terminus of the Parkway, less than 20 minutes away. Park at the Birdsong Hollow overlook and enjoy the excellent foot trail. You’ll be at the northern terminus of the parkway just 15 scenic miles from the Leiper’s Fork parkway entrance.

Garden Tours

Commercial growers of land- and waterscape plants and flowers invite visitors to tour their gardens. Take advantage of these friendly operations and make part of your leisure day a visit to one or all.

Green & Hagstrom—7767 Fernvale Road, about 20 minutes from our town center.Greenhouses filled with beautiful and interesting aquatic plants for ponds and water gardens.Spring and summer Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun 1-4 p.m. Autumn Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. By appointment after November.615.799.0708.

Iris City Gardens—7675 Younger Creek Road in Primm Springs, about a 15-minute country drive from Leiper’s Fork. Over 50,000 irises.Peak bloom times are May 1-15 (bearded & Siberian), May 15-30 (Louisiana), and June 1-15 (Japanese). Open mid-April through mid-June, Wed-Sun, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.615.799.2179 or 800.934.IRIS.

Morning Glory Farms—7323 Spencer Mill Road, 20 minutes west of Leiper’s Fork. Varieties of garden annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs.Open spring and early summer Mon-Sat, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.615.799.0138.

Nashville Natives—7443 Liberty Road, 13 miles west of Leiper’s Fork, near Fairview. Tour amid native plant display gardens, wildflower fields, prairies, woodlands. Fri & Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., mid-April thru June and Sept-Oct or by appointment. 615.579.7146.