1. Chickasaw State Park
City: Henderson, TN
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (731) 989-5141
Address: 20 Cabin Lane
Description: Also known as Chickasaw State Rustic Park, this facility is situated about 90 miles from Memphis on some of the highest terrain in west Tennessee. The recreation areas take up only a portion of the park’s 14,384 acres of timberland and include tennis courts, basketball courts, an archery range, a horseshoe pit, volleyball courts, and a lighted baseball field. The park is also a golfer’s delight, given the 18-hole championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus. There’s also a 50-acre lake, plus hiking trails and horseback-riding trails with a rental stable. Ask about mountain biking, too. As for other amenities the park has a restaurant, with southern cooking on weekends, and 13 cabins overlooking the lake. Three campgrounds offer modern bathhouses, RV hookups, and primitive camping. The park is within easy reach of Shiloh National Military Park. From Memphis take U.S. Highway 64 east, then continue east on Highway 100 at Whiteville and follow signs to the park.
2. The Bear Trace At Chickasaw State Park
City: Henderson, TN
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (888) 944-2327
Address: 9555 State Route 100
Description: Opened in spring 2000, this Jack Nicklaus design is already building a sterling national reputation. This and four other Nicklaus courses make up Tennessee’s Bear Trace “golf trail” of outstanding yet affordable layouts. About one hour and 15 minutes away, this is the nearest one to Memphis so far, but there are rumors of one to be built even closer. Carved out of the woods in massive Chickasaw State Park, this course incorporates the marshy wetlands of Piney Creek and its tributaries and gentle rolling hills. The gorgeous holes total over 7,100 yards from the tips, with a slope of 134, so this is no cakewalk. The clubhouse, handmade from logs, looks like a mansion where Davy Crockett would be right at home. Bermuda fairways and bent-grass greens stay in good shape, which they should, considering top rates of $57 including cart in summer; however, winter and twilight fees are substantially lower. As with all Bear Trace courses, packages are available.