Old-fashioned country living with traditional Southern hospitality is Wayne County in a nutshell. It is the second largest Tennessee county, measuring 736 square miles, while remaining one of the least populated. That is a good sign for people who are looking for a safe, peaceful, tight-knit community, surrounded by nature. Most citizens of Wayne County reside in the county seat of Waynesboro, followed by Clifton. It is located on the south bank of the Tennessee River, nearly halfway between Memphis and Nashville.
Wayne County is comprised of three municipalities, Waynesboro, Clifton, and Collinwood, all rich in history and scenic beauty. The small town of Collinwood is the only city in Tennessee situated directly on the border of the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. A highlight of Collinwood is the Wayne County Welcome Center, just off the Trace at mile marker 355. Operated by the National Park Service, the Natchez Trace Parkway is one of the four oldest trails in North America and runs from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. The 444mile historic route has been instrumental in American history and is now enjoyed by people who love to get outside for hiking, camping, horseback riding, biking, or a scenic drive along a historic route.
The Buffalo River is the longest unimpounded river in Middle Tennessee and runs through the northern part of Wayne County. Meandering more than 125 miles, the Buffalo is one of the most popular places for residents and visitors to float in their canoes or kayaks. Fishermen can often be found along the riverbanks with lines in the water, waiting patiently for a bass, catfish, or other species of fish to bite.
RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCES
DINING OPTIONS
Clifton Marina Bar & Grill
111 Harbor Drive, Clifton
Full service marina with onsite bar & grill serving burgers, steaks, and chef specials Dad’s Pizzeria
405 TN-99, Waynesboro
Family-friendly pizzeria offering all-you-can-eat pies along with fried fare and salad bar. Emerald’s Restaurant
126 Public Square W, Waynesboro
Comfortable eatery offering a variety of American classics on the Waynesboro square. Family Diner
502 US-64, Waynesboro
An easygoing restaurant serving home-style dishes such as burgers and plate lunches.
Purple Cow Eatery
305 W Pillow St, Clifton
A restaurant attached to Pillow Street B&B serving sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Q Barbecue Co.
100 Depot St, Collinwood
Counter-serve family restaurant serving BBQ, burgers, and sides in a casual setting. Rick’s Barbecue
103 Industrial Dr, Waynesboro
A local drive-through barbecue chain, serving slow-smoked barbecue since 1979. The Dragonfly
100 2 Ave N, Colllinwood nd
Cozy cafe serving coffee and baked goods, and a gift shop filled with handmade goods. Wagon Wheel Cafe
100 Public Square E, Waynesboro
Casual store-front cafe serving casual food, with emphasis on home-cooked goods.
LODGING OPTIONS
Camp Wonder Wander
A retreat experience with a certified Forest Therapy guide, lodging for up to 12 guests. Cabins off the Trace
3158 Summertown Hwy, Summertown
Small community of 10 cabins located only two miles from the Natchez Trace.
Commodore Inn B&B
204 W Pillow St, Clifton 599 Gaither Hinson Rd, Waynesboro
A historic Victorian home featuring modern rooms, a pool, and river views. Dogwood Inn
307 E Broadway St, Collinwood
A newly constructed six-suite property right off of the Natchez Trace Parkway Natchez RV Park
2809 Lawrenceburg Hwy, Lawrenceburg
Family owned, full hook up RV park located near the Natchez Trace with 23 sites.
The Bear Inn Retreat
2250 Billy Nance Hwy, Clifton
A cozy, lodge-style retreat that offers fifteen cabins and fourteen motel-style rooms
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Buffalo River Trail Ride
A premier equestrian camping and riding facility operating from April to November.
Clifton Marina
A premier waterfront destination for boaters, a full-service marina and RV Park.
Crazy Horse Rec. Park
Recreational park with kayak rentals, campgrounds, themed cabins, and RV sites.
Hitman Smoked Products
Producer of “Old World” style gourmet bacon, cured the way it was 200 years ago.
Little Creek Ranch
Take a guided horseback trail ride through scenic countryside, lodging available.
McGlamery Stand
Historic fire tower.
Ross Creek Landing Golf Course
An
championship course designed by the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus
Seven Pines River Resort
A unique outdoor getaway offering geodome glamping and tent camping by the river.
TN River Retail Store
Offers a constantly changing selection of antiques, cast iron, glassware, and more.
Wayne County Museum
Visit the Walk of Fame and learn about local legends in country and gospel music.
Wayne Co. Welcome Center
Volunteers will provide useful information for the rest of your journey on the Trace.
EMERALD’S RESTAURANT
WAYNESBORO
WAGON WHEEL CAFE
WAYNESBORO
TN MUSIC PATHWAYS MARKER
WAYNESBORO
Music Walk
Just off the square, the Wayne County Museum and the nearby Music Walk come together to tell a story that runs deep through these hills, one shaped by generations of singers, songwriters, and musicians who got their start right here.
The Wayne County Museum was originally established to honor local musicians, and now it holds a wide collection of memorabilia that reflects the county’s impact across multiple genres. From stage-worn items and vintage records to photographs and personal artifacts, the exhibits offer a closer look at the people behind the music.
One of the most recognizable names connected to Waynesboro is Mark Collie. Known for blending country, gospel, and rockabilly influences, Collie built a career that spans music, songwriting, and film. His work has been recorded by artists like Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, and George Jones, and his story continues to inspire both visitors and locals.
Step outside the museum, and the story continues along the Wayne County Music Walk of Fame. This growing tribute honors artists who began their journeys in Wayne County. The first stars were unveiled in 2020, recognizing names like Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery, Ralph Davis, and Neal “Tywop” Jones.
Each name carries its own legacy. Peanutt Montgomery became one of Nashville’s most respected songwriters, with dozens of his songs recorded by legends like George Jones, Dolly Parton, and Merle Haggard. Neal “Tywop” Jones built a career that spanned radio, performance, and television, even working alongside early stars like Eddy Arnold and Willie Nelson. The Davis Brothers brought their sound to stages across the country and spent years performing at the Grand Ole Opry, sharing the spotlight with some of country music’s biggest names.
Another standout is Melba Montgomery, a defining voice of country music’s golden era. As both a performer and songwriter, her influence reached far beyond Wayne County, with more than 100 compositions recorded by artists across the industry.
What makes this experience unique is how personal it feels. Many of these artists maintained strong ties to the community, and their stories are still shared by those who knew them. The museum itself is staffed by dedicated volunteers who bring these connections to life, offering insights that go beyond what is displayed.
The Wayne County Museum and Music Walk offer a chance to walk through the soundtrack of a community, one that continues to shape and celebrate its musical roots.
COLLINWOOD
COLLINWOOD
GLENROCK BRANCH
NATCHEZ TRACE
SWEETWATER BRANCH THE NATCHEZ TRACE THE DRAGONFLY
WAYNE COUNTY WELCOME CENTER
The Natchez Trace
The Natchez Trace Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the South, stretching 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville. In Wayne County, that experience becomes something more.
One of the best ways to experience this stretch of the Trace is by bike. The Natchez Trace Bike TN Loop, based in Collinwood, offers a 62-mile route that blends quiet backroads with a memorable section along the Parkway itself. Starting in downtown Collinwood, the ride quickly transitions into peaceful countryside, where shaded roads wind through creeks, hills, and farmland. Routes like Indian Creek and Hog Creek provide a steady rhythm of rolling terrain, with just enough climb to keep things interesting.
Around mile 40, the loop connects directly to the Natchez Trace Parkway. This section offers wide views, smooth pavement, and a chance to ride one of the most well-known scenic roads in the region. A stop at Sweetwater Creek provides a natural break point, with a short trail and a chance to take in the landscape before finishing the ride back into town.
Even if you are not on a bike, the Trace in Wayne County offers several stops that tell the story of the land and the people who traveled it long before modern roads existed. Places like the Sunken Trace show how early travelers carved new paths to avoid deep mud, while Dogwood Mudhole reflects the challenges wagons once faced in this terrain. At Glenrock Branch, a short walk leads to a natural amphitheater formed by water and limestone, while Sweetwater Branch offers a quiet trail through fertile bottomland shaped by centuries of erosion.
These stops are not just scenic, they are reminders of how important this route once was. Long before it became a Parkway, the Natchez Trace was a vital corridor for trade, travel, and communication, connecting communities across the region.
Collinwood serves as a natural hub for exploring it all. Just off the Parkway, the Wayne County Welcome Center offers a comfortable place to stop, gather information, and get a sense of what the area has to offer. From there, visitors can explore the town’s walkable streets, local shops, and nearby parks before heading back out to the road.
The beauty of the Natchez Trace in Wayne County is how easily it connects movement and discovery. You can spend the day riding, driving, or stopping along the way, then step into a small town that feels welcoming and real. It is a stretch of road that encourages you to slow down, look around, and experience more than just the destination.
CLIFTON MARINA BAR & GRILL
CLIFTON
THE TENNESSEE RIVER
CLIFTON
CLIFTON MARINA
CLIFTON
The Tennessee River
Along the western edge of Wayne County, the Tennessee River shapes both the landscape and the experience of visiting Clifton. Wide, steady, and scenic, this stretch of river offers a balance of recreation and relaxation that draws anglers, boaters, and anyone looking to spend time on the water.
For fishing enthusiasts, the Tennessee River is widely recognized as one of the top spots in the state. From spring through early fall, conditions are ideal, with mild weather and easy access points making it simple to launch and go. The river is home to a variety of species, including largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and crappie. Whether casting from the bank, drifting along a quiet cove, or heading out in a boat, anglers often find both steady action and the chance to land something memorable. Trophy catfish are not uncommon here, and bass fishing offers just the right mix of challenge and reward.
Beyond fishing, the river invites visitors to slow down and take in the surroundings. A day on the Tennessee River might begin with a boat ride across calm water, passing tree-lined shores and stretches of bluff that rise above the riverbank. Pontoons are especially popular, offering a relaxed way to explore, stop for a swim, or simply enjoy the view. The pace here is unhurried, and that is part of the appeal.
Clifton adds another layer to the experience. This small riverside town blends natural beauty with a welcoming sense of place. One of the best ways to enjoy it all is by spending time at Clifton Marina. Located right on the river, the marina serves as a central hub for visitors. It offers boat rentals for those looking to get out on the water, along with lodging options that make it easy to turn a day trip into a weekend stay. The on-site bar and grill adds to the atmosphere, giving visitors a place to relax after a day on the river. It is not unusual to find live music on summer evenings, with the sound carrying out over the water as the sun sets. Whether you arrive by boat or by road, it is a spot that brings people together and captures the easygoing spirit of the river.
There is also a sense of history that runs alongside the Tennessee River. For generations, it has served as a route for travel, trade, and community life, including important moments during the Civil War. Today, that history is still present, adding depth to what might otherwise be just a scenic outing.
In Clifton, the Tennessee River offers more than just a place to fish or boat. It creates an experience that blends nature, recreation, and smalltown charm into something visitors can enjoy at their own pace.
SEVEN PINES RIVER RESORT WAYNESBORO
THE BUFFALO RIVER
WAYNESBORO
THE BUFFALO RIVER
WAYNESBORO
Annual Pro Rodeo
Each May, Collinwood brings a little extra dust, energy, and excitement to Wayne County with the Natchez Valley Pro Rodeo. Held at the Wayne County Agriculture Complex, this event has quickly become a crowd favorite, combining professional rodeo action with the kind of hometown atmosphere that makes visitors feel like part of the community.
Now in its second year, the Natchez Valley Pro Rodeo is already building momentum as an annual tradition with plans to continue well into the future. The two-night event brings top competitors to the arena for a full lineup of classic rodeo events, giving fans a chance to experience the skill, strength, and speed that define the sport.
Visitors can expect an action-packed evening from start to finish. The rodeo includes events like bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, cowgirls barrel racing, and bull riding. Each event brings its own kind of excitement, from the precision of roping events to the adrenaline of watching riders hold on through a powerful eight-second ride.
The rodeo is sanctioned by IPRA and NCPRA, which adds a competitive edge and brings a high level of talent to the arena. For longtime rodeo fans, it is a chance to see skilled athletes and livestock in action. For first-time visitors, it is an easy introduction to the pace and pageantry of a true professional rodeo.
Part of what makes the Natchez Valley Pro Rodeo special is that it is more than just the competition. The event is designed as a full family outing, with food trucks, vendors, exhibits, and kid-friendly activities adding to the experience. Families can arrive early, grab something to eat, browse local booths, and enjoy the atmosphere before the rodeo begins.
A Ranch Rodeo is also part of the weekend, offering another glimpse into the working traditions behind the sport. This portion highlights practical ranch skills and gives visitors a broader appreciation for the horsemanship, teamwork, and grit that rodeo culture is built on.
The Wayne County Agriculture Complex in Collinwood provides a fitting home for the event. Located along Highway 13 South, the venue reflects the county’s agricultural roots while giving residents and visitors a place to gather for a weekend of entertainment. With tickets sold at the gate and a relaxed, welcoming setup, the event feels easy to attend and approachable for all ages.
For visitors exploring the Natchez Valley, the Pro Rodeo is a memorable way to experience the region’s rural character and community pride. It is loud, lively, family-friendly, and full of moments that keep the crowd cheering. In just a short time, the Natchez Valley Pro Rodeo has become more than a new event. It is shaping up to be a Wayne County tradition.
