Explore the heart of central Tennessee with us as we take a scenic 12-mile journey west along Tennessee State Route 99, beginning in the quiet town of Chapel Hill and ending in the more urban setting of Columbia. This drive showcases the region’s natural charm and its mix of rural landscapes and river valleys, all while linking a few of the area’s key roadways.
Our ride begins just south of downtown Chapel Hill at the junction with U.S. Highway 31A, where TN-99 heads west out of town. Chapel Hill itself is a quaint community in Marshall County known for its proximity to Henry Horton State Park, which lies just a few miles to the southeast and offers hiking, golfing, and camping along the Duck River. Once we’re rolling west on Route 99, we quickly intersect with State Route 272, a connector heading south toward Lewisburg.
Leaving that intersection behind, the highway begins to gently curve northwest, tracing the contours of the Duck River, one of Tennessee’s most ecologically diverse waterways. Though not directly visible for the entire stretch, the river’s presence shapes the surrounding farmland and tree lines. Along this part of the drive, the scenery becomes more open and pastoral, with glimpses of rolling hills and rural homesteads dotting the landscape. It’s a peaceful section of road that serves as a reminder of the slower pace found in Tennessee’s countryside.
As we approach U.S. Highway 431, Route 99 briefly joins the larger road for a short concurrency northward. This portion carries us into Maury County and acts as a transitional stretch between the rural outskirts and the city of Columbia. After less than a mile on US-431, we leave the concurrency by turning west again, where TN-99 continues solo toward Columbia. From here, the road becomes Bear Creek Pike, a name that locals will recognize as a major east-west route into the city.
Heading toward Columbia, the highway sees a gradual increase in traffic and development. On the approach to the city, roadside businesses and residential neighborhoods become more frequent. Columbia itself is the county seat of Maury County and home to numerous historic districts, parks, and one of the state’s most iconic annual events—Mule Day. We end our journey at the bustling interchange where TN-99 meets Interstate 65 and U.S. Highway 412, just east of Columbia’s city center. This junction provides quick access north to Nashville or further west into the hills of southern Middle Tennessee.
Whether you’re commuting between towns, exploring rural backroads, or connecting with major routes like I-65, the stretch of TN-99 from Chapel Hill to Columbia offers a smooth and scenic drive with a touch of small-town charm and regional connectivity.
🗺️ Route Map
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