Outdoor Things to Do in Tullahoma
Surrounded by waterfalls, lakes and protected natural areas, Tullahoma offers easy access to some of South Central Tennessee’s best outdoor recreation. Whether you’re hiking wooded trails, paddling quiet coves, hunting for a trophy bass or just spending the day on the water, Coffee County’s natural beauty is never far away.
Waterfalls & Hiking
Tennessee is known for its waterfalls, and several are located just minutes from downtown Tullahoma. Short Springs State Natural Area sits only a few miles from downtown and features wooded hiking trails, rock formations and multiple waterfalls within its 420 acres. The area’s most popular route leads to Machine Falls, a 60-foot cascade reached via a moderate 4.1-mile loop trail that winds through streams, hardwood forest and limestone outcroppings.
While exploring Short Springs State Natural Area, hikers can also visit Upper and Lower Busby Falls before continuing on to Rutledge Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall with plenty of rock ledges for sunbathing. Though it’s located on private property, visitors are welcome to enjoy the falls respectfully but should note that access is dependent on landowner permission and conditions can change.
Lakes & Water Access
Just outside town, Tims Ford State Park spans more than 2,000 acres along one of Tennessee’s most scenic reservoirs. The park includes hiking trails, rental cabins, four marinas and The Bear Trace at Tims Ford, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course set on a peninsula overlooking the lake. Known as a Bill Dance Signature Lake for its nationally recognized bass fishing, Tims Ford is equally popular for boating, kayaking, wakesurfing and water skiing during the warmer months.
Nearby, Normandy Lake offers additional opportunities for boating, paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing, with quieter stretches of shoreline ideal for a more relaxed day on the water. A bit further in Manchester, Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park combines outdoor recreation with ancient history, featuring wooded hiking trails, river overlooks and a prehistoric Native American ceremonial site set between the Duck and Little Duck rivers on over 700 acres.
Fishing
With Tims Ford Lake, Normandy Lake and the Duck River all within a short drive, Tullahoma is well positioned for anglers looking to fish in southern Middle Tennessee. Tims Ford Lake is especially known for its smallmouth bass and striped bass fishing and has earned recognition for its nationally regarded sport fishing opportunities. Public boat ramps, marinas and quiet coves make it easy to spend a full day on the water.
Nearby Normandy Lake offers a more laid-back setting for bass, crappie and catfish fishing, while the Duck River and surrounding waterways attract both bank fishermen and paddlers looking to cast along calmer stretches of water.
Kayaking & Paddling
Kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding are popular throughout the Tullahoma area, particularly around Tims Ford Lake and Normandy Lake, where quiet coves and wooded shorelines create ideal conditions for a day on the water. Visitors can launch kayaks from multiple public access points and marinas throughout the region.
For a more scenic paddle, sections of the Duck River offer gentle currents and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. One of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America, the Duck River is home to hundreds of species of fish, mussels and birds, making it a favorite for nature-focused paddling trips in Middle Tennessee.
Skydiving
For adrenaline seekers, skydiving in Tullahoma provides a bird’s-eye view of southern Middle Tennessee’s lakes, farmland and rolling countryside. Skydive Tennessee operates out of Tullahoma Regional Airport and offers tandem jumps for first-time skydivers alongside advanced training for experienced jumpers.
Jumps typically take place from more than 14,000 feet, with clear-day views stretching across the Highland Rim and surrounding countryside. The drop zone’s location near Lynchburg, Tims Ford Lake and major regional highways also makes it a popular stop for adventure travelers exploring Middle Tennessee.
Parks & Greenspace
Tullahoma has a growing abundance of parks and walking areas. Caboose Park, named for the bright red train car at its center, sits on the site of Tullahoma’s original train depot in the heart of downtown. The park also includes a veterans memorial and historical markers documenting the region’s railroad history.
Behind Tullahoma High School, Rock Creek Greenway features three miles of ADA-compliant walking and biking trails winding alongside a gentle creek through the community. The greenway connects several parks, including Cascade Park and Frazier McEwen Park, while also providing access to the library’s Storybook Trail, playgrounds, ball fields and Imagination Station, an enclosed pirate ship-themed play area for younger children.
The East Park Arboretum/Tullahoma Sunrise Rotary Disc Golf Course is a 27-hole course designed by renowned disc golfer H.B. Clark. Set within a wooded section of the community behind East Middle School, the course attracts tournaments and traveling players looking for a scenic and challenging round.