While Nashville, Tennessee is known for its live music and downtown friendliness, Tennessee has tons of other fun, underrated sites to explore outside of Nashville. These can range from incredible scenic views to unique and quaint tourists gems. Besides its musical charm, Tennessee is the perfect state to explore nature and enjoy a good adventure.
1. Ruby Falls
Distance from Nashville: 131 miles (2 hour drive)
Ruby Falls is one of Tennessee's most iconic waterfalls because it holds a special quality, unique to many other waterfalls. Ruby Falls is a waterfall 145 feet below ground. Visitors can go to gift shops, take pictures beside the waterfall, and eat at cute cafes near the landmark. Located in Chattanooga, it's a prime spot for tourists to explore south eastern Tennessee.
2. Cummins Falls
Distance from Nashville: 82 miles (1 hour and 20 minute drive)
Cummins Falls is the perfect hiking experience for beginners. Located in southern Jackson county, Cummins Falls is the eighth largest waterfall in Tennessee. Hikers and tourists can both swim in the river and take pictures by the edges of the waterfall rocks. Because Cummins Falls is apart of a Tennessee state park, the hike and the opportunity to swim in the clear lake is free of charge. It only takes a good group of friends and some cute Chacos to have a memorable adventure in this spot.
3. Gatlinburg Ski Lift
Distance from Nashville: 222 miles (3 hour and 35 minute drive)
Regardless of the season, Gatlinburg is one of the most popular tourists cities in Tennessee besides Nashville. One of the most adventurist spots to hit in Gatlinburg is the classic ski lift. This lift provides an outstanding view of the Smoky Mountains and much of eastern Tennessee. The ski lift reaches to heights of around 1,800 feet above ground. Many tourists rent out large log cabins that provide pool tables and hot tubs to enjoy a well rested stay.
4. Rock Island
Distance from Nashville: 85 miles (1 hour and 39 minute drive)
Rock Island State Park provides several, fun opportunities for tourists to enjoy a scenic landscape. On one side of the park, Rock Island delivers a small, charming perfect beach for canoeing and camping with your family and friends. On the other side of the park, there is a breath taking waterfall. While there is a moderately tiring hike to get to the waterfall, Rock Island is completely worth the sore muscles. Unlike Cummins Falls, many people go cliff diving off of Rock Island's drop, making this waterfall a thrill seeking opportunity.
While dancing through concerts and going out to eat with your friends can be fun, it is no secret that enjoying the outdoors can have lasting impacts on your view of the world and your environment. Going out to spots like these in Tennessee can help you realize just how beautiful and simplistic life in the South is.
