Just a few miles separate the peaceful waters of Tims Ford Lake from the historic charm of Lynchburg, but the route we take to get there winds through the kind of quiet, rolling Tennessee countryside that makes even a short drive memorable. This 9-mile stretch isn’t part of a numbered highway system from start to finish—it’s a patchwork of local roads like Chestnut Ridge Road, Pleasant Hill Road, and Cobb Hollow Road—but that’s exactly what makes it worth exploring. It’s not just about getting from point A to B. It’s about what you’ll see in between.
We begin our journey at the entrance to Tims Ford State Park, near the junction of Tims Ford Road and Mansford Road (Tennessee State Route 476). This area is a recreational haven, known for boating, fishing, and hiking around the lake. As we exit the park heading north, we’re immediately immersed in a rural landscape that’s equal parts farmland and forest. The ride here is serene—lightly traveled and gently curving, with an easy grade that’s as relaxing to drive as it is scenic to look at.
Chestnut Ridge Road is the first stretch we take after leaving the park boundary. This quiet country road meanders through low hills and farmland, often flanked by old barns, horses grazing near fences, and wooded patches that hint at Tennessee’s natural heritage. It’s a great example of Middle Tennessee backroad driving—just enough curves to keep things interesting but nothing too dramatic. The road crests and dips gently, following the shape of the land rather than trying to conquer it. Along the way, there are occasional glimpses of homesteads tucked into the trees, along with sweeping views over pastureland.
After about five miles, we enter the small community of Pleasant Hill—not to be confused with the town by the same name in Cumberland County. This is more of a neighborhood than a town, but it marks a change in the drive as Chestnut Ridge Road seamlessly becomes Pleasant Hill Road. The countryside continues to offer a mix of wooded shade and open pasture. Local traffic picks up slightly here, but the road still has a rural charm, and you won’t be dealing with stoplights or commercial sprawl.
A mile and a half later, we approach the junction with Cobb Hollow Road. Turning left onto Cobb Hollow, we’re on the final leg of our trip into Lynchburg. The road climbs slightly as it winds through a thick patch of woods, eventually giving way to more open spaces as we approach town. Just before reaching the intersection with Tennessee State Route 55, you might catch sight of a distant ridgetop or perhaps the telltale signs of Lynchburg’s outskirts: mailbox clusters, old churches, and small signs pointing the way to local destinations.
We end our journey at the intersection of Cobb Hollow Road and TN-55, just outside downtown Lynchburg. From here, a short drive south will take you into the town square, home of the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery and the kind of classic Tennessee downtown that’s perfect for strolling, dining, or just soaking in a little small-town Americana. While the roads we’ve traveled aren’t part of a grand highway system, they offer an intimate and memorable route that blends natural beauty with rural life—a perfect detour for those who enjoy the slower, scenic way.
🗺️ Route Map
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