Paddling Tennessee by Johnny Molloy

Author:Johnny Molloy
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781493038541
Publisher: Falcon Guides

HIKING THE NARROWS OF HARPETH

This state historic area, part of the greater Harpeth River State Park, is a lesser-known gem of the Tennessee state park system. Here, visitors can not only float the Harpeth River but also hike its trails, including trails that connect the takeout to the put-in. Back in the early 1800s, as Montgomery Bell developed the iron ore industry in Middle Tennessee, he searched for a place to build a water-powered mill. He noticed the location where the Harpeth River made such a bend it nearly doubled back on itself, separated only by a tall bluff a mere 200 feet in width. In those 5 miles, the Harpeth dropped 15 feet. It was here that Bell saw the chance to harness waterpower for his iron ore industry by diverting water from the river through a tunnel—if he could cut through that bluff.

Using slave labor, Bell started the project in 1819, boring an 8-foot-high, 16-foot-wide, 290-foot-long tunnel through the limestone bluff. Just think of the skill and fortitude needed to complete such a project using the tools available then! The ironworks, known as Patterson Forge, around the Narrows are long gone, but water still flows through the tunnel.

Start your hike at the takeout parking area, heading upstream to pass under the Harris Street Bridge. Hike upstream above the Harpeth in a cedar, oak, and maple wood. Beard cane crowds the understory. Look out on the river, where turtles may be lazing in the sun on logs. Soon come to a rocky ravine. Uphill to the left is a small rock house. Ahead, traverse the base of a bluffline with many small rock houses. Shortly reach a gap and trail junction at 0.4 mile. To your left, one trail leads a short distance to the canoe put-in. Another trail heads to the Narrows overlook. A third trail leads right, downhill on an old wagon road toward the tunnel. Turn right and descend on the old wagon road into a flat where huge eastern cottonwoods and sycamores tower over lush underbrush. Soon reach the pool created by the outflow from Montgomery Bell’s tunnel. This is a popular fishing hole. You can peer into the tunnel and appreciate the hard work it took to make it.

Backtrack to the previous trail junction, heading uphill to the overlook. Several wooden steps take you to the blufftop, traveling among shortleaf pine and cedar to a clear overlook 0.3 mile distant. Here, look down on the Harpeth River and the farm and hill country through which it flows. For more information about the state historic area, visit www.tnstateparks.com.

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