10 Incredible Hidden Gems In Tennessee You’ll Want To Discover This Year
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Chris Dodge
Author
Usually, when thinking about visiting Tennessee from out of the state there are a few places that will immediately come to mind. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is certainly high up there on most people’s list and for good reason. As much as I love our national park I also have a special place in my heart for those out-of-the-way places. Equally, as important to me is a good old road trip. We have even written about hidden gems in Tennessee road trips filled with local secrets. The hidden Gems of Tennessee are abundant but to get you started, here are ten of the best.
1. Camping on Maclellan Island, Chattanooga
Maclellan Island, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
This secret getaway in Tennessee is hidden right in plain sight. Maclellan Island is located on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga. It certainly isnt concealed from view because it is easily seen from many places in the city and has been enjoyed by many people spending the day watching for birds. However, what is not easily known from a distance, is the invitation to camp on the island. Only one group per night can tent on the island getting the whole place to yourself. Set up a tent and await the sky to be blanketed with sparkling stars. In the morning awake to the sound of hundreds of birds singing a symphony to start a new day and spend the rest of the day exploring the trails on the island.
2. The Secret City, Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 5200, 1 Bethel Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
When it comes to the best kept secrets in Tennessee the Secret City has to be the number one place. Back in the 1940s when the world was torn apart by chaos, evil, and war an undercover project started. The Manhattan Project was launched with only a handful of higher-ups knowing the whole story. Oak Ridge was picked as one of three locations in our country to work on creating the world's first atomic bomb. As if built overnight an entire city was constructed to house the workers and the overarching message was to keep any work done completely secret. The project was kept under wraps so well that the employees didn’t even realize the whole breadth of their work until the explosion of the famous bombs in Japan. The secret is out now and you can visit the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for a tour to learn more.
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3. Crystal Shrine Grotto, Memphis
Crystal Shrine Grotto, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38120, USA
Sometimes when looking for cool places to visit in Tennessee it’s nice to find something wholly different than anything else. That is what you will find with Crystal Shrine Grotto. Located in the most unlikely of places, a cemetery, this man-made cave is a work of art from one man. The artist himself was a secretive man who tirelessly worked on creating many features and pieces for his cave. Inside you will find sparkling crystals arranged in a colorful array all along the walls as if you have stepped into a gem mine. Various scenes and sculptures depict the story of Jesus Christ and is quite a journey admiring every intriguing detail. There are also many pieces outside of the cave placed around the gardens to add beauty to a place of mourning.
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4. Blackberry Mountain, Walland
Blackberry Mountain, 1507 E Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886, USA
While looking for hidden gems some of the best ones are deep in the woods. Blackberry Mountain is certainly off the beaten path in Tennessee, there you will find an all-exclusive wilderness getaway. More than just a fancy retreat in the woods, however, there is something else that piques my interest in those woods. There is a trail leading to a giant troll named Leo the Enlightened. Thomas Dambo is one of my favorite artists who takes reclaimed materials and builds giant trolls that look at home in natural environments. I have hunted down many of his whimsical creations and I simply love that this one is sitting on an outcropping of a mountain cliffside. The only way to see this sculpture is to book a night stay at Blackberry Mountain but in the meantime check out this video from the artist himself.
5. The Old Tennessee State Prison
Nashville, TN, USA
Nashville is one of those jumping cities that people from all over the world go to start a musical career. Being known as Music City you would expect to see energetic honky tonks, large concert venues, and country music museums. If you are looking for some non touristy things to do in Tennessee however, I have a good one. The Old Tennessee State Prison is a gorgeous building that has been left abandoned. Although it is no longer used to punish crimes the story of this facility is quite fascinating nonetheless. You can’t simply stroll past the locked gates to peek inside but there is an annual event that allows guests to get a tour of the place called The TDOC Prison 5K Run/Walk. Plan accordingly and you too will get to see inside this glorious structure. Be sure to check out this phenomenal cinematic drone video done by the Tennessee Department of Correction.
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6. The Beauty Spot, Unicoi
Beauty Spot, Unnamed Road, Unicoi, TN 37692, USA
There are plenty of hidden beautiful places in Tennessee, but this one has it in the title. The Beauty Spot is tucked away in Unicoi and offers fantastic views of the mountains in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Take a drive up a steep mountainous dirt road then within a short walk you will be able to take in the scenery. The path on the mountain is part of the Appalachian Trail which will continue leading from peak to peak and will eventually take you to Roan Mountain. Bring your camera because this is one excellent overlook you won’t want to miss. Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video we made when we visited to get the grand scope of this incredible view.
7. Blue Hole Falls, Elizabethton
Blue Hole Falls, Elizabethton, TN 37643, USA
Blue Hole Falls is a hidden sapphire pool in the forest well worth visiting. The cool mountain water makes this a popular swimming hole during the heat of summer but it is almost vacant during the winter. If you hope to just catch a glimpse of this mesmerizing water you will have to hike the Blue Hole Falls trail which is a short little trip down to the waterfall and back. I haven’t seen water this blue since visiting a tropical island. Blue Hole Falls walks the line between being completely out of place and right at home. Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to know before you go and I highly recommend this waterfall.
8. The Caverns, Pelham
The Caverns, 555 Charlie Roberts Rd, Pelham, TN 37366, USA
The Caverns is a naturally designed underground amphitheater so the only logical thing to do is make it a concert venue. Now this geological wonderland serves as host to various musical festivals and epic shows all throughout the year. Visit during showtime to catch some live music but if you would prefer they also offer tours of the cave as well. Take a guided walking tour to explore the cave and learn about this underground beauty or step it up with an intense adventure tour. This is certainly one of the more unique places to visit in Tennessee, I mean who wouldn’t want to go to an underground concert?
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9. The Ghost River, Moscow
Mineral Slough Boardwalk, Ghost River State Natural Area, Beasley Dr, Moscow, TN 38057, USA
The Ghost River is one of those fascinating natural phenomena that has an undeniable pull to see it. The Ghost River is a section of the Wolf River but the current appears to have no current and seems calm and still. This is the reason for the name but it is also home to dozens of cypress trees creating a thick swamp-like forest. You can see this area by foot on the Ghost River Mineral Slough Boardwalk or take out a kayak and traverse the waters for a closer look. Either way you choose this is a fascinating and unique hidden gem in Tennessee.
10. Pinson Mounds State Archiolocical Park, Pinson
Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park, 460 Ozier Rd, Pinson, TN 38366, USA
The story of Native Americans has been rapidly changing due to new discoveries as we learn more about indigenous people. The mystery of ancient people groups fascinates me and to visit the Pinson Mounds is to embrace the unknown. This is an active site still searching for answers surrounding the early people who called Tennessee home. There are several man-made mounds and a few of them have been discovered to house bodies of the deceased. The materials used to make the mounds interestingly enough have been discovered to come from all over the continent. There is still much to be discovered and the Pinson Mounds are a great place to start.
So next time you are looking to do something a little bit different leave the crowds behind and make your way to any one of these hidden gems in Tennessee. What are your favorite hidden gems in the Volunteer state? Let us know we would love to hear from you. While you are out exploring and need a place to stay please check out our friends over at Vrbo for unique stays and fantastic vacation rentals.
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