Hidden Lake is a gem that few people have been to, yet is located only 20 minutes from downtown Nashville. There are several short side trails in the area, but a main trail leads to a junction where one can either hike to the lake or to the ridge above the lake (both are recommend).
The Hidden Lake area has a varied and intriguing history. The area was used for farming in the 1800s; then, around 1895, the property was purchased by the Hutton family, and they developed the major limestone quarries, the remnants of which can be found here today. In 1931, a different owner converted the property into a family resort, built a lodge, and coined the appropriate name Hidden Lake. In the 1940s their lodge sadly burned, and their resort was gone. The only remains of the resort is a marble dance floor on top of one of the ridges overlooking the lake. After the resort fire, the property went back to being used for farming, cow pastures, and local sport fishing until 1993 when the state of Tennessee acquired the land.
Much history can be found by walking the ridgeline above the lake including the dance floor, an old fuel tank, and the remains of a few buildings. The beauty of the lake and surrounding area also make it a must-do hike.
Comments
Sign In and share them.