Traveling U.S. Route 412 from Columbia to Gordonsburg is a laid-back yet scenic drive through the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee. Spanning approximately 20 miles, this segment of the highway connects the historic city of Columbia with the Natchez Trace Parkway near Gordonsburg, passing through the quiet community of Hampshire along the way. It’s a peaceful ride through rural landscapes that still hold traces of Tennessee’s frontier-era past, with just enough twists and elevation changes to keep the drive interesting.
We begin our journey just west of Columbia, where U.S. Route 412 splits off from U.S. Route 43. Columbia itself is worth a stop if you have the time—known as the “Mule Capital of the World,” it boasts a quaint downtown, the President James K. Polk Home, and a growing arts scene. Once we hit the road, U.S. 412 quickly transitions from suburban to rural, passing farms and wooded hills as we leave the city behind. The road is a mix of gentle curves and open stretches, with clear views of the surrounding countryside. As we continue westward, the road begins to angle southwest as we make our way toward the community of Hampshire.
Hampshire is a quiet spot with a surprising amount of character. A small unincorporated community, it’s best known for local wineries like Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, nestled in the hills just off the highway. Tennessee Route 166 intersects here, offering another route southward through Maury County. Though the town is small, Hampshire makes a great detour for a quick tasting or just to take in the peaceful rural setting. This area is especially scenic in the fall, when the trees along the highway burst into shades of orange and gold.
Leaving Hampshire, U.S. 412 curves west again as we approach the community of Gordonsburg. This final stretch feels a bit more remote, with denser patches of forest and fewer signs of development. As we descend into Gordonsburg, we approach one of the region’s most notable features—the Natchez Trace Parkway. This federally maintained scenic byway stretches over 400 miles from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, and it intersects U.S. 412 at a well-designed interchange just northwest of Gordonsburg. We end our drive here, turning south onto the Parkway, a gateway to miles of leisurely, historic travel through some of the South’s most preserved landscapes.
Whether you’re making this drive as part of a longer cross-state trip or just looking for a scenic connector to the Natchez Trace, the Columbia to Gordonsburg stretch of U.S. Route 412 is a smooth, relaxing route with just enough charm to make you slow down and enjoy the journey. From historic Columbia to tranquil Hampshire and the scenic intersection with the Parkway, this segment offers a little bit of everything Middle Tennessee is known for.
🗺️ Route Map
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