This Scenic Tennessee Trek Is Even Better in the Winter

Tennessee is lucky to experience all four seasons. Growing up in southern Louisiana, I always wanted to travel to places where I could see the fall foliage and experience a snowstorm or two. Of course, winter in Tennessee is much easier on a traveler than a local (no one likes waking up to shovel!). While most folks prefer the long summer days, I love winter. Give me those long nights and colder temperatures over summer all day. Winter hiking is one of my favorite things to do during this time of year, and I encourage you to get outside and tackle this winter trail in Tennessee this season!

There are many perks to hiking in Tennessee in the winter. For starters, there are fewer bugs. That alone wins the competition. Hiking in the winter also means the trails are less crowded, and you might even find that you are the only one on the trail (which is always awesome). Sure, it might be cold, and the trees may have already dropped their leaves, but I promise you, nature is beautiful year-round, and if you change your perspective, you could find yourself on team winter.

One of the best winter hikes in Tennessee is the Maryville College Woods Loop in Maryville. Maryville College Woods is a 140-acre wooded area with a great network of hiking trails to explore. The loop itself comprises several trails that connect to form a two-mile loop. The individual trails are the Perimeter Trail, the Ampitheater Trail, the Ropes Course Trail, and the Brown Creek Trail. Here’s a handy map of the trails at Maryville College Woods that will help you plan your hike.

Now, the hiking trails in Maryville College Woods are simply stunning in the fall. Strolling through the woods at peak fall foliage is like stepping into a painting.

But seeing it again during the winter brings out an entirely new beauty. Personally, I love that brief moment when seasons collide, and you catch the fall colors and a snowfall.

The trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, and this is a pet-friendly trail, too! Just be sure to keep them on a leash.

As you wander through the woods, take some time to find the beauty that surrounds you. I love the crunch my boots make as I step through the snow. I love the quiet that a fresh snowfall brings, and how pretty the woods are when the snow hugs every branch in sight. See if you can spot some animal tracks in the snow. Heck, you might even spot some wildlife!

Share this article with someone you want to tackle this winter hike in Tennessee with. Feeling inspired? Check out our previous article highlighting some of our favorite winter hikes in the state, and then try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.