This 450-Mile Road Trip Leads To Some Of The Most Scenic Parts Of Tennessee, No Matter What Time Of Year It Is
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Meghan Kraft
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It’s difficult to gather a handful of scenic parts of Tennessee, mainly because a majority of the state is overwhelmingly beautiful. There are waterfalls and stunning valleys that are perfect for even the most amateur photographers. We’ve put together a solid weekend road trip that will take you to some of the most beautiful areas in the state, some that you may know already, and others that just might surprise you. How many have you been to, friends?
If you’re looking to follow along with our trek through the Volunteer State you can do so right here!
It may look like an intense road trip, and that's because it is. If you're looking to sneak in as many scenic spots as possible, then you'll want to spend some time in the car. If you'd like to get out and see these beautiful places up close, it'll add quite a bit of time to the journey. Use the link above to switch up the stops and personalize the trip to make it perfect for you.
Cades Cove is a valley made up of 6,800 acres that's tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains. It's known as one of the most popular locations in the National Park, and it's accessible both by foot and car. Drive the Cades Cove Scenic Loop if you'd rather enjoy the views from the comfort of your vehicle, or perhaps hike the valley or trek it out by horseback if you're feeling adventurous. Make sure you bring the camera!
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You'll also find Rainbow Falls Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the out-and-back trail can be found near the tourist town of Gatlinburg. You'll gain 1,617 feet of elevation along the way, and the the 5-mile, moderately-rated trail is known as one of the most beautiful in the state. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander through old-growth forest and take in the misty beauty of Tennessee's hidden waterfalls.
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Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is most commonly known as "Big South Fork," and it sits on the - you guessed it! - Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Tributaries stretch into Northeastern Tennessee and across the state lines into Kentucky, and the 125,000-acre park is popular for hiking and camping.
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No nature buff's journey through Tennessee is complete without a trip to Fall Creek Falls State Park. The famed falls itself is one of the highest in the eastern United States, and hiking through the state park is popular no matter the season. It's one of the most popular state parks in Tennessee, so make sure you come during the off-season if you can! There's nothing like an icy view of the park when you feel like you have it all to yourself.
You'll find that Rock Island State Park straddles both White County and Warren County here in Tennessee, and the 883-acre park is actually located at the headwaters of beautiful Center Hill Lake. The park itself is known for its stunning water features, and there's nothing more beautiful than its strong, cascading waterfalls.
The Walls of Jericho is technically shared by Tennessee and Alabama, but if you're to begin at the hike's trailhead you'll find yourself in Belvidere, Tennessee. The 7.5-mile trek is considered quite difficult, but it will lead you to a 750-acre natural area that is one of the most beautiful in the state.
The town of Signal Mountain is famous for its wooded hiking trails, many of which lead to stunning overlooks on Signal Point or to hidden lakes and waterfalls. The small town is actually located on Walden Ridge, and the views throughout are positively beautiful. What a hidden gem!
Have you seen all of these gorgeous places in Tennessee? Will you be taking this road trip? Tell us your thoughts in the comments – and happy travels!
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