Tennessee Route 356: Paris – Eastbound

Tennessee Route 356 might be just a mile long, but it’s a connector with character. Running entirely within the city limits of Paris, Tennessee, this short but functional east-west route serves as a local link between two major U.S. highways—U.S. 641 and U.S. 79. While many state highways cross vast stretches of countryside or wind through multiple counties, SR 356 keeps things compact and efficient, serving as a brief cut across the southern part of town.

We begin our drive at the western end of Route 356, where it intersects with U.S. Route 641 (also known as Tyson Avenue locally). From here, SR 356 heads east as Wood Street, a name familiar to anyone navigating the Paris city grid. As we roll forward, the route takes us through a blend of modest residential blocks and older commercial structures. The street is lined with single-family homes, small shops, and a few office buildings—an everyday slice of life in a West Tennessee town. It’s not a route designed for scenery, but for local convenience and utility, and it delivers that in stride.

Despite its short length, Route 356 is surprisingly well-trafficked for a city street. It provides an easy path between two of Paris’s busiest corridors. About halfway along, we pass some local institutions, including churches and civic buildings that hint at the town’s central role in Henry County. There’s not much in the way of tourist attractions here, but for those interested in the layout of small Southern cities, this road offers a quick but telling look into daily life. The route ends just as suddenly as it began, meeting U.S. Route 79 near the heart of town. From here, travelers can head northeast toward Paris Landing State Park or southwest toward McKenzie and beyond.

Although there’s no dramatic scenery or famous roadside stops on SR 356, its importance as a local link shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s part of the intricate web of connectors that makes travel within small cities smoother and more efficient—something we often take for granted until we need it. And for highway enthusiasts, there’s always a bit of fun in checking off even the shortest of state routes.