Blueways & Below-Discover Middle Tennessee: This immersive itinerary takes you from the blueways of Clarksville to the sandstone cliffs of Pickett State Park, fish the unspoiled waters of Dale Hollow Lake and the underground marvels of McMinnville. We'll visit one of the nation's premier shotgun destinations, Cross Creek Clays in Clarksville. Paddle the Red and Barren Fork Rivers, hike into ancient cave systems, and experience a night sky photo session paired with outlaw tales by Dale Hollow Lake. Along the way, enjoy veteran-owned distilleries, Southern cuisine and quiet moments in historic downtowns. It's the perfect blend of water, wonder and wild Tennessee storytelling.
Location: Clarksville, Pickett/Byrdstown, & McMinnville/Warren County
Minimum Participants: 3
Maximum Participants: 6
Primary Contact: - Amanda Murphy, TN Tourism, 615-948-6573
- Michelle Dickerson, Visit Clarksville, 931-436-4362
- April Haden, Visit Pickett, visitpickett@gmail.com
- Jordan Pupols, Visit McMinnville, TN, tourism@mcminnvilletn.gov, 931-473-1221
Who can attend & Cost: - Active OWAA members (media) - $0
- Supporting group members (non-media, partners, speakers) - Fee $210 (Fee to cover tours at Cumberland Caverns - $210/person includes advanced tour and tip.)
- Spouses/partners - Not eligible
Transportation:
- Arrival Airport: Nashville International Airport (BNA). Shuttles will transport from airport to destination.
- Departure Airport: Chattanooga Airport (CHA). If flying, please schedule your departure out of Chattanooga.
- Self driving? Meet in-market. Shuttles will be provided for all itinerary stops.
ITINERARY (subject to change)
DAY 1 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13- 12:00 noon Welcome to Clarksville
- 12:00 noon Lunch at Dock 17
Enjoy lunch at this abandoned-warehouse conversion where burgers, brunch and brews are featured. Live music by local musicians and a large quasi-outdoor space elevate the dining experience. - 1:30 p.m. Dunbar Cave State Park
Tour Dunbar Cave and learn about the site's music, Native American and African American History. See 14th Century Mississippian cave drawings. Learn about the Southern Grasslands Initiative. - 3:30 p.m. Doubletree by Hilton
- 4:00 p.m. - 5:30p.m.Self-Guided Exploration:
Cumberland Riverwalk/Downtown AND/OR Explore Downtown - 5:30 p.m. The Mailroom
Enjoy dinner at this renovated 1940s Post Office. The international menu honors the troops stationed at the nearby Fort Campbell Army Post. - 7:00 p.m. After-dinner drinks at Veteran Owned Blackhorse Pub & Brewery
DAY 2 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 14- 8:30 a.m. Breakfast at Amsterdam Local
- 10:00 a.m. Float/Kayak the Blueway
Relax and cool down on Clarksville's Blueway with a 2.5-mile tube float or Kayak the scenic Red River. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch at Legends Smokehouse Grill
This food-truck-turned-restaurant is owned by husband and wife Veterans. Featuring smoked meats and 15+ house-made sauces with tasty ice cream taco desserts. - 2:30 p.m. Clay Shooting
Choose from three courses at this premier clay shooting destination in rural Montgomery. (Veteran Owned) - 5:30 p.m. Hotel Refresh
- 6:30 p.m. Dinner at Old Glory Distilling
This spirit-inspired menu is built around the flavors of the distillery's Fine Tennessee Spirits, with dishes designed to complement the bold character of our handcrafted whiskey, bourbon, and cocktails.
DAY 3 | FRIDAY, AUGUST 15- Hotel Check-Out
- 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. Breakfast at Harvest (8:45 a.m. Coffee To-Go)
- 9:00 a.m. Depart for Pickett State Park (approx. 3.25 hour drive)
- 12:30 p.m. Arrive at Pickett State Park; Picnic lunch provided
Kayak Arch Lake and learn about the history of CCC boys and all of the bridges and buildings they build in the area. Then we will continue with a ranger-led hike through the Pogue Canyon Trail to see multiple caves, sandstone formations and gorgeous overlooks. - 4:00 p.m. Depart for Byrdstown/Check-in at Sunset Marina and Star Point Resort
Group will overnight in a cabin by the lake and enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the water. - 6:00 p.m. Dinner at Dixie Cafe & Explore Gulf Station Museum
Enjoy dinner and live music at the Dixie Cafe in downtown Byrdstown. We'll also enjoy a private tour of the historic Gulf Station and museum located around the corner (great photo opp). - 9:00-10:00 p.m. Night Sky Photo Excursion
Join local photographer for secret excursion to photograph the night sky over beautiful Dale Hollow Lake. While watching the night sky, a local storyteller will tell you about a hero/outlaw that lived in a cave nearby for 5 years to evade the FBI. He was an amazing artist and master woodworker.
DAY 4 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 16- 8:00 a.m. Breakfast at Dixie Cafe
- 9:30-11:30 a.m. Bunkum Cave
Enjoy a ranger-led hike into Bunkum Cave to see the beautiful waterfall inside. Moderate hike is approx. 1.25 miles. The historic cave is where Cordell Hull’s father made moonshine in the 19th century. - 12:00-1:00 p.m. Sunset Restaurant by The Steel Coop
- 1:00-2:30 p.m. Dale Hollow Lake
Fish or just enjoy a pontoon float on one of Tennessee's Bill Dance Signature Lakes. One of our local fishing pros will join. Fishing gear provided. - 2:30 p.m. Depart for McMinnville (1.5 hour drive)
- 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. Rock Island State Park
Enjoy the rugged beauty of Twin Falls and the Caney Fork Gorge, carved from the landscape by the mighty Caney Fork River, a TN designated Blueway. This stunning waterfall is drought resistant, making it truly unique amongst the many falls of TN. Short, but beautiful hikes in both directions are available from the base of the falls. - 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Check-in to The Inn at Tree City
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