Photo: Middle Tennessee countryside.
Quick answer (as of October 2026) Henry Horton State Park is a 1,552-acre Tennessee state park on the Duck River in Chapel Hill, in Marshall County, about 50 minutes south of Nashville. It has a lodge, cabins, camping, a restaurant, an 18-hole golf course, 20 miles of trails and a trap and skeet range. A new 76-room lodge is under construction and expected to open in summer 2027, so check for detours before you go.
If you're planning a trip to Henry Horton right now, the first thing to know is that part of the park is a construction zone. Here's what's open, what's changing and how long the drive takes from Franklin, Thompson's Station, Spring Hill, College Grove and Columbia.
What is happening with the lodge at Henry Horton?
Tennessee State Parks broke ground on a new lodge at Henry Horton, with 76 guest rooms expected to open in summer 2027. The state's announcement, dated March 6, 2026, lists balconies, a zero-entry pool, a bar, a gift shop and a conference center that can seat 200.
The current lodge lists 72 rooms and was still taking reservations in late October 2026. The park's notice says to expect detours, adjusted parking and occasional construction noise, and that some roads, trails, campsites and river access points may close for a while. Check the park's page on the day you go.
Where is Henry Horton State Park?
The park office is at 4209 Nashville Highway in Chapel Hill, in Marshall County. Tennessee State Parks puts it about 50 minutes south of Nashville. These are drive estimates from each town's center, with no traffic.
| From | Miles | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin | about 36 | about 47 |
| Thompson's Station | about 24 | about 39 |
| Spring Hill | about 25 | about 37 |
| College Grove | about 16 | about 28 |
| Columbia | about 22 | about 33 |
Drive figures are OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM), October 2026.
Where can you stay at Henry Horton?
You can stay in the lodge, a cabin or a campsite. Reservations run through Tennessee State Parks or 1-888-867-2757.
| Stay | What you get |
|---|---|
| Lodge | 72 rooms with private balconies, free WiFi and continental breakfast; pet-friendly rooms available |
| Standard cabins | 2 bedrooms, 2 baths |
| Rustic cabins | 2 bedrooms, 1 bath |
| Campground South | Paved RV sites with water and 20-, 30- or 50-amp hookups, plus 19 gravel tent-only sites |
| Campground North | 6 drive-in primitive sites and 3 primitive group sites |
| Backcountry | 2 hike-in sites on the Adeline Wilhoite River Trail Loop, about a mile from the camp store |
| Hammock sites | 6 primitive hammock-only sites off Campground South |
Cabins have a two-night minimum, and holidays can run longer. Campsites allow six people and two overnight vehicles, and leashed pets are welcome.
What is there to do at Henry Horton State Park?
Paddling, golf, hiking and shooting sports are the big draws.
Duck River. You can kayak, tube or fish the river, which the state calls one of the most biologically diverse in North America. Guided kayak floats run weekly in summer and last about two hours. Check the park's happenings page for dates.
Golf. The Buford Ellington course is an 18-hole, par-72 layout that plays from 5,625 to 7,060 yards. It was the first state park course built in what became the Tennessee Golf Trail. In-season rates run March 16 to November 16. Book up to seven days out at 931-364-2319, or six days out online.
Trails. The park lists 20 miles of trails. The Wilhoite Mill Trail passes the remains of a mill and bridge run by the family of Governor Horton's wife. The Hickory Ridge trails have sinkholes, and the South Horton Trail System was built with beginner mountain bikers in mind.
Trap, skeet and archery. The multi-sport area has four trap fields, five combination trap and skeet fields and a four-target archery range, with gun rentals and ammunition sales on site.
Visitor Center. The Duck River Education Room has two large freshwater aquariums and a touchscreen map of the river.
The Duck River Outdoor Expo runs the second weekend in July.
Does Henry Horton State Park have a restaurant?
Yes. The Restaurant at Henry Horton lists hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with a bar and an outdoor patio with a fire pit. Call 931-364-8205 before you drive, since hours can change.
What should you know before you go?
Cell service can be limited in parts of the park, especially on T-Mobile and AT&T, per the park. WiFi is available at the lodge, Visitor Center, campground, restaurant and multi-sport facility. If you're bringing an RV, the park says to turn west onto River Road from Nashville Highway and go about a mile to the camp store.
The park was established in 1961 on land from the estate of Henry Horton, Tennessee's governor from 1927 to 1933.
Which towns are closest to Henry Horton State Park?
Chapel Hill is the park's mailing address. In my day-to-day market, the closest towns are College Grove, Columbia and Spring Hill. If you're spending the weekend, my guides to things to do in Columbia and Spring Hill will fill out the trip.
If you like this part of Tennessee enough to look at houses, send me an address. I'll check the county, the taxes and the drive before you make an offer. DM, text or call 615-392-1186.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Henry Horton State Park?
Henry Horton State Park is at 4209 Nashville Highway in Chapel Hill, Tennessee, in Marshall County. Tennessee State Parks puts it about 50 minutes south of Nashville.
Is the lodge at Henry Horton open?
The current lodge was taking reservations in late October 2026. A new 76-room lodge is under construction and expected to open in summer 2027, so expect detours and some temporary closures in the park.
Does Henry Horton State Park have cabins?
Yes. The park has standard cabins with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, and rustic cabins with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. Cabins have a two-night minimum.
Does Henry Horton State Park have a restaurant?
Yes. The Restaurant at Henry Horton lists hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Call 931-364-8205 before you drive, since hours can change.
How long are the trails at Henry Horton State Park?
The park lists 20 miles of trails, including the Wilhoite Mill Trail, the Hickory Ridge trails and the South Horton Trail System.
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