The Location
This cache is placed with permission on the grounds of Old Stone Fort State Park. The Old Stone Fort was built during the Middle Woodland Period, 1,500-2,000 years ago. Native Americans used this area continuously for about 500 years, eventually leaving it abandoned. By the time European settlers arrived, it was unclear of what the area had been used for which resulted in it being misnamed as a fort. In 1966, the state of Tennessee purchased 400 acres of the Chumley estate as the core of what is now Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. The park is home to an abundance of activities for guests to enjoy. The main hiking trail follows the wall of Old Stone Fort which was used by the Native Americans as a ceremonial gathering place. The trail threads through dramatic scenery where you can see the original entrance of the fort which was designed to face the exact spot on the horizon where the sun rises during the summer solstice. Visitors can learn about the Old Stone Fort on this hike with twelve interpretive panels as well as enjoying the areas graceful waterfalls. Please observe all park policies, as it is a great privilege to be able to play here. This area closes at dusk. Please use trail heads and stay on the trails, there is no need to bushwhack.
The Area
The history of Manchester can be traced back over 2,000 years to the ancient Native American tribes who lived near present-day Old Stone Fort, but the actual town dates back to 1836, when Coffee County, named for John Coffee, was formed and Manchester was designated as its seat. It was named after the industrial city of Manchester, England, a reflection of the hope that it would become an industrial city thanks to its location near the Little Duck and Duck Rivers.
South Central Tennessee
South Central Tennessee’s back roads can be the best roads to find adventure! Find American history, outdoor adventure, peace and quiet, culinary delights, charming towns and one-of-a-kind attractions just a short drive from Nashville's famous tourist destinations. Whether visiting our historical civil war sites, traveling along the Natchez Trace Parkway, hiking in our beautiful state parks tours, sampling local libations at our distilleries and vineyards, shopping in our charming small towns or exploring our great geocaches, you are sure to find adventure as you Discover South Central Tennessee!
The Discover South Central Tennessee GeoTour
The Discover South Central Tennessee GeoTour is a series of geocaches along the backroads and small towns of South Central Tennessee. There is no fixed itinerary, like on a traditional trail, but rather a series of points of interest in a self-guided, goal-oriented plan. We have created a special passport, which you can download here, which lets you track your progress as you hunt specially placed geocaches along the tour. This passport will help you collect “code words” to qualify for special geocoins for completion of the GeoTour.
While Discovering South Central Tennessee you may also want to check out our other Official GeoTour
click below for more information.
