Tennessee Has at Least 4 Jaw-Dropping Canyons—Here’s Where to Find Them
When you think of canyons, your mind probably jumps to the Southwest—places like Arizona or Utah. But Tennessee holds its own collection of stunning gorges that carve through ancient rock and dense forests.
These hidden gems offer dramatic overlooks, rugged trails, and views that rival anything out West, all tucked away in the rolling hills and mountains of the Volunteer State.
1. Tennessee River Gorge (Chattanooga)
Locals proudly call this the “Grand Canyon of Tennessee,” and once you see it, you’ll understand why. The Tennessee River makes a sweeping bend here, carving through ancient rock and creating cliffs that tower over the water below. Dense forests blanket the slopes, turning brilliant shades of red and gold each autumn.
Signal Mountain and Raccoon Mountain both offer overlooks where you can take in the full scale of this natural wonder. The views stretch for miles, revealing layers of ridges that fade into the distance. It’s the kind of scene that makes you want to linger, camera in hand, trying to capture something that feels almost too grand for the South.
Hiking trails wind through the gorge, leading to hidden spots where the only sounds are birdsong and rushing water. Rock climbers tackle the sandstone faces, while kayakers paddle the calmer sections of the river. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a good view, this canyon delivers an experience that feels both wild and surprisingly accessible from downtown Chattanooga.
2. Obed Wild & Scenic River (Lancing)
Sandstone cliffs rise straight up from the water at Obed, creating walls that seem to glow in the afternoon light. This river canyon feels raw and untamed, a place where nature still calls the shots. The gorges run deep here, cutting through layers of ancient rock that tell stories millions of years old.
Rock climbers from across the country come to test themselves on these world-class routes. The sandstone offers perfect friction and endless challenges, from beginner-friendly cracks to vertical faces that demand serious skill. Even if you’re not climbing, watching others scale these walls is pretty impressive.
Lilly Bluff Overlook is where you want to head for the jaw-dropping views, especially when fall arrives and the forest explodes with color. The overlook sits high above the river, giving you a bird’s-eye perspective of the winding gorge below. Spring brings wildflowers and rushing water, while summer offers swimming holes where the canyon walls provide natural shade.
Winter strips away the leaves, revealing the canyon’s bone structure in stark, beautiful detail.
3. Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (Oneida)
Massive doesn’t quite capture what you’ll find at Big South Fork. This sprawling canyon landscape stretches across thousands of acres, filled with sandstone bluffs that dwarf the hikers below. Natural arches frame views of distant ridges, while the river winds through gorges that feel genuinely remote.
Angel Falls Overlook ranks among the most breathtaking spots in Tennessee, offering views that make the hike worthwhile. The trail takes you through hardwood forests before suddenly opening up to reveal the canyon in all its glory. You’ll spot rock shelters where Native Americans once sought refuge, and if you’re lucky, maybe catch sight of a black bear or wild turkey.
The trail system here is extensive, ranging from easy riverside walks to challenging backcountry routes that test your endurance. Horseback riders share some paths, adding a frontier feel to the experience. Whitewater enthusiasts tackle the rapids during high water, while quieter sections invite kayakers and canoeists.
Come prepared for a true wilderness adventure—cell service is spotty, and civilization feels wonderfully far away when you’re standing on those ancient bluffs.
4. Savage Gulf (Beersheba Springs)
Savage Gulf lives up to its name with gorges that plunge deep into the Cumberland Plateau. Rushing streams have spent millennia carving these canyons, creating a landscape of waterfalls, boulder fields, and forest-choked ravines. The sound of water echoes off the canyon walls, a constant reminder of the forces that shaped this place.
Stone Door Overlook is the crown jewel here, offering one of Tennessee’s most iconic canyon views. You’ll stand at the edge of a massive rock formation where the cliff face splits open like a doorway, revealing the gulf below. It’s a natural wonder that photographers dream about, especially when morning mist fills the valleys or sunset paints the rocks in warm light.
The trail network connects multiple waterfalls and overlooks, making it easy to spend a full day exploring. Greeter Falls cascades over a rock ledge into a swimming hole that’s perfect for cooling off after a hot hike. Backcountry campsites let you experience the canyon at dawn when wildlife is most active and the forest comes alive with sound.
