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Cheatham Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · TN

Cheatham Wildlife Management Area

Cheatham Wildlife Management Area is a scenic protected area in Tennessee known for its rich wildlife, diverse landscapes, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.

Wildlife Management Area20,8103+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

20,810

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Cheatham Wildlife Management Area

Cheatham Wildlife Management Area is a scenic protected area in Tennessee known for its rich wildlife, diverse landscapes, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Cheatham Wildlife Management Area (WMA) spans across 20,810 acres in the beautiful landscape of central Tennessee. Established primarily for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation, Cheatham WMA provides a sanctuary for a variety of flora and fauna, offering extensive opportunities for hunting, birdwatching, and nature exploration. The area's mixed hardwood forests and open fields support a diverse habitat that attracts deer, turkeys, and a broad array of bird species, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Its geographical contours include rolling hills and forested areas, interspersed with scenic overlooks and serene streams that enhance its natural charm and provide tranquil settings for outdoor activities. Besides wildlife viewing, Cheatham WMA is popular for hiking, especially with trails that meander through lush forests and offer glimpses of the area's natural beauty. The area's natural history is both rich and vital to the conservation efforts ongoing today, serving as a habitat and a research site for wildlife management. It offers an inviting challenge for outdoor adventurers and provides restorative natural experiences for visitors seeking an escape from the urban hustle.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Cheatham Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Harpeth River State Park★ 8.2⌖ 9 miCanoeing
Harpeth River State Park

Harpeth River State Park

Explore Harpeth River State Park near Kingston Springs, TN. Enjoy activities like canoeing, hiking, and birding in this scenic, peaceful, and family-friendly area. Best visited in spring and summer.

Beaman Park★ 6.5⌖ 13 miHiking
Beaman Park

Beaman Park

Explore the natural beauty of Beaman Park near Nashville, TN, featuring rolling hills and diverse wildlife. This 2.5-mile Henry Hollow Loop offers moderate hiking through shaded paths. Ideal for families, enjoy peaceful walks and informative nature programs.

Serene Water Escape at Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake★ 7.2⌖ 14 miPaddleboarding
Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake

Serene Water Escape at Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake

Hidden Lake in Harpeth River State Park near Nashville offers a moderate-access water and forest setting ideal for quiet hiking, fishing, and paddling. Best in spring and fall, it provides peaceful, less crowded outdoor recreation in a natural park setting.

PaddleboardingView Details→
Kings Bluff★ 7.5⌖ 19 miHiking
Kings Bluff

Kings Bluff

Kings Bluff in Clarksville, TN, offers stunning river views and diverse plant life. Perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and birdwatching enthusiasts. Best visited in spring or fall for ideal temperatures and panoramic photos.

Natural Beauty at Richland Creek Greenway - McCabe Trailhead, Nashville★ 6.8⌖ 19 miHiking
Richland Creek Greenway - McCabe Trailhead

Natural Beauty at Richland Creek Greenway - McCabe Trailhead, Nashville

Located just outside Nashville, Richland Creek Greenway at McCabe Trailhead offers easy, flat trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Ideal in spring and fall, the area features quiet creekside paths with opportunities to see deer and songbirds. Parking and access are convenient for a natural urban escape.

Scenic Hiking at Percy Warner Trailhead near Nashville★ 6.5⌖ 20 miHiking
Percy Warner Hiking Trailhead

Scenic Hiking at Percy Warner Trailhead near Nashville

Percy Warner Hiking Trailhead near Nashville offers easy to moderate trails through forested hills with scenic overlooks. Ideal for hiking, trail running, and nature photography, it’s a peaceful outdoor escape just a 20-minute drive from the city, best visited in spring or fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ High Ridge Hiking Trail offering panoramic forest and valley views✦ Rich birdwatching opportunities especially during migration seasons✦ Abundant hunting grounds for deer and turkey seasons✦ Peaceful streams and secluded spots for quiet reflection
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Cheatham Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Cheatham Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Cheatham Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Cheatham Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Cheatham Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Cheatham Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Cheatham Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No general entrance fee, but permits required for hunting and fishing.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Cheatham Wildlife Management Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Cheatham Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Ashland City
⌖ 4.58 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ashland City, Tennessee

A riverside gateway with quiet trails and water adventures, offering a refreshing blend of nature and small-town charm just outside Nashville.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Kingston Springs
⌖ 11.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kingston Springs, Tennessee

A peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, offering river adventures and wooded trails near Nashville.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Greenville
⌖ 14.49 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greenville, Tennessee

A quiet small town offering access to gentle outdoor adventures amid rolling hills and nearby river landscapes, ideal for relaxed paddling and hiking.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Sango
⌖ 16.58 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sango, Ogun State

A vibrant town offering easy access to both rural landscapes and nearby natural attractions, perfect for day trips and outdoor explorations in southwestern Nigeria.

Dry Season (November to March)Explore Town
Clarksville
⌖ 21.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Clarksville, Tennessee

A vibrant town that offers a mix of outdoor activities, with historical charm and easy access to nature along the Cumberland River.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Nashville
⌖ 21.74 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nashville, Tennessee

A vibrant city with a rich musical heritage offering a gateway to outdoor adventures in nearby natural landscapes.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Cheatham Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Nashville Music Row Walking Tour by Nashville Experience ToursNashville, Tennessee · 20.63 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Nashville Experience Tours

Nashville Music Row Walking Tour by Nashville Experience Tours

Step into Nashville’s legendary music scene with the Music Row Walking Tour from Nashville Experience Tours. Discover historic studios, legendary stories, and the cultural heartbeat of Music City in just 1.5 hours. Unearth Nashville’s musical secrets on this guided walk through Music Row, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at iconic recording studios and hear stories about the legends behind the charts. Perfect for music fans and cultural explorers alike, this tour offers an authentic taste of Nashville’s creative history while walking through the city’s most storied streets. Learn about the artists, producers, and moments that crafted Nashville’s reputation as the birthplace of American music, all led by an engaging expert guide. This experience is suitable for most visitors and provides a unique opportunity to digest Nashville’s musical heritage without much walking or strenuous activity. The knowledgeable guides weave storytelling and history into every stop, making it a highly engaging way to see Music City’s legendary landmarks. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan, this tour offers a compelling entry into Nashville’s vibrant musical landscape. Perfectly timed for visitors wanting a concise yet rich cultural experience, Nashville Experience Tours' Music Row Walking Tour promises a memorable glimpse into Nashville’s historic music industry, enriching your understanding of why this city remains a pivotal hub for American sound.

1.5 hours

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Grinder’s Switch Winery: Downtown Nashville Wine & Cheese Pairing ExperienceNashville, Tennessee · 20.91 mi away
All Adventures· Grinder's Switch Winery

Grinder’s Switch Winery: Downtown Nashville Wine & Cheese Pairing Experience

Spend an hour in Grinder’s Switch Winery’s cozy back room at Marathon Village tasting Tennessee wines paired with Bloomy Rind cheeses and Goo Goo chocolates. This intimate, adult-only pairing is a quick, friendly introduction to the region’s winemaking—perfect before a night of music or as a relaxed downtown stop.

1 Hour

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Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.