11 Easy Spring Hikes in Tennessee With Beautiful Views

Finding the best spring hikes in Tennessee is easy, given the unparalleled beauty in every corner of our wonderful state. We have one of the prettiest states in the nation, and it's crisscrossed from top to bottom with stunning hiking trails for the experienced and the inexperienced. We put together some of the best hikes in Tennessee for springtime adventures, perfect for those who are looking for a way to stretch their winter-worn legs into the heart of upcoming warmer days. So let's lace up those hiking shoes, pack our day hike packs, and get ready to experience these amazing places in the Volunteer State.

1. Rainbow Falls, The Great Smoky Mountains

The Rainbow Falls Trail is not for the faint of heart. The trail is an over 5-mile out-and-back hike, and it's strenuous. The elevation gain is over 1,500 feet, and the trail is all uphill until you reach the falls. Still, it rewards those who make the trek. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, this is one of the tallest waterfalls in the park with an impressive 80-foot plunge.

Make sure to download the AllTrails map for Rainbow Falls before you start your hike.

2. Porters Creek Trail, The Great Smoky Mountains

Porter's Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail near Gatlinburg that is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. It's just around seven miles in length and is great for all skill levels. It even features a full waterfall and ruins of an old frontier settlement along the trail.

3. Wolf River Greenway, Memphis

Memphis may not have the hills and valleys of the middle of the state or even the mountains of the east, but it does have the perfect walkways and trails for families and children alike. The Greenway is being built in phases with plans to eventually open it up from the northern end of Mud Island to Shelby Farms, then through to neighboring towns like Germantown and Collierville. The whole trail will eventually total 26 miles once it's finished. In the meantime, enjoy the various sections already being put to good use.

4. Twin Arches Loop, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Located in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, the Twin Arches Loop takes you on a 5-mile loop through the woods to two massive natural rock arches. The larger South Arch spans 135 feet at an unbelievable 103 feet of clearance. It's one of the most incredible (and best hidden) wonders of Tennessee.

Have the map for the Twin Arches loop handy while you are hiking, or if you are short on time, here is an alternative route to see the Twin Arches.

5. Snooper Rock, Prentice Cooper State Forest

Snooper Rock offers one of the best views of the Tennessee River in all of the state. Located near Chattanooga, this trail is easily within driving distance from the city, and there are a few ways you can do this trail. The Snooper Rock Trail spans nearly six miles and boasts an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet. The trail itself is filled with plenty of adventure, with the rewarding view of Snooper Rock at the end. However, if you are short on time, you can drive a long dirt road and hike down a short trail to just step out on this bare rock cliffside to see a fantastic Tennessee view.

6. Little River Trail, The Great Smoky Mountains

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Little River Trail is anything but little. The out-and-back trail is 12.3 miles long in some of the prettiest country you'll ever see. We'd recommend coming to experience the old-growth forest. Along your walk, be on the lookout for the remnants of the old abandoned Elkmont structures.

7. Radnor Lake Trail, Radnor Lake State Park

Located in the Radnor Lake State Park, you will find 1200 acres of land and six miles of trails located right on the cusp of Nashville. We'd recommend taking the Radnor Lake Trail, which is just a couple of miles and fairly easy for families.

Having the AllTrails map for The Radnor Lake Trail will always help you navigate as you hike.

8. Cloudland Trail, Pisgah National Forest

Roan Mountain State Park is known for its beauty, and the Cloudland Trail is technically located in North Carolina, but you can continue the trail into Tennessee. The Cloudland Trail is also a great place to hike in the spring when the world's biggest natural Rhododendron Garden blooms and is only a short spur trail away.

9. Debord Falls, Frozen Head State Park

Located in Frozen Head State Park, this little waterfall is the perfect springtime destination. The trail for Debord Falls is a simple hike just over a mile long and great for families.

10. Alum Cave Trail, The Great Smoky Mountains

Alum Cave Trail will take you out to Mount LeConte, and it comes in at a solid ten miles. It's fairly difficult, but the views are gorgeous, so we'd recommend that you go from March to November. You can also shorten the trail and hike only up to Alum Cave, and the trip will still be well worth it.

11. Narrows of the Harpeth, Narrows of the Harpeth State Park

The Narrows of the Harpeth is a perfectly short trail that follows an out-and-back route, and it's located near White Bluff, Tennessee. You can walk it year-round, and feel free to bring Fido - as long as he's on a leash, of course.

So, what do you think? Which hikes would you call the best spring hikes in Tennessee? While you are planning to get outside to hike, make sure you have AllTrails+, which is the perfect tool to have on the trail. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.