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| Short Springs State Natural Area |
Short Springs is a 420-acre natural area located in
Coffee County approximately three and a half miles
northeast of Tullahoma. The natural area provides
an excellent contrast between Highland Rim and
Central Basin geology and vegetation. When
descending along the Machine Falls trail, a visitor
can observe exposed black Chattanooga shale at
mid-slope, which is a formation that delineates the
Central Basin from the Highland Rim. Thickets of
mountain laurel grow on the upper slopes under a
dry oak-hickory forest canopy that is characteristic
of Highland Rim vegetation. The lower slopes and
riparian areas along Bobo Creek support towering
sycamore, buckeye, magnolia, beech, and tulip
poplar trees with a rich shrub layer and
herbaceous cover.
Coffee County approximately three and a half miles
northeast of Tullahoma. The natural area provides
an excellent contrast between Highland Rim and
Central Basin geology and vegetation. When
descending along the Machine Falls trail, a visitor
can observe exposed black Chattanooga shale at
mid-slope, which is a formation that delineates the
Central Basin from the Highland Rim. Thickets of
mountain laurel grow on the upper slopes under a
dry oak-hickory forest canopy that is characteristic
of Highland Rim vegetation. The lower slopes and
riparian areas along Bobo Creek support towering
sycamore, buckeye, magnolia, beech, and tulip
poplar trees with a rich shrub layer and
herbaceous cover.
Short Springs is one of the very best spring wildflower locations in the state. In the spring, moist slopes are covered in trout
lilies, Virginia bluebells, jack-in-the-pulpit, larkspur, and Dutchman's breeches. Large flowered trillium (Trillium grandiflora),
southern red trillium (Trillium sulcatum), and barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) are uncommon plants for Middle
Tennessee that occur here. The natural area also supports two state-listed endangered plant species, Nestronia (Nestronia
umbellula) and broad-leaved bunchflower (Melanthium latifolium).
This biological diversity is related to the rich forest slopes and ravines, low cascades, springs and waterfalls that support it.
Scenic features like Machine Falls drops more than 60 feet and is nearly equal in length across. The Upper and Lower
Busby Falls on Bobo Creek are two prominent cascading waterfalls that can be seen from overlooks on the Bobo Creek trail.
The steep escarpment with its numerous wet weather seeps are particularly impressive during the moist winter and spring
months. Water is a significant feature at Short Springs as it once was the water supply for Tullahoma before construction of
Normandy Dam.
lilies, Virginia bluebells, jack-in-the-pulpit, larkspur, and Dutchman's breeches. Large flowered trillium (Trillium grandiflora),
southern red trillium (Trillium sulcatum), and barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) are uncommon plants for Middle
Tennessee that occur here. The natural area also supports two state-listed endangered plant species, Nestronia (Nestronia
umbellula) and broad-leaved bunchflower (Melanthium latifolium).
This biological diversity is related to the rich forest slopes and ravines, low cascades, springs and waterfalls that support it.
Scenic features like Machine Falls drops more than 60 feet and is nearly equal in length across. The Upper and Lower
Busby Falls on Bobo Creek are two prominent cascading waterfalls that can be seen from overlooks on the Bobo Creek trail.
The steep escarpment with its numerous wet weather seeps are particularly impressive during the moist winter and spring
months. Water is a significant feature at Short Springs as it once was the water supply for Tullahoma before construction of
Normandy Dam.
DIRECTIONS:
Proceeding north on Jackson St. (US 41A), from the business district, turn
right on Hogan St. (at Jiffy Lube, 4 blocks), turn left on Country Club Dr. (at
the small grocery store, 5 blocks). Country Club becomes Short Springs
Rd; follow for several miles to the Short Springs water tower on the right.
Short Springs Natural Area is on the left.
Proceeding north on Jackson St. (US 41A), from the business district, turn
right on Hogan St. (at Jiffy Lube, 4 blocks), turn left on Country Club Dr. (at
the small grocery store, 5 blocks). Country Club becomes Short Springs
Rd; follow for several miles to the Short Springs water tower on the right.
Short Springs Natural Area is on the left.