The Valleyist Papers
A COLLECTION OF
ESSAYS
WRITTEN IN FAVOUR OF
THE IMPROVEMENT OF STEPHENS VALLEY
Author – Libbey Hagewood
Edition 2. Issue 3.
Hidden Lake
One of West Nashville’s best kept secrets is
the Harpeth River State Park on McCrory Lane just off Interstate 40 West. Not
only does it offer a beautifully maintained trail for hiking, but at every
turn, there are still standing reminders of the famous resort it once was
because of the hidden lake at the end of the trail.
In the 1800s, the area was used as farmland.
From about 1895-1910, the lake was created when the Hutton family started a
limestone quarry. During Prohibition in the 1920s, rumor had it that there were
speakeasies and illegal moonshine sales operating on the property.
In
the late 1920s/early1930s, the Dobsons opened a family-style resort called
Hidden Lake. They sealed the bottom of the quarry with asphalt and a concrete
edge, created a system to filter the water, and built a water slide from the
top of one of the bluffs. The resort also featured a lodge with showers and a
mess hall.
On top of one of the bluffs, you can still see
the remains of a 90-year-old stage and marble dance floor, with a beautiful
view of the lake. Popular groups from the Big Band era played at the resort for
dancing on summer weekends. My parents played there on occasion with their
dance band from Springfield Tennessee.
Other similar resorts in the middle Tennessee area were Perry’s Park in
Springfield and Dunbar Cave in Clarksville.
The sign pictured at left was displayed at the
main entrance to the resort for a July 4th weekend.
Unfortunately, the lodge burned down in the
1940s, and the resort closed. The area was once again used for farming until
acquired by the state in the 1990s.
Following are some photos of the area and a
map of the trail.
Map and directions to Hidden Lake Trail.
7851 McCrory Lane Nashville TN 37221
Easy access from Hwy 100 and Interstate 40
Located right off Exit 192 on
I-40 (the McCrory Lane exit just past Bellevue), this trail is perfect for
anyone who loves history, adventure, or discovery– It’s a little under two
miles long and far less populated than hiking trails closer to town.
When you get off of the
interstate, head north for about 3/4 of a mile and you’ll see the parking area
for the park just past the Harpeth River on your left. From there, follow the
signs to the Hidden Lake trail. If coming from Hwy 100 just take McCrory Lane
all the way from Natchez Trace crossing
under I-40 until you see the signs to Hidden Lake Trail. The trailhead has ample parking and a good
map to follow.
At the trailhead, a sign will
point you in the correct direction for the Hidden Lake trail. After that,
signage is sparse, so it’s a good idea to print a map before you go, just in case you get confused. At the first fork in the Hidden
Lake trail, go right to get to the Ridge Loop Trail (left goes straight to the
lake).
Hidden Lake Trail
The Hidden Lake trail is lovely
at any season but is especially recommended for families in the winter and
early spring when the leaves have fallen from the trees and underbrush is at a
minimum. There are lots of signs of civilization from the 1920s and ’30s that
children will love discovering, and much of it is covered up in the summer and
fall. With smaller kids, you might skip the Ridge Loop and take the left fork
to the lake. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
Some of the relics on the Ridge Loop include
an old shack still standing beside the trail.
First view of the lake from the Ridge Loop
Trail
If you cannot hike to the lake to see for
yourself, I have included the link to some great photos of the park.
Now that you are all enticed, go out and meet
one of your new neighbors and set up a hike to a beautiful and historic trail
that is only 10 minutes away.
Libbey Hagewood
2008 Garfield Street
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