Jack Daniel’s distillery and Tims Ford Lake share more in common than being six miles apart as the crow flies. Middle Tennessee’s Tims Ford shares a freshwater aquifer with Cave Spring Hollow, which famously serves as the spring-fed water source for the distillery in Lynchburg.
Whether or not you imbibe in the Tennessee whiskey, a family getaway to the area is worth the trip and especially in fall, when the hollows and hills are painted in shades of yellow, red and orange foliage. Amid that picturesque backdrop, you can tour scenic byways, take a tour of famous distilleries and of course, enjoy fishing on a 10,700-acre lake that is less pressured than larger impoundments in the region.
Plan your trip around these must-see destinations. Be flexible with your time; there are hidden travel treasures tucked away in the roads less traveled. Tims Ford is conveniently located between Interstates 24 and 65, providing direct access from Alabama and Georgia. Birmingham is just over two hours away, and Atlanta is about three hours from the lake.
Tennessee Whisky Trail
A statewide collaboration of over 30 Tennessee distillers, the trail is divided into sections that include a Middle Tennessee portion. There are two notable distilleries deserving of more than just a pit stop tour. The distillery hometowns offer unique dining, shopping and touring experiences worth enjoying in the cool autumn air. Prior to visiting, check with the distilleries about availability of tours due to public health concerns. Located near Tullahoma, Cascade Hollow Distillery is home to George Dickel Tennessee Whisky. The distillery is surrounded by 600 acres of protected forests and pristine springs from which the whiskies are sourced. There are several tasting experiences available, including a Q&A session with Nicole Austin, the distiller and general manager. At Jack Daniels, you can choose from four tours, including The Taste of Lynchburg, a two-course experience of the standard distillery tour and tasting, along with a down home meal at Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant.
The Jack Trail
An alternative to the whisky trail is The Jack Trail, where history, music, sightseeing and local cultures mingle across middle Tennessee. Along the way, experience Civil War stories, like the intrigue of Confederate and Union spies, the drama of the Battle of Stones River and the many buildings and monuments that still stand in this once crucial territory in the War Between the States. Pass by farms and historic sites in Tennessee Walking Horse country and learn how the breed got its name. And there are have plenty of chances to get out in the fresh air at five state parks.
Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue
Join over 40,000 folks who come to watch barbecue teams from around the world compete. Although the competition is in Lynchburg’s Wiseman Park, the entire town is filled with booths and displays. Between sampling some of the best barbecue around, you can check out buck dancing, try your hand at butt bowling, or cheer on the pets in the Country Dog Show. Admission is free and open to all ages. The 2021 festival is Oct. 8-9.
Tims Ford Lake State Park
The 3,546-acre park is spread across the shoreline of Tims Ford, making it an ideal base for fishing and day trips throughout the area. There’s a full-service marina and 20 cabins situated on the wooded slopes of the lake. The cabins are fully equipped with linens, appliances, cooking and serving utensils. The park has two campgrounds for tent or RV campers. The park is also home to the 18-hole Bear Trace at Tims Ford, which is part of the Jack Nicklaus-designed collection. There are 6.5 miles of unpaved hiking trails, in addition to the 22 miles of bicycle trails that can also be used for hiking.
About Tims Ford Lake
Tims Ford Dam was completed in 1970 by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which flooded narrow hollows amid the surrounding hills. There are 14 boat ramps for use with no fees, providing convenient access throughout the lake. The lake fluctuates about 15 feet during a normal year, with the lower level occurring during fall and winter.
What really makes it stand out is the mix of rocky habitat that is ideal for smallmouth. Anglers have their choices of fishing gravel shorelines that transition to bluff walls and other rocky habitat used by smallmouoth. Shallow pockets branch off narrow creeks that connect to the deeper main lake. Best of all, the lake’s relatively small size, at 10,000 acres, makes it easier for a weekend visitor to pattern the bass of his choice, be that smallmouth, largemouth, or both.
Plan your trip: tnvacation.com