The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development officially launched today the Screaming Eagle Trail at a special event held at the Rivers & Spires Festival in Clarksville, Tn. the 13th of 16 self-guided driving tours in the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways program, The Screaming Eagle travels 353 miles from Nashville throughout other cities in Middle Tennessee.
The Screaming Eagle Trail is the result of a partnership between multiple state agencies and city and county officials.
The end result is a trail made up of sites and attractions in Benton, Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery and Stewart counties that travels through Middle Tennessee’s history, landscape, music and cuisine.
State and local officials participated in the special event, including Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Commissioner John Schroer, Tennessee Department of Transportation. At the launch, dignitaries welcomed guests, thanked participating partners on the trail committee, premiered the 23-page comprehensive brochure and unveiled one of the TDOT highway signs that will soon mark the trail.
The trail officially begins at the Downtown Nashville Visitor Center where guests can pick up brochures, maps and coupons before heading out to discover Tennessee’s back roads. However, visitors can choose to begin their trip at any site along the path. Once on the trail, travelers can explore Middle Tennessee’s sites, attractions and outdoor adventures at various stops along the trail.
The Screaming Eagle, with the tagline, “Lady Legends to Heroes Trail,” features 76 tourism sites. At Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, visit the home and grounds that celebrate the life and career of Loretta Lynn, one of the most beloved female performers in country music.
Tour Beachaven Winery, family owned and operated for more than 25 years, which has produced many award-winning wines. At Fort Campbell, this active military base is home to the 101st Airborne Division, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Visit the Pratt Museum at the base to see memorabilia of the Screaming Eagles, artifacts and weapons from World War II and various military aircraft and equipment.
Learn about Tennessee women who have made their mark on history, from legendary basketball coach Pat Summitt and track star Wilma Rudolph to two of country music’s queens, Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn. Get a taste of the region’s history, from the Civil War stories of Fort Donelson National Battlefield to the African-American heritage of the area, including the impact of historically black colleges and universities.