7 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Tennessee To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead
Hiking tends to be associated with warm months and clear skies here in Tennessee. However, hiking is an activity that can be enjoyed year-round here in the Volunteer State. If you’re going a bit stir-crazy there at home, check out one of these cool and calming hikes around the state that are perfect for a walkabout. No matter which region of the state you happen to live in, you’ll be close to some natural magic. Without further ado, here are some of the very best hikes in Tennessee.
The Herb Parsons Lake Trail circumnavigates its eponymous lake in an easy, flat 6-mile loop. The trail offers plenty of picturesque views of the water, making this a great hike for a quiet and serene walk. Learn more about this hidden lake trail in Tennessee.
The Rainbow Falls Trail near Gatlinburg is a difficult one, but it's incredibly rewarding for those who stick it out. The trail is five and a half miles out and back and ends at the beautiful Rainbow Falls. Plus, during the winter, this Tennessee hiking trail completely transforms.
The Sewanee Perimeter Trail offers some of the most sweeping views of any trail in Tennessee. While the entire trail is more than 20 miles, doing just part of it is still quite a treat, as it winds along the ridge of the Cumberland Plateau. Learn more about what makes Sewanee such an excellent day trip destination in Tennessee.
The Laurel Falls Trail is also near Gatlinburg but is a much easier and shorter hike than Rainbow Falls. This two-and-a-half-mile hike is a popular one due to its much more gentle slope and the waterfall along the trail. There's a lot to love about this beautiful and easy hiking trail in Tennessee.
5. Short Springs Loop Trail
Short Springs Road, Short Springs Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
Next up on our list of some of the best hikes in Tennessee is the Short Springs Loop Trail. The Short Springs Loop Trail is about two and a half miles in total and features one of the most serene, secluded waterfalls in the entire state. If you want to get up close to the falls, you might have to walk through the creek, so be sure to plan accordingly.
6. Stillhouse Hollow Falls Trail
Stillhouse Hollow Falls Trail, Tennessee 38474, USA
Located just southwest of Columbia in Middle Tennesse, the Stillhouse Hollow Falls Trail offers a very gentle loop that measures just over a mile long. If you're looking for a quick and quiet hike, this is the one for you. The falls themselves are about 75 feet tall in total, making them one of the taller falls in that part of the state.
Just northeast of Knoxville on House Mountain, the West Overlook Trail offers some of the most stunning sunset views you'll find anywhere in Tennessee. It's just about a mile from the parking lot to the overlook, but you can continue around the mountaintop to complete the 4-mile loop as well. Curious for more? Here are some other inspiring scenic overlooks in Tennessee.
What are your thoughts on this list of the best hikes in Tennessee? Are there any that you would add to the list? If so, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
If you’d rather stay cozy inside, then you need to have a meal at Catherine & Mary’s, an Italian eatery that serves comfort food at its finest.
Address: Herb Parsons Lake, Tennessee 38017, USA
Address: Rainbow Falls Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Address: Perimeter Trail, Sewanee, TN, USA
Address: Laurel Falls Trail, Sevierville, TN 37862, USA
Address: Short Springs Road, Short Springs Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
Address: Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area, Tennessee 38474, USA
Address: House Mountain, Corryton, TN 37721, USA
Address: Herb Parsons Lake, Tennessee 38017, USA
Address: Rainbow Falls Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA
Address: Short Springs Road, Short Springs Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
Address: House Mountain, Corryton, TN 37721, USA
Address: Stillhouse Hollow Falls Trail, Tennessee 38474, USA
Address: Perimeter Trail, Sewanee, TN, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Tennessee
March 03, 2022
Beth C.
Where can I find the best scenic overlooks in Tennessee?
Tennessee is positively brimming with gorgeous scenery. Whether you’re on a mountaintop or a riverbank, you’ll find no shortage of beautiful views. One of our favorite overlooks in Tennessee is Lookout Mountain. Located in Chattanooga, it’s easily one of the most photographed places in the state. Lookout Mountain features other lovable attractions such as the Incline Railway and Ruby Falls. Some other scenic overlooks in Tennessee are Sunset Rock, Love Circle, Signal Mountain, Newfound Gap, Tom Lee Park, Morton Overlook, and Pot Point Loop. For more details on these places, be sure to check out our previous article: Tennessee Is Home To These 8 Scenic Overlooks And They’re Simply Incredible.
What are the best hikes for beginners in Tennessee?
Hiking in Tennessee is always a good idea, but sometimes, it can be a bit daunting. That’s especially true if you opt for one of the more strenuous mountain hikes. Fortunately, not all of Tennessee’s trails are challenging. The following are some of our favorite easy hiking trails in Tennessee that are appropriate for beginners: Radnor Lake, Bald River Falls, Broadtree Falls, Alum Creek Bluffs, Fall Creek Falls, Signal Mountain, Fiery Gizzard, Burgess Falls, Virgin Falls, and Rock Island State Park. Learn more about these amazing hikes for beginners in Tennessee.
Address: Herb Parsons Lake, Tennessee 38017, USA
Address: Rainbow Falls Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Address: Perimeter Trail, Sewanee, TN, USA
Address: Laurel Falls Trail, Sevierville, TN 37862, USA
Address: Short Springs Road, Short Springs Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
Address: Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area, Tennessee 38474, USA
Address: House Mountain, Corryton, TN 37721, USA
Address: Herb Parsons Lake, Tennessee 38017, USA
Address: Rainbow Falls Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA
Address: Short Springs Road, Short Springs Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388, USA
Address: House Mountain, Corryton, TN 37721, USA
Address: Stillhouse Hollow Falls Trail, Tennessee 38474, USA
Address: Perimeter Trail, Sewanee, TN, 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.
