Tennessee is home to some of the most breathtaking natural areas in the Nation. From beautiful mountain ranges to flowing cascades, if you’re looking for a scenic adventure, you’re in the right place.
Check out these five Tennessee hiking spots that you’ll want to add to the top of your bucket list.
Clingmans Dome
Want a birds-eye view of the Smokies? Hike up to Clingmans Dome for a spectacular view. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, this hot spot has become an iconic destination for hikers. With an elevation above 6,600 ft., Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Tennessee. If you’re feeling extra adventurous when you get there, you can even hop on the Appalachian trail for a bit before returning to your car. Be sure to add this incredible view to your bucket list this year!
Snoopers Rock—Mullins Cove Trail
This 6-mile trail is a must-see for any Tennessean. Just minutes from downtown Chattanooga in the Prentice Cooper natural area, this trail offers beautiful views of the Tennessee River Gorge. If you’re not up for the 6-mile hike, don’t worry; you can actually drive down a gravel road to some of the viewpoints such as Snoopers Rock. If you’re planning to venture out to this trailhead, you’ll want to check out this website for dates. The area doubles as a hunting ground during select seasons.
Fall Creek Falls
This middle Tennessee beauty is one you won’t want to pass up. Fall Creek Falls State Park is Tennessee’s largest and most visited state park. With one of the state’s tallest waterfalls at 256 ft., it’s no wonder this park is so iconic. Other waterfalls in the area include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls and Cane Creek Cascades.
Machine Falls
Located about an hour from Nashville in Tullahoma, Machine Falls is well worth the hike. This secluded waterfall sits on a 1.6 mile round trip in the Short Springs Natural Area. Fortunately the trail isn’t overcrowded and has pretty sparse traffic, meaning more waterfall for you!
Lula Lake
Lula Lake Land Trust sits just outside of Chattanooga and consists of over 6 miles of scenic hiking or biking trails. You’ll have to plan ahead if you want to venture out to this destination. The location is typically only open on the first and last Saturdays of each month.
