Versailles Knob

Versailles Knob is a 40-acre natural area in Rutherford County, Tennessee approximately 11 miles southwest of Murfreesboro within the old community of Versailles (pronounced “Ver-sales”). Consisting of the ridge and north-facing slope of a prominent knob (1258 ft MSL) within the inner central basin, the site hosts a population of the federally endangered Braun’s rock-cress (Boechera perstellata, also Arabis perstellata or Borodinia perstellata). The mature mesic hardwood forest and steep limestone outcrops provide habitat for this rare plant known only from a few locations in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Designated in 2025, Versailles Knob is one of two public-owned, protected sites in Tennessee for Braun’s rock-cress; the other being Walnut Knob in Smith County.

At the head of the Harpeth River drainage basin, Versailles once served as an outpost for trading between the French and native populations for much of the 18-century. Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek, and Shawnee traded here until the Indian Territory (including Versailles) was taken into Tennessee through the Tellico Treaty of 1805.

Site Management
 

Public Access

Parking: 
Trail: 
Dogs on Leash: 
Hunting: 
Fishing: 
Camping: 

Directions

Details

• Owned by the State of Tennessee
• Central Basin Physiographic Province
• Designated in 2025