If you’re planning a weekend getaway from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the Cumberland Plateau is closer than most people realize. About an hour east on I-24, the plateau sits roughly a thousand feet above the valley floor, and the temperature, the noise level, and the pace of things shift noticeably when you arrive.
The Getaway on Ranger Creek sits just outside Coalmont on a wooded property with a pond, hiking trails, and five units: the Geodesic Glamping Dome, the Scandinavian Cabin, the Glamping Tent with Deck, the Porch House Cabin, and the Nordic Spruce Cabin. The decks overlook the woods. The dome’s big window looks out over the pond, with the woods lining the far bank.
The Drive from Murfreesboro
Head east on I-24 toward Chattanooga. The drive gets more interesting once you start climbing toward Monteagle Mountain; the views open up and the elevation change is noticeable. From Manchester it’s a short drive east on country roads. Pretty, tree-lined, and curvy as you climb up the mountain to the plateau. Door to property: approximately one hour.
If you want to make a stop on the way in, Manchester sits right along your route. Stock up on groceries there. Options get limited once you’re on the plateau.
What to Do Once You’re Here
Twelve minutes from the property, Greeter Falls drops 50 feet into a plunge pool inside Grundy Forest. It’s one of the better waterfall hikes in this part of Tennessee, and it doesn’t draw the same crowds as spots further east. The trail information is available on the Tennessee State Parks website.
Twenty minutes away, the Great Stone Door at Savage Gulf State Park is a 150-foot crevice at the edge of the plateau. The overlook hike is easy. The view from the top is not something you forget quickly.
Fall Creek Falls, about an hour northeast, has the tallest single-drop waterfall in the eastern United States at 256 feet. Worth a full day if the weather’s cooperating. Like all waterfalls in the region, the flow varies by season; spring and after a good rain are your best bets.
The Caverns: Underground Music 30 Minutes Away
The Caverns is a concert venue built inside a natural cave near Pelham, Tennessee, approximately 30 minutes from The Getaway on Ranger Creek. The cave holds a steady 59 degrees year-round. The acoustics are unlike anything else in the region, and the venue just took home Theater of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards. We wrote a full guide to what it’s actually like to see a show inside the cave. Check their calendar before you book; a good show can anchor the whole weekend.
Planning Around Bonnaroo
Murfreesboro folks know Bonnaroo well. Manchester, home of the festival, is about 40 minutes from the property. If you’re attending Bonnaroo in June, staying at The Getaway on Ranger Creek instead of camping on-site means a real bed, a real shower, and a quiet morning after a long night. The drive back and forth is easy. The tradeoff is worth it. We cover the most common Bonnaroo logistics questions in our FAQ.
Plan Your Weekend Getaway from Murfreesboro
Check availability and book your stay at thegetawayon.com. The property fills up fast on Caverns and Bonnaroo weekends. If you’re planning around an event, book early.