Underrated National Forest Hikes in Tennessee That Rival Great Smoky Mountain National Park Hikes

When you think of hiking in Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park often comes to mind—lush highlands, mist-clad ridges, and world-famous trails abound. But tucked quietly in southeastern Tennessee lies a hidden gem: the Cherokee National Forest. Spread across more than 650,000 acres, this vast wilderness offers over 600 miles of trails that rival and even surpass the Smokies in diversity and solitude.

Whether you're trekking with family or challenging yourself on rugged terrain, there are four standout trails and trail systems that may just outshine the Smokies — and often without the crowds.

Tanasi Trail System

Accessible from the Upper Ocoee River Olympic area along Hwy 64, the Tanasi Trail System spans more than 20 miles of interconnected hiking and biking paths. Named after an ancient Cherokee town, these trails range from easy to challenging, including the scenic Old Copper Road, which parallels the Upper Ocoee River. Hikers and mountain bikers alike will love the diverse terrain, peaceful riverside views, and the lack of congestion you might find in more famous parks.

Benton McKaye Trail

If solitude and wide-open wilderness appeal to you, the Benton McKaye Trail is a must. Stretching over 300 miles—beginning in Georgia and threading through Tennessee and North Carolina into the Great Smoky Mountains—this “sister” to the Appalachian Trail is quieter, more remote, and offers unspoiled views. Within the Ocoee corridor, the trail even crosses the Ocoee River near Thunder Rock Campground and rewards hikers with peaceful, uncrowded landscapes.

Chilhowee Trail System & Benton Falls

Another jewel of the Ocoee corridor is the Chilhowee Trail System, starting at Parksville Campground off Hwy 64 and climbing Chilhowee Mountain. These trails boast stunning vistas over Parksville/Ocoee Lake, the river valley, and distant ridgelines—especially rewarding at sunrise or sunset.

Perhaps its most beloved gem is the Benton Falls Trail, a gentle 3.2-mile round-trip hike leading to a dramatic 65-foot waterfall. It’s perfect for families or anyone wanting a picturesque reward without a grueling climb. But note that a $3 day-use parking fee is required.

John Muir Trail

A quieter alternative to more famous trails, the John Muir Trail in Tennessee stretches roughly 20.7 miles along the north side of the Hiwassee River. It begins where Childers Creek meets the river—ideal for an easier 3-mile walk suited for older hikers—and offers increasingly adventurous sections as it winds toward a suspension footbridge near Apalachia Power Plant. Along the way, it intersects with the Benton McKaye Trail and leads into the Coker Creek Scenic Area, home to the beautiful 40-foot Coker Creek Falls.

Why These Hikes Rival the Smokies

From rolling ridges to river valleys, waterfalls to mountain summits, the Cherokee offers a broader range of terrain within a single forest.  The forest teems with deer, black bears, varied bird species, and, on certain wildflower-rich trails like Rogers Ridge, rare plant communities.

Popular trails in the Smokies can feel overrun in peak seasons. In the Cherokee, hikers often enjoy miles of solitude, not just during mid-week, but all year long. With trailheads accessible from Hwy 64 and the Ocoee Corridor, it’s easy to plan both day hikes and multi-day excursions, making these picks easily accessible.

Whether you're a casual walker in search of a peaceful waterfall, a spring wildflower enthusiast, or a thru-hiker craving space and solitude, the Cherokee National Forest delivers. With these four highlighted trails and systems—spanning everything from family-friendly outings to rugged long-distance treks—you’ll discover that Tennessee’s hiking crown goes beyond the Smokies.