The beauty of the Tennessee wilderness goes unmatched in the United States, but there are a few especially magical hiking trails that traverse the state's backwoods that outdoor enthusiasts don't want to miss. Porters Creek Trail is tucked away on the eastern edge of the state, and the beautiful route takes hikers through a myriad of outdoor spaces and bucolic scenes. Though the hiking route itself is neat, there are a few hidden gems along the trail that just might keep you coming back...like the abandoned cabin that no one has occupied for years and years.
Porters Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that is a full seven miles in its entirety. It is considered to be a moderately difficult route, so make sure you're prepared for some solid elevation gain, and about four hours spent on the trail.
The trail is open throughout the year so you will find outdoor enthusiasts walking through this stretch of Gatlinburg forest come the sunny and chilly seasons. There is a bridge along the trail that many hikers stop at to ogle and walk, and there are multiple waterways and even a waterfall.
The trail is kid-friendly, but your dogs must be kept at home. Other than the local wildlife, only humans should be walking the trails! If you walk the entirety of Porters Creek, however, you will come across an old cemetery, an abandoned car from the 1920s, and even a cabin!
Here you can see the cabin just begin to peek out from behind the trees. Wouldn't this be a wild sight to see as you traverse an otherwise quiet, lonely landscape? There is also a barn on the old homestead and even an outhouse! Not working or for use, of course.
This is the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club cabin that was built between the years of 1934 and 1936. The area is well-maintained and it is not currently in use, though many hikers will take the trail to picnic at the old farmstead.
Porters Creek Trail is fairly accessible to experienced hikers, and newer hiking enthusiasts will want to prepare accordingly for the moderate effort. The views are stunning, however, and there's nothing quite like a day spent in the Tennessee wilderness.
Have you ever hiked Porters Creek Trail? Will you be making the trek sometime soon? It's popular for a reason, folks!
Porters Creek Trail is great for hiking no matter the season, so make sure you check it out the next time you have a free weekend. What a great trail to visit!
Sure, I'd looked at photos and studied the rides at Soundwaves with my six year old. I'd mapped out directions from the airport and looked into the resort amenities and nearby attractions. I'd done my research and planned accordingly. But what awaited my daughter and me upon arrival on a beautiful, early fall afternoon, was not what I was expecting. Not at all.
Let me back up.
A few years ago, I was invited to the opening of Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. It was during the busy back-to-school season and we had a conflict, but I remained on the media lists for events and openings, patiently staying on my radar as if waiting for the most opportune time to grab my attention.
My attention was grabbed this summer, as I began planning one-on-one trips with each of my kids. My youngest, Pearl, is happiest in the water and also a huge music lover. She's also a "yes, and" kind of gal and basically the coolest little human. So I reached out to my contact and arranged for us to spend a weekend at Gaylord Opryland, thinking we'd likely be at the Soundwaves waterpark the entire time, something I was 100% okay with because my daughter would be having a blast.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
I wasn't thinking I, too, would be having a blast. Nor was I expecting to be so completely taken by Gaylord Opryland -- and the town of Nashville, Tennessee.
We arrived on a Friday afternoon and driving into the resort was a magical experience. Think beautifully landscaped grounds, rolling green hills... Gaylord Opryland makes an impression. We pulled into the parking lot to check in, grabbed our bags, and were immediately, and warmly, welcomed. The lobby of the hotel is jaw dropping, with stunning artwork and a front-row seat to Opryland's famed atriums.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
Yes - atriums, plural. There are three atriums at Gaylord Opryland that feature waterfalls and winding waterways, koi ponds, spectacular floral arrangements, and a robust array of flora that rivals any botanical garden. Twinkle lights at night transformed these gardens into an enchanting world of wonder -- an experience we enjoyed whilst dining at several of Opryland's on-site restaurants. Even better? Our room had a balcony that opened out to this glorious oasis, and we fell asleep to the rush of a waterfall each night.
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Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
Gaylord Opryland is like Disney World, but if the latter were a music mecca in one of the coolest towns in the country. The resort is a world unto itself, complete with shopping, dining, entertainment, transportation (definitely take advantage of the shuttle!), and more. The front desk concierges were super helpful and learned our names after the first day; ditto for the valet drivers and restaurant servers. I recognize that getting valet service is a luxury, and while the resort covered the cost of our service, it was absolutely worth it for the convenience and also, surprisingly cost efficient as there's a daily rate for resort parking. Sprinkle in gorgeous scenery and greenery that made my tree-hugging heart happy, plus the incomparable service and hospitality you get at a Gaylord resort, and you have the makings of a truly memorable and special vacation.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
It's virtually impossible for me to relax, even on vacation. I'm sure you can relate. My mind is always buzzing with deadlines, multiple kids' schedules, my own think tank rabbit holes... it's a lot. While I enjoy traveling with my family, I've recently discovered the joy of solo travel and vacationing with just one of my kids at a time. In these scenarios, I am able to melt into the kind of relaxed, spontaneous, in-the-moment person I want to be; I love who I am. Travel gives me the opportunity to be my best self.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
Of course, I was set up for success with this trip to Nashville. Not only did I have accommodations at a world-class resort that felt like a destination designed especially for me, but I had the very best travel partner: my six-year-old daughter, Pearl.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
There's a quote from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" where the unlikely protagonist says "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." My trip to Nashville both defined -- and defied -- this. On one hand, I got to spend three uninterrupted days with my youngest born who is hilarious and thoughtful and kind and spontaneous. She lives every moment to its fullest and all she wants from me is... me. This trip made me appreciate her in a whole new way, and also marvel at how very wise she's gotten.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
On the other hand, our three days in Nashville were lived. We woke up early and enjoyed breakfast by a duo of rushing waterfalls. We laughed hysterically zooming down waterslides and attempting to surf. We threw pennies into ponds and spent way too much at the hotel's arcade. We had fries and Shirley Temples for dinner. We walked hand-in-hand all over downtown Nashville, Opryland Resort, and the beautiful winding paths of the hotel's gardens. I took pictures -- but then put my phone down. I really, truly, lived every minute of this vacation and while I am sad it's over, I feel invigorated by the experience.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
We'll be back, Gaylord Opryland -- I have a Soundwaves surf challenge to conquer!
Many thanks to Gaylord Opryland Resort for their hospitality. As part of my media visit, the resort covered our room, valet parking, and entry to Soundwaves. As you find yourself planning fall and holiday adventures, let this be your sign to visit Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. Southern hospitality, loads of fun, and a truly magical experience in Music City await.
Hobbit Holes in Tennessee aren’t necessarily a new idea, but how cool is it that people have made the effort to make these amazing rentals?! Today we are going to take you on a journey -- not to Middle Earth but into the forests of McEwen, Tennessee. There you will find the Wee Nook, a clever earthen home that is awaiting your next great adventure. This Airbnb is a wholly unique stay in Tennessee that you won't soon forget.
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The whimsical world J.R.R. Tolkien created comes to life on the property of the Rock N Roll Refuge. On the rolling hills and wooded property you will find a fantasy world fit for halflings. The Wee Nook not only has a great name but is a phenomenal spot for this earthen home.
The door is masterfully crafted, giving the illusion that you have indeed stepped into the Shire. The small opening is even designed to mimic the small stature of the Hobbits, so expect to duck like Gandalf upon entering.
Hobbits lived in luxury and so will you when you rent out this space for a getaway. The Wee Nook is stocked with a full kitchen, bathroom, living space, and bedroom all under the small 360 square-foot living space.
The curved roof really is an artistic design choice that pays off quite nicely. It will be easy to get lost in the story and feel like you really are escaping to the rolling hills of the Hobbit utopia.
The Hobbits certainly loved their creature comforts so here you will find all your towels, and toiletry essentials covered. They even have locally made soap to lather up with during your stay.
There is no internet, no television, and little to no cell phone reception. This is meant to be a full nature retreat where you unplug and enjoy the world around you without screens. After all, these were all things you wouldn’t find in the Shire anyway.
Bring some games, snuggle up with a good book, and cook LOTS of good food to eat while you spend quality time with your family. If you forget something to read, don’t worry you will find one of the world’s greatest tales ever told inside the Wee Nook.
During your stay, light up a fire and allow the swirl of smoke to waft through the property gathering your family around the sweet smell and crackling sounds.
There is something so life-giving about the simple pleasures of a campfire, and it somehow is even better while staying in your very own "hobbit hole."
Gather your family and retreat into the forested wonderland found in McEwen for one of the coolest Hobbit Holes in Tennessee. Insert yourself in the story of the Lord of the Rings like never before with an unplugged refuge. To book your trip make sure you head to the Wee Nook Airbnb page where your next adventure awaits.
For more fantasy-inspired journeys in Tennessee check out this marvelous fairy tale hike in the Smokies.
