15 Gorgeous Tennessee State Parks That Will Knock Your Socks Off
If you’re planning a trip to the south this summer, then we can absolutely bank on the fact that you won’t want to miss out on a Tennessee state park visit. With the rush of our rivers and grand majesty of the mountains, you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled upon heaven on earth – we promise. Take a look at these stunningly beautiful state parks in Tennessee, all ready and waitin’ for a visit from YOU.
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Our list of beautiful state parks in Tennessee starts with Cummins Falls State Park. Cummins Falls features a waterfall that doubles as an absolutely awesome swimming hole. You know you want to check it out! Learn more about swimming at the bottom of this tiered waterfall swimming hole in Tennessee.
Fort Loudon State Park is a history lover's dream come true. In fact, you can explore early colonial frontier life at this memorable park. We're sure you could have some awesome picnics and make a few choice memories here.
Take your 'king of the world' euphoria sky high with a view that would make Jack Dawson jealous. Plus, it's the single best place for stargazing in Tennessee.
Sergeant Alvin State Park is located in Pall Mall and pays tribute to a decorated World War I hero. There's even a top-secret trail that winds through the park. This looks like something out of a movie...and the only thing missing? Is you.
Again with the waterfalls. Because they're magic and so is Tennessee. Visit this state park and you can hike to not just one but two gorgeous waterfalls.
Created by a set of earthquakes in the nineteenth century, this spot will make you shiver with the gravity of it. Plus, you can observe up to 200 bald eagles here during certain times of the year. It's hard to imagine a better place for nature lovers in Tennessee.
Radnor Lake is quite possibly one of the most beautiful state parks in Tennessee. Only thirty minutes from Nashville, this secluded haven will reset your day completely. Plus, it's one of the best places to see fall foliage in Tennessee.
Grab your camera and hop in a canoe, the river is pretty much a summer must. Harpeth River State Park is the perfect day trip destination in Tennessee.
Last but not least on our list of beautiful state parks in Tennessee is the iconic Roan Mountain. It's hard to beat East Tennessee - for sure. Just wait until you see the rhododendrons bloom!
Which one of these beautiful state parks in Tennessee calls to you? One, three, seven? Maybe all of them?! Tell us which Tennessee state park you’re dying to visit — or the ones you love — in the comments below!
Address: Cummins Falls, Tennessee 38501, USA
Address: Fort Loudoun Lake, Tennessee, USA
Address: Edgar Evins State Park Rd, Tennessee 38582, USA
Address: 2810 N York Hwy, Pall Mall, TN 38577, USA
Address: Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
Address: Reelfoot Lake Watershed, Tennessee 38260, USA
Address: Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37027, USA
Address: Pickwick Dam, TN 38326, USA
Address: Harpeth River, Tennessee, USA
Address: 1245 Davy Crockett Park Rd #5825, Limestone, TN 37681, USA
Address: Cove Lake, Tennessee, USA
Address: 328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090, USA
Address: Burgess Falls, Tennessee 38544, USA
Address: Bicentennial Way, Newport, TN 37821, USA
Address: Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
beautiful state parks in Tennessee
February 24, 2021
Beth C.
What’s the best state park in Tennessee?
Each of Tennessee’s beautiful state parks is worth exploring; however, many folks would argue that Roan Mountain is the best state park in Tennessee. Perhaps it’s the unparalleled views of the Appalachian Mountains or the high-altitude hiking trails filled with wildflowers, but it’s hard to deny the magic of this iconic state park.
Does Tennessee have any national parks?
Now that you’ve learned all about beautiful state parks in Tennessee, it’s time to delve into the national parks. The most famous is the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, shared between Tennessee and North Carolina. In fact, it’s the single most-visited national park in the U.S. The allure of the gorgeous mountains is hard to deny, and it makes for a beautiful destination any time of year.
What’s the most beautiful hike in Tennessee?
It’s hard to imagine Tennessee without its impressive hiking trails. One could easily devote an entire lifetime to enjoying the thousands upon thousands of hiking trails in the Volunteer State. If you’re looking for scenery, one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Tennessee is Laurel Falls Trail. Located within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this 2.3-mile trail features a beautiful waterfall and is a great trail for kiddos. Learn more about the most beautiful trails in Tennessee.
Address: Cummins Falls, Tennessee 38501, USA
Address: Fort Loudoun Lake, Tennessee, USA
Address: Edgar Evins State Park Rd, Tennessee 38582, USA
Address: 2810 N York Hwy, Pall Mall, TN 38577, USA
Address: Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
Address: Reelfoot Lake Watershed, Tennessee 38260, USA
Address: Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37027, USA
Address: Pickwick Dam, TN 38326, USA
Address: Harpeth River, Tennessee, USA
Address: 1245 Davy Crockett Park Rd #5825, Limestone, TN 37681, USA
Address: Cove Lake, Tennessee, USA
Address: 328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090, USA
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.
