​Belle & Beau Acres
Things To Do
Waterfall
This private 27 foot high ledge waterfall flows from a series of ground springs, spewing crystal clear water, from directly below the Belle and Beau Acres property. To access this special spot, guests will take a steep downhill hike to trek a wet rocky bed along the shallow pools formed from this vertical drop. A bonus feature is the enormous rock shelter behind it. Usually 365 days of flow except during periods of severe drought.
Floating & Soaking
With access to two shallow lazy rivers cascading across hundreds of feet, there are plenty of float holes to discover. Navigate your way downstream or tie your float to a tree, the options are endless. Whether you want shade or sun, you'll find the perfect spot for your favorite chair, with your feet up. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the common spaces along the water. All guests have access via our short but steep hiking trails.
Fall Foliage and Plants
Springtime into June is wonderful for observing wildflowers of all types, but especially trillium and mountain laurel. The old growth forest will not disappoint a tree hugger, and the field edges offer up sweet wild blackberry pickings in the heat of summer. Fall foliage is spectacular with an emphasis on deep golden yellows from the abundant tulip poplar trees.
Firefly Watch
Firefly or Lightning Bug season starts around May and really revs up around June. The fields and forests come alive with these fascinating little creatures. The firefly is the official state insect of Tennessee, and the bioluminescence, containing almost no heat, is a chemical reaction the fireflies produce.
Hammocks
Every campsite and common space on the property has hammock hanging options. We encourage guests to use hammock straps and to be aware of dead or dying trees before hanging anything.
Hiking
There is no shortage of hiking adventures available on the property. Use our detailed campground map to locate any of our hiking trails, each leading to a unique water view. Use one of our convenient footpaths to pick blackberries in the summer or walk with the fireflies at dusk.
Picnic
Pack a picnic and hike down Beech Tree Trail for a magical spot along the river. Here guests will find a rock fire pit ring, plenty of hammock hanging trees, and mossy level ground for throwing down a picnic blanket. This part of the river has a wide shady float hole, and access to the waterfall is a short hike around the corner.
Treasure Hunting
Hike downhill via any of the trails and find a treasure trove of geological features and finds. Popular activities include searching for creek glass and fossils along the river's edge. Crinoid fossils are a frequent find in this area. In past times, the ocean floor was covered with many now-extinct crinoids. These discoveries indicate that oceans covered these lands at one point.
Biking
Pack the bikes and cruise through our groomed pasture trails or take them offsite to enjoy the Tennessee Central Rail Trail – a 4.23 mile, 9 foot wide, paved biking and walking trail that runs along active train tracks from Cookeville to Algood. Free parking available at the Cookeville Depot Museum 116 W Broad St, where the adventure begins.
Art Workshop
By special request only, from time to time, Christine will entertain a small group with a creative activity. Guests will join Christine at her private fiber art studio on the homestead, and take part in an pre-selected workshop. Activities may range from repurposing found natural materials into a folk art piece, to painting with leaves, to making rope! Guests may also have a rare opportunity to shop from a unique assortment of handmade goods created with a focus on the environment and learn how this space came to be, including a bit of local history related to some of the items utilized in the space.
Birding
Catch the eastern sandhill crane migration, spot a hawk on the hunt, listen for owls, or observe any of the many forest and shrubland birds, including an abundance of humming birds, wood peckers, and barn swallows in the summer.
Wildlife
Sit back and watch because guests have a good chance of spotting wildlife during their visit. Frequent sightings include white tail deer, turkey, chipmunks, squirrels, armadillos, and crawfish. At night guests might hear coyote or owls.