| Thumping Dick Hollow | |
| Photo Size: | 235 |
| Length: | 2miles |
| Direction: | East-West |
| Width: | 0.1miles1miles |
| Location: | Franklin County, Tennessee, United States |
| Coordinates: | 35.2278°N -85.9554°W |
| Map: | Tennessee |
| Map Size: | 180 |
| Label: | Thumping Dick Hollow, Sewanee, TN |
| Label Position: | top |
| Traversed: | Sewanee Perimeter Trail |
Thumping Dick Hollow, also known as Thumping Dick Cove, is a small cove in Franklin County, south Tennessee, within the domain of the University of the South and town of Sewanee. It is noted for its unusual name, old-growth forest, and caves.
Thumping Dick Hollow is a small cove with multiple sinkholes and caves including Solomon's Temple. It is also noted for its old growth forest.[1] It is one of the segments of the Sewanee Perimeter Trail. In 1973, Dick Cove was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.[2]
There are multiple traditions as to the origin of the unusual name. The hollow was referred to as early as 1858 before the University of the South was built. A popular version relates that a local resident named "Dick" built a water-powered grain mill in the 19th century; when in operation, the mill made a "thumping" sound that was heard throughout the surrounding forest.[3] Another version of the origin states that the a hydro powered sump pump or sawmill made a thumping sound when in operation.[4]
Thumping Dick Hollow located off of the old Stagecoach route of the Breakfield Road in Sewanee, Tennessee and forms part of the Sewanee Perimeter Trail. It is approximately in elevation below Breakfield Road. From gate #7 on Breakfield Road, follow the path beyond the gate for until it crosses a stream with a collapsed bridge. Cross over the stream and follow a faint path to the left until the entrance to the Columned Entrance Cave is visible. The second cave, Solomon's Temple, is further ahead around the cliff on the right.
Noted early 20th century New England author, drama critic, and Yale professor Walter Prichard Eaton wrote of the hollow. In his 1922 collection of essays Penguin, Persons, and Peppermints, Eaton describes a visit to the hollow in early spring while celebrating the Southern American gift for colorful place names.[5]