We love getting outside and adventuring in our backyard! Here are our outdoorsy guides for the best Tennessee hikes, waterfalls, trails, & more.
You can hear them before you see them, hidden behind mossy ledges and fern lined trails where summer heat breaks into cool mist. Tennessee’s secret swim friendly waterfalls invite you to slip under the ribbons of water and feel the rush on your shoulders. This guide shows you where to go, how to get there…
Tennessee is home to some of the most colorful rivers in the South, each one offering a different shade that can catch you completely off guard. From glowing turquoise to deep amber, these waterways shift colors based on minerals, weather, and the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re driving through the Smokies or crossing a bridge in…
Deep beneath the rolling hills of Sweetwater, Tennessee, lies a natural wonder that defies the changing seasons. The Lost Sea Adventure is home to America’s largest underground lake, and it maintains a steady 58 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. Whether you’re escaping winter’s chill or summer’s heat, this remarkable cave system offers a fascinating journey…
Craving trails where birdsong replaces chatter and your footsteps set the rhythm. Tennessee hides pockets of hush among its rolling ridges and river-cut valleys, and they are kinder on both nerves and knees than the marquee spots. These underrated state parks offer quiet loops, soft creekside tread, and viewpoints you will not have to queue…
You do not need ropes or rugged gear to experience Tennessee’s underground magic. These show caves keep things simple with paved paths, handrails, and friendly guides who reveal the stories behind the formations. You will trade claustrophobic crawls for easy walking tours, dazzling chambers, and even a boat ride. If you have been cave curious…
Hate steep climbs but still want those wow views and soothing forest vibes? Tennessee is full of gentle paths that deliver waterfalls, wildlife, and mountain panoramas without draining your energy. These easygoing trails let you slow down, breathe, and actually enjoy the scenery instead of staring at your boots. Lace up, pack some snacks, and…
Tennessee’s historic plantations are often admired for their grand homes, sweeping landscapes, and ties to the state’s past—but their stories run much deeper than Southern charm. Today, many of these sites are reshaping how history is told by confronting the realities of slavery, resistance, and the lives of the people whose forced labor built these…
Tennessee hides some of the most surreal waterfalls in America, and you do not need a passport to feel transported. From caves glowing with theatrical light to cliffs where water pours straight from the rock, these falls look like special effects come to life. You will find yourself double checking photos because every angle seems…
Tennessee hides trails that make you question what is real. Think neon green moss, cliffside vistas, and waterfalls flinging rainbows like someone turned on a filter. These routes will leave your camera roll looking suspiciously edited, yet every scene is the real deal. Lace up, bring water, and get ready to whisper wait, is this…
Crisp air, quiet trails, and wide open views are calling just beyond Knoxville. Winter hiking replaces summer crowds with frosty stillness, revealing new angles on rivers, ridgelines, and waterfalls you might miss in warmer months. You will find easy boardwalk strolls, rugged climbs, and photo worthy arches within a short drive, each offering a calm…
Ready to trade city glow for real stars? Tennessee’s hills, lakes, and wild ridgelines deliver big skies, quiet camps, and nights that remind you how small worries really are. From certified dark sky sanctuaries to hidden lakefront overlooks, these spots make you slow down, look up, and breathe. Pack a warm layer, a red-light headlamp,…
Ready to trade crowded boat ramps for secret glassy waters and unreal wildlife moments? Tennessee hides a treasure map of paddle spots where mountains frame your route, cypress trees rise from mirror calm, and river currents do just enough to carry you into pure relaxation. Whether you are chasing beginner friendly floats, spooky cool sunset…
Tennessee is packed with trails that reward every step with rich history, roaring waterfalls, and views you will replay in your mind for years. Whether you are chasing quiet boardwalks through wetlands or scrambling across rugged boulder fields, there is a hike here that will light you up. Consider this your invitation to lace up,…
Tennessee may be famous for its music and mountains, but look up on a clear night and you’ll discover another treasure: some of the darkest, most spectacular skies in the eastern United States. From certified Dark Sky Parks to remote wilderness areas, the state offers countless places where stars, planets, and the Milky Way shine…
Tennessee might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of birdwatching, but this southern state is packed with incredible opportunities to spot rare and beautiful birds. From misty mountains to quiet wetlands, Tennessee offers habitats that attract hundreds of bird species year-round. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned birder,…
Tennessee is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the Southeast, and the best part? Many of them don’t require a grueling hike or backcountry experience to enjoy. Whether you’re traveling with kids, short on time, or just want to skip the strenuous trek, these waterfalls offer big rewards with minimal effort. Get…
Tennessee is famous for the Great Smoky Mountains, but those popular trails can feel like rush hour on a holiday weekend. If you’re craving peace, quiet, and natural beauty without the selfie sticks and tour buses, you’re in luck. Across the state, there are hidden gems where you can hike, explore, and unwind without bumping…
Tennessee holds some of the most breathtaking natural treasures you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. From underground waterfalls hidden deep in mountain caves to mysterious lakes formed by earthquakes, the Volunteer State is packed with jaw-dropping landscapes. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just love exploring the outdoors, these nine incredible spots will make…
If you love the thrill of hunting for hidden treasures and one-of-a-kind finds, the area around Jackson offers some of the best antique browsing in Tennessee. These charming nearby towns are packed with vintage shops, multi-vendor markets, and roadside stops that make every visit feel like an adventure. Whether you’re a serious collector or just…
Craving big Tennessee views without needing mountaineering skills or marathon legs? You are in the right place. From cliffside boardwalks to grassy balds and walk-behind waterfalls, these trails deliver gasp-worthy moments with manageable mileage and friendly elevation. Lace up, bring water and a sense of wonder, and let these five spots prove that unforgettable panoramas…
The Smokies aren’t just about tourist traps and pancake houses. Sure, Pigeon Forge has plenty of fun attractions, but the real magic happens when you head into the national park itself. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, catching sunrise over misty valleys, or simply soaking in mountain views that stretch for miles, these experiences deliver the kind…
Tennessee is famous for country music and barbecue, but hidden across the state are some truly bizarre attractions that will give you amazing stories to tell your friends. From underground concerts to museums dedicated to salt and pepper shakers, this state knows how to do weird in the best way possible. These unusual adventures are…
Tennessee is packed with incredible places to pitch a tent and unplug from everyday life. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, watching wildlife, or just craving some quiet time under the stars, this state delivers big time. From the misty peaks of the Smokies to the cypress-lined shores of Reelfoot Lake, there’s a camping adventure waiting for…
Tennessee’s mountains know how to show off, and these parks prove it with ridgelines, rhododendrons, and horizons that seem to go on forever. If you love a good climb followed by a better view, you are in the right place. From lofty balds to cliffside perches above deep gorges, each stop brings its own flavor…
Looking for a peaceful, convenient base for your Smokies adventure without the traffic and noise? Townsend, Tennessee delivers easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, laid-back charm, and real mountain hospitality. You get riverfront scenes, Blue Ridge views, and small town comforts that make every day feel like vacation. Stick around and you will…
You know those photos that make you wonder if someone cranked up the filter too far? Norris Lake in Tennessee looks like that in real life, with water so clear you can see pebbles ten feet down. The shoreline twists through quiet coves and big open channels, giving you both solitude and adventure in the…
Tennessee is filled with forgotten places where time seems to stand still. Across the state, you’ll find abandoned towns with crumbling buildings, overgrown streets, and stories that refuse to fade away. Some were swallowed by man-made lakes, while others were left behind when industries collapsed or nature reclaimed the land. 1. Elkmont Tucked away in…
Winter in Tennessee brings cooler temperatures and clearer skies, making it one of the best times to explore the state’s beautiful trails. The absence of summer crowds and thick foliage means better views, peaceful surroundings, and a chance to spot wildlife more easily. Whether you’re looking for a quick city stroll or a longer nature…
Tennessee packs a punch of wild beauty, and you can feel it the moment you step onto a trail or pull into a quiet overlook. From misty peaks to secret waterfalls, these places deliver the kind of views that make you slow down, breathe deep, and just take it all in. You will find bucket…
Tennessee’s state parks pack some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the entire Southeast, from towering waterfalls that crash into misty gorges to mountain ridges that stretch as far as your eyes can see. Whether you’re chasing sunrise reflections on a quiet lake or standing at the edge of a cliff where the world seems…