Hohenwald, Tennessee

Hohenwald, the county seat of Lewis County, is located in Middle Tennessee 7 miles west of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Scroll down the page to view more pictures!

The name "Hohenwald" is a German word that means "High Forest". The town was founded in 1878 and later merged with a town named "New Switzerland" to the south. New Switzerland was founded in 1894 by Swiss immigrants.

The original 1896 Hohenwald Depot (pictured above), was moved several times, but was returned to its original location and restored in 1985.

Meriwether Lewis, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, died and was buried seven miles east of the town at Grinder's Stand in 1809. The third largest animal trophy mount collection in North America is located at the Lewis County Museum of Natural History in downtown Hohenwald. Hohenwald is also the home of the The Elephant Sanctuary, the largest natural-habitat sanctuary for elephants in the United States.

The population was 3,679 at the 2014 census.

Things To See and Do

• Elephant Discovery Center - Located in downtown Hohenwald, the center features indoor exhibits, an outdoor classroom, and live video-feeds from The Elephant sanctuary habitats.
• Fall Hollow Waterfall - milepost 391.9 - Hiking Trail, Waterfall, Top 30 Favorite Site
• Hohenwald Municipal Golf Course - 9 hole public golf course, located on the east side of Hohenwald bordering US Hwy 412.
• Lewis County Museum of Natural History - The museum presents the story of Lewis County. Dan and Margaret Maddox donated their world-class wildlife collection with the goal that it be kept intact and preserved.
• Meriwether Lewis - milepost 385.9 - Restroom, Picnic Area, Hiking Trail, History/Nature Exhibit, Campground, Old Trace, Top 30 Favorite Site
• Hohenwald-Lewis County Welcome Center - Area maps, brochures and travel information are available from 10am to 2pm Monday thru Friday in the Depot Welcome Center.

Places to Stay

• Meriwether's Retreat Bed and Breakfast
• High Forest Guesthouse
• Miss Scarlett's Bed and Breakfast
• High Forest Farms I
• High Forest Farms II
• Small Town Haven

• Directions, Map, Dining and Area Attractions
• Hohenwald Festivals and Events
• Hohenwald Restaurants
• Natchez Trace - Hohenwald Access / Exit Roads:
  • US Highway 412
  • Tennessee Highway 20