Located along the Buffalo River and close to the Natchez Trace Parkway, Linden, Tennessee, is an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle—all within 100 miles of Nashville. Linden is a spot where you can relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy the little things—like a peaceful river paddle, a scenic hike, and some small-town southern charm.
Stay Somewhere Historic: The Commodore Hotel
Built in 1939, this historic hotel in the heart of downtown Linden was renovated in 2007 by owners Michael and Kathy Dumont. Refinished narrow-planked oak floors, restored tubs and bathroom tiles, salvaged art decor, door hinges, and doorknobs preserve the charm of the original era. At the same time, modern amenities like Wi-Fi, fridges, coffeemakers, and a continental breakfast ensure travelers a comfortable stay.
There are 12 rooms in the main building and 10 more in the annex property, Berdie’s Boarding House (where I stayed). It was cozy and comfortable, and the hospitality truly made it special.
The hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore downtown, and the attached Commodore Music Cafe and Speakeasy Lounge offers lunch, dinner, cocktails and live music on the weekends.
Explore the Outdoors: Buffalo River Adventures
One of the highlights of my trip to Linden was spending an afternoon by the Buffalo River. The hotel owns a beautiful stretch of land right on the riverbank, where they set up a picnic spot with a cozy campfire for us to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and fun.
If you’re into kayaking, you’re in luck—there’s a convenient put-in spot right there. Even better, Commodore River Adventures offers guided kayak trips and, if you’re feeling adventurous, glowing nighttime paddling excursions that light up the river in the coolest way.
Downtown Linden, TN: Murals, Shopping, and Small-Town Charm
Downtown Linden’s Main Street is full of unique shopping spots. Grab a coffee at Pumphrey & Beard, then explore boutiques like Tamara’s Gifts for clothing, candles, and gifts, or Sparkey & Ringo’s and Maizlee’s Boutique for trendy apparel (with Maizlee’s also offering spa treatments!). Buffalo River Artisans features handcrafted goods and live demos—we caught a spinning demo during our visit. For home decor, don’t miss Shades of Vintage or Main Street Marketplace.
Linden’s current courthouse, built in 1928 after three earlier versions (one lost in the Civil War, another to fire), remains the center of Perry County government and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
Take a Side Trip: Nature and History Nearby
Mousetail Landing State Park
Looking for some fresh air and outdoor fun? Mousetail Landing State Park, just a quick drive from downtown, has you covered. Explore three hiking trails—easy, moderate, and tough (½ mile, 3 miles, and 8 miles)—or hit the mountain bike trails, with options for both beginners and thrill-seekers. You can also bring your kayak or canoe, go boating, cast a line, have a picnic, or camp under the stars. The park also has numerous ongoing events well worth checking out.
Fun Fact or Tall Tale: Mousetail Landing State Park has a unique story behind its name. During the Civil War, a tannery near the river caught fire. The place was overrun with mice, and when the fire broke out, they all bolted toward the river landing. The sight was so wild that the area became called Mousetail Landing. It’s a strange but cool little piece of history to think about while hiking the trails!
Lady’s Bluff Trail
Check out the 2.7-mile round-trip Lady’s Bluff Trail in the Lady’s Bluff Small Wild Area for a moderately challenging hike with stunning views. This TVA-managed National Recreation Trail passes gnarled cedars, limestone outcrops, and sinkholes on its way to a scenic Tennessee River overlook. Spring hikers will love the wildflowers, and fall hikes are perfect for birdwatching.
Cedar Grove Iron Furnace
History buffs will want to stop and snap a pic at Cedar Grove Iron Furnace, Tennessee’s only surviving double-stack charcoal furnace. Built from hand-carved local limestone, the 30-foot-tall Cedar Grove Iron Furnace once turned nearby Marsh Creek’s iron ore into pig iron. Mule carts delivered the ore, while entire hardwood forests were cut for charcoal to fuel the process. The pig iron was shipped nationwide to make machinery, tools, and decorative items. The furnace was shelled by gunboats during the Civil War and ceased operations. It’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
How to Spend Your Day in Linden, Tennessee
To get the full Linden, TN experience, here’s a sample itinerary:
Morning: Start with an outdoor adventure, either kayaking the Buffalo River or hiking at Mousetail Landing State Park or Lady’s Bluff Small Wild Area.
Afternoon: Check out Cedar Grove Iron Furnace and return to downtown Linden for shopping and mural-spotting.
Evening: Wrap up the day with dinner, live music, and a cocktail at the Commodore Music Café and stay overnight at the historic Commodore Inn.
Why Linden, TN is Worth the Stop
Linden might not have the flashy attractions of bigger cities, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s a place where you can slow down, enjoy the scenery, and discover hidden gems at your own pace. Whether kayaking along the Buffalo River, shopping downtown, or hiking in the nearby parks, Linden offers a little bit of everything—without the crowds.
So the next time you’re planning a road trip through Tennessee, take a detour to Linden. It’s small-town Tennessee at its best.
Linden is only 2.5 hours from Huntsville, AL. Read More: 17 Unforgettable and Unusual Things to Do in Huntsville AL
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