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!
1. Alum Cave Trail - Great Smoky Mountains State Park
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. When it comes to the best hikes in Tennessee, Alum Cave Trail is a top contender!
2. Day Loop Trail - Long Hunter State Park
Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076, USA
If you’re looking for an easy hike in Tennessee 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. There's a lot to love about this scenic nature trail near Nashville.
3. Fiery Gizzard Trail - South Cumberland State Park
South Cumberland State Park, 7608, 11745 US-41, Monteagle, TN 37356, USA
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. You'll agree that hiking in South Cumberland State Park is like entering a fairytale; there's gorgeous scenery at every turn!
4. Honey Creek Loop Trail - Big South Fork National River
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, 4564 Leatherwood Rd, Oneida, TN 37841, USA
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.
5. Machine Falls Loop - Short Springs State Natural Area
Short Springs State Natural Area Parking, 1 Powell Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
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. Learn more about what makes Short Springs Natural Area such a beautiful Tennessee day trip destination.
6. Spruce Flats Falls Trail - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spruce Flats Falls, Spruce Flats Branch, Tennessee, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
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! In fact, Spruce Flats Falls trail might just be the most underrated hike in Tennessee.
7. Virgin Falls Trail - Virgin Falls State Natural Area
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. Plus, the view might just be one of Tennessee's most beautiful overlooks.
8. Chimney Tops Trail - Great Smoky Mountains State Park
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! Learn more about why Chimney Tops Trail belong on your Tennessee hiking bucket list.
9. Obed River Point Trail - Obed Wild & Scenic River
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. Learn more about this peaceful, secluded trail in Tennessee.
10. Window Cliffs - Window Cliffs State Natural Area
Window Cliffs State Natural Area, 8400 Old Cane Creek Rd, Baxter, TN 38544, USA
Last but not least on our list of some of the best hikes in Tennessee is Window Cliffs. 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.
Do you agree that these are some of the best hikes in Tennessee? Which would you add to the list? Be sure to share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment below — we would love to hear your feedback!
Address: Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076, USA
Address: South Cumberland State Park, 7608, 11745 US-41, Monteagle, TN 37356, USA
Address: Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, 4564 Leatherwood Rd, Oneida, TN 37841, USA
Address: Short Springs State Natural Area Parking, 1 Powell Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
Address: Spruce Flats Falls, Spruce Flats Branch, Tennessee, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Address: Chimney Tops Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA
Address: Obed River, Tennessee, USA
Address: Window Cliffs State Natural Area, 8400 Old Cane Creek Rd, Baxter, TN 38544, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Tennessee
March 22, 2022
Beth C.
Are there any kid-friendly trails in Tennessee?
Absolutely! While there are plenty of challenging, strenuous trails in Tennessee, there are also several that are suitable for even the littlest explorers. In fact, there are plenty located in the Nashville area that are 1 mile or less. One of our favorite recommendations is the Edwin Warner Park Nature Loop. Measuring just 0.75 miles, this lovely little nature trail is positively brimming with beautiful plants, flowers, and wildlife. Visitors can even pick up an educational nature book that highlights all of the points of interest along the way. Another place to bring the family is Shelby Bottoms Park. Located in East Nashville, this park features several loops and some fun bridge-crossings. Next up on our list of kid-friendly trails in Tennessee would be the Deerwood Arboretum Trail. Located in Brentwood, this trail is less than a mile and is paved, making it a stroller-friendly option. During the warmer months, you may even spot some wildflowers blooming! Some other spots to consider include Montgomery Bell State Park’s Jim Bailey Nature Trail, Long Hunter State Park’s Deer Trail, and Edwin Warner Park’s Hungry Hawk Trail. For more information, check out our previous article: 7 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes Around Nashville That Are 1 Mile And Under.
Address: Alum Cave Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA
Address: Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076, USA
Address: South Cumberland State Park, 7608, 11745 US-41, Monteagle, TN 37356, USA
Address: Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, 4564 Leatherwood Rd, Oneida, TN 37841, USA
Address: Short Springs State Natural Area Parking, 1 Powell Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
Address: Spruce Flats Falls, Spruce Flats Branch, Tennessee, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Address: Chimney Tops Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA
Address: Obed River, Tennessee, USA
Address: Window Cliffs State Natural Area, 8400 Old Cane Creek Rd, Baxter, TN 38544, USA
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Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
