U.S. Route 412 offers a short but interesting slice of Middle Tennessee as it passes through Columbia, a historic town known for its Civil War roots, scenic river crossings, and growing industrial footprint. This 14-mile drive follows the Bear Creek Pike alignment of US-412 from its eastern terminus at Interstate 65 to its junction with U.S. Highway 43 on the city’s southwest side.
We begin our journey at I-65 Exit 46, just east of Columbia. At this point, U.S. Route 412 begins as Bear Creek Pike—a well-maintained four-lane divided highway that serves as a major connector between Columbia and the interstate. As we pull away from the interchange, the road quickly transitions from rural to suburban. Early on, we travel through a mix of forested patches and rolling farmland, with occasional residential clusters tucked behind tree lines. The drive here is calm and relatively undeveloped, with only a few service stations and roadside businesses before we reach the city proper.
As Bear Creek Pike continues west, we enter Columbia’s eastern edge and soon pass over the interchange with U.S. Highway 31 (also signed locally as Nashville Highway). This is one of the main north-south corridors through the region, linking Columbia to Franklin and Nashville to the north and to Pulaski and Alabama to the south. The intersection is well-developed, and you’ll notice a transition to more urban surroundings—fast food chains, shopping plazas, and auto dealerships line the road for the next couple of miles.
Shortly after the US-31 interchange, we cross the Duck River. The Duck is one of the most ecologically diverse rivers in North America and winds its way through downtown Columbia just a stone’s throw from the US-412 bridge. This area is a great detour if you have the time—head south on US-31 to explore Columbia’s historic courthouse square, the James K. Polk Home and Museum, or the scenic Riverwalk Park along the Duck River itself.
Back on route, U.S. 412 curves slightly southwest after the river and meets the interchange with Tennessee State Route 7. SR-7 is a minor highway that heads north toward Santa Fe, but it’s an important junction for local traffic. The area around this interchange continues to grow, with new developments and commercial zones cropping up as Columbia expands westward.
Continuing along US-412, the highway passes the interchange with Industrial Park Road—an aptly named exit that leads to one of Columbia’s key employment hubs. This region is home to several manufacturing and logistics centers, and while it’s not a scenic detour, it’s an essential part of the local economy. Shortly afterward, we reach the interchange with Tennessee State Route 50, which offers access to the northwest corner of Columbia and nearby communities like Williamsport and Hampshire.
From here, U.S. Route 412 begins its final stretch through the outskirts of Columbia, curving south to approach its terminus. The road is still multi-lane and fairly busy, serving commuters and commercial traffic heading toward U.S. Highway 43. We end the ride at this major interchange, where US-412 merges with US-43—a key north-south highway that heads south to Lawrenceburg and Florence, Alabama, and north toward Spring Hill and ultimately Nashville via US-31.
While this stretch of US-412 isn’t particularly long, it offers a convenient and efficient route across the Columbia area, linking key interstates, state routes, and regional highways. It’s a vital east-west artery for Maury County and an easy drive with glimpses of both urban growth and rural Tennessee charm.
🗺️ Route Map
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