You Won’t Believe Your Eyes When You Embark On These 10 Gorgeous Tennessee Hikes
Tennessee is one of the best states in the nation when it comes to long, meandering hikes through the great outdoors. With the Cumberland Plateau at its center and the Great Smoky Mountains and Mississippi River bordering the Volunteer state to the east and west, there’s truly no end to incredible hiking experiences. Take a look at one of the gorgeous Tennessee hiking trails below, and perhaps embark on an adventure yourself. The outdoors are waiting!
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Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte can be found near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the difficult trail features a waterfall and expansive views. Perfect for the advanced hiker, you’ll want to prepare for rocky sections and almost 3,000 feet worth of elevation gain.
If you’re looking for an easier hike then you may want to make your way to Day Loop Trail at Long Hunter State Park. The 3.9-mile heavily trafficked loop trail is located just outside of Nashville, making it easy for city faring folk to visit the great outdoors. It’s great for anything from hiking to trail running and nature tripping.
Fiery Gizzard Trail is a 9.6-mile loop trail found near Tracy City in Tennessee, and it’s known as both a difficult trail and one of the most beautiful. Your 1,243-foot elevation gain is rewarded with some of the most beautiful views in the park, and the trail is even dog friendly so you can bring Fido along on the adventures.
Honey Creek Loop Trail is a difficult trail that’s located near Elgin, Tennessee. You’ll want to come prepared for a trek! Hikers gain over 1,000 feet elevation on the 5.8-mile loop, but the waterfalls and rock houses along the way make the effort well worth it.
Machine Falls Loop is perhaps the most popular trail in Short Springs Natural Area, known for the gorgeous waterfall at its middle and easily accessible trailhead. If you come in the springtime, you’ll even be treated to a whole wash of wildflowers that bloom along the trail.
As the shortest hike on our list, Spruce Flats Falls Trail remains fairly difficult. The 1.8-mile hike will have you clambering over rocky sections of the trail, and the Townsend trail tends to get a bit overgrown in places. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a little adventure in the great outdoors!
At 8.7 miles, Virgin Falls trail is a difficult trek out into the wilderness of Tennessee. It’s a dog-friendly trail, though you may want to bring Fido on days that the weather isn’t too rough. You’ll find yourself trekking over rocky sections of the trail, but the waterfalls and wildflowers along the way are a true eye-opener.
At 4.5 miles, Chimney Tops Trail isn’t incredibly long, but It’s considered a difficult hike. You’ll find yourself clambering over rocky sections and experiencing all sorts of wildlife along the way, so perhaps the 1,358-foot elevation gain is well worth it. Hint: it absolutely is!
Found near Lancing, Tennessee, this 4.2-mile out and back trail is considered of moderate difficulty and is accessible all year long. It’s great for leaf-peeping and observing the local wildlife, with great views and a trek alongside the Obed River.
Most folks don’t know about Window Cliffs, tucked away in Baxter, Tennessee. The park’s moderate trail is a little over five miles long and is great for nature treks and bird watching. An out-and-back experience, it’s both kid-friendly and fun for the whole family.
You can learn more about the heart of Tennessee with a visit to Ruby Falls, famed for looking like it’s straight from a fairy tale.
Address: Alum Cave Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Address: Day Loop Trail Orange, Nashville, TN 37076, USA
Address: Fiery Gizzard Trail, Tennessee, USA
Address: Honey Creek Loop Rd, Allardt, TN, USA
Address: Machine Falls Loop Tr White, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
Address: Spruce Flats Branch, Tennessee, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Address: Virgin Falls Trail, Sparta, TN 38583, USA
Address: Chimney Tops Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Address: Obed Wild and Scenic River, Tennessee 37887, USA
Address: Window Cliff Falls, Tennessee 38544, USA
