12 Scenic Trails To Explore In Tennessee, One For Each Month Of The Year
Tennessee is a diverse state that boasts some of the best hiking trails in the United States thanks to its stunning mountain ranges and the famed Cumberland Plateau. We’ve scoured the state to find 12 of the best trails in Tennessee to hike and are perfect for exploring, whether you’re looking for scenic overlooks or a shot of some of the prettiest waterfalls in the state. As you get ready to plan your adventures for the year, make sure to check out the list below!
You'll find Honey Creek Loop Trail in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, and the 4.2-mile loop trail is a difficult trek through the wilderness. It is best used from March to November, and it's one of the best-rated trails in the state for its clear hiking trail and featured waterfall. It may be a difficult one to track your way through the boulders and scrambling sections so make sure to bring along a map. Once you are done and take in all the beauty, you will be sure to look back and be glad you did this trail.
Honey Creek Loop Road, Honey Creek Loop Rd, Tennessee, USA
At a little over five miles, this Gatlinburg, Tennessee hiking trail is of moderate difficulty and operates as a loop trail. You'll gain 790 feet of elevation, and you may even run into a few folks using the trail for horseback riding! Make sure you wear the right footwear though, folks. There are streams and creeks along the way. This trail has effectively been separated into two different sections; one is smooth and easygoing by the river and the other involves a steep climb through the woods and crossing over streams. Still, any time you can spend time in the Smoky Mountains is time well spent and the Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop Trail is an excellent way to do it.
Cucumber Gap Trail & Little River Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA
Editors note: This trail has been closed as of July 2022 due to damage. Keep up-to-date on when the trail will open back up by following the national park page.
You'll find Porters Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the seven-mile trail is rated as moderate and features a gorgeous waterfall along its out-and-back trail. Keep in mind that the 1,512-foot elevation gain makes it a difficult climb, but one that's worth the effort.
You'll find Porters Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the seven-mile trail is rated as moderate and features a gorgeous waterfall along its out-and-back trail. Keep in mind that the 1,512-foot elevation gain makes it a difficult climb, but one that's worth the effort.
Porters Creek Trail Trailhead, Greenbrier Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Glen Falls Trail only gains a healthy 554 feet in elevation, and the out-and-back trail is perfect for the whole family. It is accessible throughout the year and is dog-friendly, as long as they're on a leash. At 2.3 miles even the tiniest hiking buddy should be able to make the trek. Glen Falls Trail has so much to see for such a short trail that it should be on everyone's bucket list for the year.
Glen Falls, Chattanooga, TN 37409, USA
Cades Cove is one of the most famous natural landmarks in Tennessee, and the 10.5-mile loop trail that runs around its perimeter is both beautiful and available throughout the year. You'll enjoy lush valley views during the warmer seasons and stunning, snowy shots when winter comes around. Cades Cove is typically a one-way single-lane driving trail, but there are plenty of places to pull over and explore. The National Parks Service also closes this road for vehicles every Wednesday from May 4 to September 28 to allow hikers and cyclists to take advantage of the road.
Cades Cove Loop Road, Cades Cove Loop Rd, Tennessee, USA
If you're looking for a shorter trail with incredible views, we would highly recommend Stone Door Trail in Beersheba Springs. It's less than two miles and only features a 170-foot elevation gain, making it one of the most kid-friendly hikes on our list. It's great for nature trips and easy walks, and you can access the South Cumberland State Park hike all year long. Stone Door not only is an incredible sight to see but as a bonus, you should hike to the left at the trailhead, where you'll see a beautiful waterfall.
Stone Door Trail, Tennessee 37313, USA
You'll find Benton Falls Trail at the southern end of the Cherokee National Forest, and a solid 291-foot elevation gain makes it a great trail for both hiking and mountain biking. It's only three miles in its entirety, and the out-and-back trail boasts a lush forest, wildflowers during the springtime, and even a waterfall!
Benton Falls Trailhead, Unnamed Road, Benton, TN 37307, USA
You can enjoy a five-mile trek through the wilderness along the moderately rated Window Cliffs Trail in Window Cliffs State Natural Area. You'll wander through a beautiful stretch of forest with views of a waterfall, river, and even curious wildlife. Keep in mind, though - dogs are not welcome on this hike. It is strictly for humans only and is accessible throughout the year. This trail can be subject to seasonal closers so make sure to check out the state park website before you go.
Window Cliffs State Natural Area, 8400 Old Cane Creek Rd, Baxter, TN 38544, USA
Snoopers Rock Trail is located in Prentice Cooper State Forest and the moderate trail is best used from the months of March to October. At almost six miles total, the 1,168-foot elevation gain provides just enough challenge to make the trek an adventure, and the trail is normally utilized for nature trips, hiking, and bird watching. If you are short on time and you want to take advantage of this iconic view here in Tennessee then there is a quicker way to get to Snooper Rock without all of that hiking.
Snooper's Rock, Game Reserve Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405, USA
Editors note: This trail has been closed as of July 2022 due to damage. Keep up-to-date on when the trail will open back up by following the National Parks page.
Ramsey Cascades Trail may be one of the most difficult hikes on our list. The eight-mile out-and-back trail gains over 2,000 feet in elevation and is all uphill. We're not kidding. The gradual climb becomes very steep the last mile as you approach the cascades, and differs greatly from the first mile and a half that takes you down an abandoned logging route.
Ramsey Cascades Trail may be one of the most difficult hikes on our list. The eight-mile out-and-back trail gains over 2,000 feet in elevation and is all uphill. We're not kidding. The gradual climb becomes very steep the last mile as you approach the cascades, and differs greatly from the first mile and a half that takes you down an abandoned logging route.
Ramsey Cascades Trail, Ramsey Prong Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
A moderate trail in difficulty and known for its waterfall, Spruce Flats Falls Trail can be hiked all throughout the year. Though it's short you'll have to keep an eye out for the steep, rocky sections that require climbing. Make sure you wear the right footwear, folks!
Spruce flats falls trailhead, Tremont Dormitory, Tremont Environmental Education Center Rd, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Looking for an easy trail? Laurel Falls Trail is your answer! Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the 2.4-mile trail is great for folks of all skill levels. It remains one of the most popular hikes in the park, and you'll find folks hiking, walking, and enjoying nature trips along the way.
Laurel Falls Trail, Tennessee 37862, USA
Aren’t these some of the best trails in Tennessee? Which trails will you be frequenting this year? Did your favorite make the list? Make sure you leave any tips and tricks you have for Tennessee hikers in the comments!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Hikes In Tennessee
December 16, 2022
What are some more of the best hikes in Tennessee?
For some of the best hikes in Tennessee, here are a few suggestions:
- Laurel Falls in North Eastern Tennessee (It is different than the one in the Smoky Mountains.)
- Short and sweet Cane Creek Falls
- Hike to the base of Fall Creek Falls
- Alum Cave
- Margarette Falls
- Roan Mountain
