There’s no better way to savor Franklin’s beautiful spring weather than with a hike. The area’s lush green foliage, pastoral countryside, and profusion of flowering plants and trees make spring walks here feel like you’ve stepped into a children’s picture book — and this spring, we have a brand new park that’s destined to become a favorite with locals and visitors alike: Peacock Hill Nature Park in College Grove.
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The 246-acre park has six hiking trails and includes Williamson County’s tallest hill. It’s located on the Tennessee Valley Divide, which once separated the United States from the Chickasaw Nation.
Land for the park was donated to Williamson County in 2017 by Walter and Anita Ogilve, who worked with the Land Trust for Tennessee to create a conservation easement for the property, thus ensuring that its stunning natural beauty will always be available for the public to enjoy. Before donating the land, the Ogilve family operated Peacock Hill Country Inn on the property, a AAA-Four Diamond Inn and member of the Select Registry-Distinguished Inns of North America. .
The completed park includes a visitor’s center inside what used to be an 1850s farmhouse. The home was formerly the McCall House at Peacock Hill; today, it has historical and educational displays, restrooms, water fountains, and seating areas for visitors.
The park’s five miles of trails will take you past two ponds and over three hills to several scenic overlooks and a chapel. Expect to see plenty of beautiful trees and plants as well as wildlife like deer, wild turkeys, foxes, coyotes, and more.
Peacock Hill Nature Park is open seven days a week, with staff and rangers on hand to answer questions and lead nature programs for all ages. The programs offered are extensive and appeal to a range of interests and abilities. Upcoming events include bird hikes, night hikes, a nature photography workshop, and children’s programs, plus classes on edible plants, how to build a butterfly garden, and more. If you haven’t had a whole lot of opportunities to hike or experience the outdoors here in Tennessee, these programs can make for a fantastic introduction. You can register for upcoming programs at wcparksandrec.com.
Want to make a day of it? The drive to Peacock Hill Nature Park from Franklin is stunning – Consider packing a picnic and heading to nearby Arrington Vineyards afterward for wine and refreshments after your big hike. It’s only 15 minutes away and an ideal way to relax and enjoy our beautiful springtime scenery.
