Palmer, originally known as Tate’s Village, was incorporated in 1925 and renamed in honor of Clarence William Palmer (1850-1919), who owned much of the land upon which the town was established.
The area thrived during the early 20th Century due in part to coal mining operations, which you can learn more about at the Grundy County Miners Museum and Heritage Center in Palmer.
Palmer is just south of the Savage Gulf East trailhead in Savage Gulf State Park, off State Route 399. Savage Falls, the Savage Creek Cascade, several campgrounds, and many overlooks of the 500-acre Werner Old Growth Forest — one of the few areas in the Southeast that were never timbered — can all be accessed from that trailhead.
Savage Station Campground
A great spot for back-country camping in Savage Gulf, within walking distance of the Savage Gulf East Trailhead parking area! Online reservations required at Reserve.tnstateparks.com.
Grundy County Miner's Museum
Telling the Story of Mining in Grundy County
Mountain Mobile Massage
Individual or couple massages with optional add-on treatments in your accommodations
Palmer Market
Gas station, grocery store & restaurant
Difficult
Savage Creek 4-Day Overnight Hike
This 4-day hike takes you into the “wildest” part of Savage Gulf State Park — some of the most beautiful wilderness in the region. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf East Trailhead.
The Southern Oven
Family owned restaurant with fresh burgers, daily specials and good ol' country cooking and sweet tea
Things to do in Palmer
Lodging in Palmer
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Badlands Horse Camp
Bring your own horse and enjoy access to over 22,000 acres of trails. Camping hookups available.
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Brown's Dairy Bar
Ice cream, shakes, plate lunches & burgers
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Collins Gulf 2-Day Overnight Hike
This two-day hike features eye-popping springtime wildflowers, amazing waterfalls, disappearing streams and majestic overlooks. There are steep descents/return ascents into/out of Collins Gulf. Otherwise, it's a moderate hike. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf South Trailhead.
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Horsepound Falls
Visit the waterfall said to be named for the place where Confederate forces hid their horses during the Civil War. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf South Trailhead.
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Stoker-Stampfli Farm & Museum
Leaving Switzerland for a Better Life
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Suter Falls/Horsepound Falls
Here's a challenging 2 mile out-and-back viewing of Suter Falls, Horsepound Falls, rock shelters, and high bluffs. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf South Trailhead.