The beauty of Tennessee is perhaps most lauded during the lushly greened seasons of the spring and summer, and the gorgeous colors of autumn are always popular here in the south. But what about the wintertime? The Grand Canyon of the South, officially known as the Tennessee River Gorge, is a historic natural area that's great to visit no matter the time of year. You don't need green hills to fall in love with the majesty of these sweeping views! Learn more about Tennessee's Grand Canyon of the South below, and plan a visit ASAP. It's truly stunning.

The Tennessee River Gorge is known as the "Grand Canyon of the South," and it stretches a whopping 26 miles. The canyon was carved out of thick Tennessee bedrock by the Tennessee River, and it remains one of the largest naturally formed gorges on the eastern side of the United States.

The expansive views at the Tennessee River Gorge, known by locals as "Cash Canyon," are truly incredible. You can see the Tennessee River here, a waterway that flows from Alabama to the heart of Tennessee. Over thousands of years, the natural erosion of the river created the deep ridge in the Cumberland Plateau we know as the gorge of today.

The archeological history of the canyon is truly astounding! The natural and human history of the area is incredibly deep, and archaeologists have found proof of native Tennesseans living in the depths of the canyon as far back as 10,000 years ago.

The Tennessee River Gorge Trust was founded in 1981, and the dedicated group of citizens has helped to protect the area. More than 17,000 of the 27,000 acres of the gorge have been protected by the trust.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find myriad fun activities available along the gorge. You can kayak the waters, pull out your canoe, cycle the canyons, or maybe take a long hike through the loamy wilderness. How can you resist when the views are like this?

You'll find the Grand Canyon of the South just a hot second from Chattanooga, which actually makes it the only city-adjacent river canyon in Tennessee. With the help of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, the hope is that the land remains preserved for generations to come. The trust also supports trail development and scientific studies of the area.

Have you ever made your way to the Tennessee River Gorge? It's a beautiful place to visit, whether it's wintertime or summer. Make sure you bundle up and get ready to experience one of the prettiest places in the south. It's a must-see!

You can learn more about this beautiful part of the American South below. Perhaps even consider supporting the Tennessee River Gorge Trust!

You can learn more about the Tennessee River Gorge right here, folks.

Looking to explore more of Tennessee? You can experience a simpler life with a visit to this historic log cabin!