Decatur County Publishes River Recreation Guide to Boost Tourism

Decatur County now offers a centralized guide to its river-centered outdoor assets and visitor services, positioning the Tennessee River corridor as a focal point for recreation, small-business activity and heritage tourism. The county page lists facilities, practical contact details and reservation information to help visitors plan stays and day trips along the river.

Key recreational sites include Tennessee River Golf Club, an 18-hole course on the river with a pro shop and driving range; Beech Bend Park, located five miles east of Parsons, which provides multiple public campgrounds, family-friendly playgrounds and picnic facilities in addition to fishing access and two boat ramps; and a cluster of marinas serving recreational boaters. The marinas named in the guide are Fisherdale Marina in Decaturville, Cherokee Marina & Grill in Sugar Tree, Perryville Marina in Parsons, RiverStone Marina in Bath Springs, and Mermaid Marina. Marina services documented include boat slips, pump-out services, fuel, pontoon rentals and event pavilions.

The guide also highlights agritourism and cultural destinations that augment river recreation. Black Wolf Acres offers seasonal fall events and u-pick produce, while Brownsport Furnace, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is managed and accessible through Decatur County Parks & Recreation. Carroll Cabin Barrens State Natural Area preserves 250 acres of limestone glade habitat and offers a two-mile trail for nature walking.

Practical visitor information is provided for many sites to reduce friction for users and to support local operators. Examples include tee-time reservations for Tennessee River Golf Club at 731-852-2582 and Beech Bend reservations at 731-733-3305. The county’s central reference is available at decaturcountytn.gov/attractions.

From an economic perspective, consolidating this information helps channel recreational spending to local businesses such as marinas, rental operators, eateries and lodging providers. Services like pump-out facilities and fuel sales create recurring revenue streams tied to boat traffic, while event pavilions and fall agritourism draw seasonal visitors who support restaurants and retail. The guide also underscores public-sector roles in managing heritage sites and natural areas, which can expand visitor stays and spending when paired with maintenance and signage investments.

Looking ahead, sustaining growth in river recreation will require balancing increased visitation with infrastructure and conservation needs. Continued investment in boat ramps, restroom and parking facilities, marina maintenance and natural-area stewardship will shape whether the Tennessee River corridor can deliver longer-term economic gains while protecting the environmental and historical assets that attract visitors.