Tennessee offers some of the most beautiful boardwalk trails in the South, winding through cypress swamps, wetlands, and riverside forests. These elevated pathways let you explore nature up close without getting your feet wet, making them perfect for families, photographers, and anyone who loves the outdoors.
Whether you’re watching for herons at dawn or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon walk, these boardwalks showcase the state’s diverse ecosystems in an accessible and unforgettable way.
1. River Boardwalk via Tower Trail — Ijams Nature Center (Knoxville)
Winding along the Tennessee River, this boardwalk offers stunning water views framed by a thick woodland canopy. The path connects to the Tower Trail system, giving you options to extend your walk or keep it short and sweet. You’ll likely spot turtles sunning on logs, great blue herons fishing in the shallows, and maybe even a river otter if you’re lucky.
The boardwalk sits low over the water, creating an intimate connection with the river ecosystem. Spring brings wildflowers along the banks, while fall transforms the surrounding trees into a canvas of reds and golds.
Ijams Nature Center offers plenty of other trails and activities, so you can easily spend a whole day here. The boardwalk section provides a calming contrast to the rockier upland trails.
This spot proves you don’t need to travel far from the city to find genuine natural beauty.
2. William B. Clark State Natural Area Boardwalk (Rossville)
Hidden in West Tennessee’s bottomland forests, this boardwalk takes you through one of the state’s most unique ecosystems. Bald cypress trees rise from dark, tannin-stained water, their knobby knees poking up like natural sculptures.
The raised boardwalk keeps you dry while immersing you in the sights and sounds of a functioning wetland. Listen for the distinctive call of barred owls echoing through the swamp, especially during early morning or late afternoon visits. Frogs, dragonflies, and water snakes make their homes here, contributing to the area’s rich biodiversity.
Spring flooding transforms this natural area into an even more dramatic landscape, with the boardwalk appearing to float above an endless water surface. The trail remains accessible year-round, though each season offers different rewards. Summer brings lush green growth and active wildlife, while winter reveals the swamp’s stark architectural beauty.
Pack insect repellent during warmer months, and wear shoes with good grip since the boards can get slippery after rain.
3. Reelfoot Lake Bald Cypress Boardwalk (Tiptonville)
Created by massive earthquakes in the early 1800s, Reelfoot Lake remains one of Tennessee’s most photographed natural wonders. The boardwalk here weaves between ancient bald cypress trees that seem to grow straight out of the glassy water. Their massive trunks and spreading roots create an otherworldly atmosphere that photographers absolutely love.
Birdwatchers flock here year-round, but winter brings the real spectacle when hundreds of bald eagles arrive to feast on the lake’s abundant fish. The boardwalk provides stable viewing platforms where you can set up spotting scopes or telephoto lenses without disturbing the wildlife. Great egrets, anhingas, and wood ducks are common sights throughout warmer months.
Early morning visits reward you with mirror-like reflections and mist rising from the water’s surface. The boardwalk is well-maintained and suitable for all ages, though it can get crowded during peak eagle season in January and February.
4. Glory Hole Boardwalk — Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge (Union City)
Part of the larger Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge system, this boardwalk cuts through the Grassy Island unit’s productive wetlands. The name might sound mysterious, but it simply refers to a type of waterfowl hunting blind once common in the area. Today, the only shooting happens through camera lenses as visitors capture images of the incredible bird populations.
Interpretive signs along the way help identify common wetland plants and explain the refuge’s conservation mission. During migration seasons, the marshes explode with activity as thousands of ducks and geese stop to rest and refuel.
Unlike forested boardwalks, this one provides wide-open views across the wetlands, letting you scan for distant wildlife. White-tailed deer often browse near the edges at dawn and dusk. The refuge manages water levels carefully to support both wildlife and native plants, so the landscape changes subtly throughout the year.
5. Peterson Lake Boardwalk (Somerville)
Following the curves of the Wolf River wetlands, this boardwalk snakes through prime waterfowl habitat near Somerville. The serpentine design isn’t just pretty—it slows visitors down and creates multiple viewing angles for observing marsh life. Cattails sway in the breeze while red-winged blackbirds call from their perches, creating a soundtrack that feels miles away from civilization.
The boardwalk’s elevation gives you a bird’s-eye view of the marsh ecosystem without disturbing nesting areas. Wood ducks, mallards, and blue-winged teal paddle through the channels, often bringing their fuzzy ducklings in spring. Patient observers might spot muskrats swimming through the vegetation or painted turtles basking on floating logs.
Sunrise and sunset transform this spot into something magical, with the sky’s colors reflecting in the still water. The boardwalk is shorter than some others on this list, making it perfect for a quick nature break or an introduction to wetland exploration for kids.
The Wolf River watershed supports incredible biodiversity, and this boardwalk offers an easy window into that hidden world.
6. Mineral Slough Boardwalk — Ghost River State Natural Area (Moscow)
Ghost River State Natural Area protects some of West Tennessee’s finest bottomland hardwood forests, and the Mineral Slough Boardwalk provides the best access into this watery wilderness. The name alone hints at the area’s mysterious character—dark sloughs wind between massive trees, creating an environment that feels untouched by time.
The boardwalk keeps your feet dry while taking you deep into a habitat that would otherwise require a canoe to explore. Water levels fluctuate with rainfall and river stages, sometimes rising to lap at the boardwalk’s edges.
Wildlife is abundant but often shy, so move quietly and watch for movement among the trees. The boardwalk is part of a larger trail system worth exploring if you have time and energy.