Kick Off Spring In Tennessee With These 7 Scenic Hikes Under One Mile
Springtime is one of the most beautiful times of year in Tennessee, but it can be hard to get right back out into it with long hikes when you’ve been inside all winter. Luckily, there are plenty of places around our beautiful state that offer gorgeous scenery with minimal effort required. Whether you like waterfalls, beautiful glens, or idyllic woods, these trails are sure to get you back out into the Volunteer State this spring. We’ve put together a list of some of the best hikes in Tennessee, and they’re all under 1 mile! So lace-up those hiking boots and prepare to be impressed.
First up on our list of some of the best hikes in Tennessee is the iconic Burgess Falls Trail. This out-and-back trail is located near Baxter, Tennessee, and it's one of the most popular escapes for Tennesseans in the warmer months. The trail is a mile long and takes you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire state. Learn more about what makes Burgess Falls Trail in Tennessee so spectacular.
Burgess Falls Drive, Burgess Falls Dr, Tennessee, USA
Just a short 45-minute drive outside of Nashville, Montgomery Bell State Park is one of Middle Tennessee's most beautiful spots. The Jim Bailey Nature trail is about .75 miles but shows off some of the best parts of the park, making this trip totally worth it. And while you're there, check out the incredible year-round campground in Tennessee.
Jim Bailey Nature Trail Green, Jim Bailey Nature Trl Grn, Tennessee 37029, USA
Stillhouse Hollow Falls is one of the most underrated waterfalls in Tennessee, partly because it's not often busy. The falls can be seen by hiking only two-thirds of a mile down the trail, but if you want a little extension, you can add another mile round trip by hiking around the hollow to the base of the falls. There's a lot to love about Stillhouse Hollow Falls.
Stillhouse Hollow Falls Trail, Tennessee 38474, USA
Beaman Park, located just north of Nashville is a great opportunity for some quick, short hiking. The Park has multiple short trails, but the best bang for your buck is doing a quick trip on the Ridgetop Trail. It extents at a couple of points to nearly 4 miles, but you can cut it off with a loop that takes you back along a creek, all while keeping it under a mile. It's no mystery why Ridgetop Trail is one of the very best hikes near Nashville.
Located in Big Ridge State Park outside of Knoxville, the Ghost House Trail is the spookiest short hike in the state! The trail is said to be haunted by a pioneer family's ghosts and a young witch who lived in the area. Are you brave enough to tackle this 1-mile loop? Learn more about the most haunted trail in Tennessee...if you dare!
Big Ridge State Park, 1015 Big Ridge Park Rd, Maynardville, TN 37807, USA
One of the Great Smoky Mountains' most-visited spots, Cades Cove is an absolute national treasure. The nature trail that winds through the cove is short and sweet, showing off the flora and fauna of the park. You can also drive Cades Cove Loop for a scenic Tennessee adventure.
Last but not least on our list of the best hikes in Tennessee is Tharp Trace. This trail near Knoxville is actually a little over a mile, but the views are well worth it. It loops around an abandoned quarry that is now a beautiful lake. This one is absolutely worth the extra steps.
Knoxville, TN, USA
So what are your thoughts on these beautiful trails? Do you agree that they are some of the best hikes in Tennessee? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Tennessee
March 21, 2022
Beth C.
What's the most dangerous trail in Tennessee?
As you've learned from reading the above article about the most beautiful spring hikes in Tennessee, the Volunteer State is brimming with laid-back, family-friendly trails. It's also true that Tennessee is filled with challenging, intimidating, and in some cases, dangerous hikes. The title of the most dangerous hike in Tennessee belongs to Abrams Falls. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this beautiful trail is located in a region that receives a ton of rain. In fact, with the exception of the Pacific Northwest, this trail receives the most rainfall in the U.S. This contributes to tons of streams, rivers, and waterways. However, this waterway can also take a dangerous turn. The current of the waterway can become so strong that those who have accidentally fallen in have struggled to swim against it. Fortunately, staying far away from the water ensures that your experience will be a relatively safe one. The 2.5-mile hike to Abrams Falls is filled with beautiful forest scenery. While the base of Abrams Falls may seem like an idyllic swimming hole, visitors are strongly cautioned against getting in the water. Learn more about this trail when you read our previous article: Abrams Falls Trail Is The Single Most Dangerous Hike In All Of Tennessee.
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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.
