5 ways to immerse yourself in Tennessee's wild outdoors
From the lofty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the mighty Mississippi River, Tennessee’s outdoors are far more diverse than they’re given credit for. Here’s how to explore them…
Beyond farmlands and the pulsating metropolises of Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee’s shifting landscapes include an array of charming historic towns, lush state parks, ancient caverns and plenty of wild corners that can entice all outdoor enthusiasts. Throughout its parks and forests are numerous, epic trails that are perfect for hiking and biking. There are also lakes and rivers that are ideal for kayaking or swimming. If that’s all too much, there are many spots in its forests where you can relax with your family and watch a dazzling display of fireflies.
1. Explore its state parks
Tennessee is blessed with the Great Smoky Mountains which overlap with the western borders of North Carolina and welcomes over 11 million visitors annually. Beyond this stunning national park, the state parks also showcase the natural diversity of the region ranging from subterranean lakes to a complex network of caverns, from rare species of trees to cascading waterfalls. These state parks are rarely crowded which means you’ll have plenty of uninterrupted space for yourself to fully embrace the great outdoors.
State park spotlight
Credit: Shutterstock
Credit: Shutterstock
1. Rock Island State Park
Best for: waterfalls and wild swimming
Given its colossal size of 883 acres, Rock Island State Park boasts impressive waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Its main attractions are Twin Falls and Great Falls with short hiking trails leading up to both. If wild swimming is your thing, then look no further than Caney Fork Gorge which makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a tropical rainforest. As the gorge is deep and can flood quickly, it is important to swim with caution.
Credit: Shutterstock
Credit: Shutterstock
2. Roan Mountain State Park
Best for: spring wildflowers and wandering lush forests
You’re likely to spot many locals in Roan Mountain State Park exploring the rhododendron garden trail which is what the area is celebrated for. This underrated park is where you can snap some incredible photos of the wildflowers in the spring or the multihued trees in autumn from Chestnut Ridge Overlook. If you decide to stay here for the night, book a cosy cabin or pitch a tent to camp under the stars.
Credit: Shutterstock
Credit: Shutterstock
3. Radnor Lake State Park
Best for: wildlife watching
Just south of Nashville lies Radnor Lake State Park which offers a tranquil escape from the city with a variety of hiking trails including one for disabled visitors. Bring your camera as many majestic American bald eagles can be spotted here, as well as cardinals and river turtles. Along its trails, you’ll come across pristine lakes and an aviary as well. As it can get busy, the best time to spot wildlife here is early in the morning.
2. Go hiking
One of the best ways to truly appreciate Tennessee’s wilderness is on foot. The state boasts ample pathways that are suitable for seasoned hikers, disabled travellers and families. Many flock to see the Great Smoky Mountains, but there are many amazing walking adventures to be enjoyed across the state, ranging from mountain trails in Chattanooga to the woodlands dotted along the Mississippi River.
Hikes near Memphis
Often confused with the Tour de Wolf near the Chickasaw Trail, Wolf River Greenway to the east of Downtown Memphis is a series of interlinking trails in Shelby Farms Park. Hikers and bikers will be treated to a labyrinth of paths lined with maple and oak trees along the Wolf River which look spectacular in the fall season. For a comfortable and easy hike with a chance to go birdwatching, head to T.O. Fuller State Park in west Memphis.
Hikes near Nashville
Once you’ve had your fix of the city and its neon lights, head out of Nashville where you can go hiking further south of the city at Edwin Warner Park or opt for a laidback stroll and enjoy an afternoon picnic here. Head further east to the lush Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary which is great for families as children can learn about native owl species and conservation in the area.
Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains
It can be daunting to choose a hiking route when planning a trip to the Smokies as the park boasts over 800 miles of trails that zigzag throughout. Beyond the popular routes such as the Laurel Falls Trail, there are also some hidden gems off the beaten path like the enchanting House of Fairies near the Twin Creeks area. There’s also Cades Cove where you’re likely to see black bears.
Walking Eastern Tennessee
Some of the most challenging hiking trails that are often on bucket lists are in Eastern Tennessee, especially along the wild Appalachian Trail. The routes are often strewn with rocks, with many gruelling uphill climbs and downhill steep descents. Head to Thunderhead Mountain near Rocky Top where you will be rewarded after a strenuous hike with incredible views of both Tennessee and North Carolina up at 1,685m.
3. Cycle the Storyteller State
The common assumption is that most of the USA is built for driving, which is true, but many states including Tennessee are also cycle friendly. The biking routes across the state are interwoven with charismatic small towns, deep forests and vast farmlands where you can combine adventure and dive into the region’s musical past. There are different routes and loops that serve both beginners and experienced bikers and you can plan your itinerary with ease with apps like Ride with GPS.
East Tennessee: Historic Jonesborough Out-And-Back
Combine a scenic bike ride through the alluring Cherokee National Forest by exploring Jonesborough, a delightful 18th Century town which takes pride in being Tennessee’s oldest. The cycling route snakes out to Horse Cove Gap where beyond lush oak trees, you’ll see many jagged peaks in the distance. Finish your ride past Cherokee National Forest by heading back to Jonesborough, where you can dine at one of its many quaint restaurants.
Fall Creek Falls Loop
The rugged biking trails in Tennessee’s state parks are known for their sheer drops, passing by cascading waterfalls and ideal for spotting wildlife. Pick a weekday and head out early to Fall Creek Falls Loop, where the trail leads you to one of the tallest and most impressive waterfalls in the country. As the state park spans over 30,000 acres, you can opt for a shorter ride by doing only the Scenic Loop.
West Tennessee Classic Loop
If you’re after an authentic cycling experience with craggy trails, farmlands and barbecue shacks en route, then the West Tennessee Classic Loop ticks all these boxes. The clockwise route covers 37 miles with low-traffic rural roads. You can take a break by visiting many diverse attractions nearby like the Tina Turner Museum or the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. Don’t miss some excellent pulled pork at Helen’s Bar BQ in Brownsville.
4. Wander its botanical gardens
Embrace the art of slow travel by wandering through one of Tennessee’s many top-notch botanical gardens. The state’s outdoors doesn’t have to be experienced merely through its hiking trails as there are a plethora of arboretums to be enjoyed throughout the year. Some of these gardens are in historic estates and along with admiring the flora, you can enjoy some outstanding art installations here too.
Credit: Patrick Green/Tennessee Tourism
Credit: Patrick Green/Tennessee Tourism
Cheekwood
Located only 8 miles southwest of Nashville, Cheekwood is an extraordinary estate which dates back to the 1930s. Today, it has 55 expansive acres of cultivated gardens along with an arboretum, a museum, an art gallery, period rooms and seasonal festivals held throughout the year. There’s plenty more to explore here as there is a Japanese Garden, children’s gardens and a 1.5-mile woodland trail featuring contemporary outdoor sculptures.
Credit: David Duplessis
Credit: David Duplessis
Memphis Botanic Garden
The Botanic Gardens in Memphis is an oasis of serenity in the heart of the bustling city. There are 30 specialty gardens including a temperate deciduous forest as well as painting sessions, yoga classes, educational programmes in horticulture and an amphitheatre hosting live music. If you’re looking towards increasing your green credentials and giving back to the community, there are also opportunities to volunteer in the garden and get involved in various group projects.
Credit: Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
Credit: Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
Knoxville Botanical Gardens
What was formerly Howell Nurseries is now Knoxville Botanical Gardens which is only a 20-minute walk from the city centre. The gardens are free to enter, so you can explore its quaint Peony Garden, its Secret Garden that is studded with wildflowers or take your time as you wander through the Instagram worthy bamboo forest. You can also join a morning birding walk to discover the many feathered-friends that live here.
5. See Tennessee by water
Though hiking and cycling are great ways to explore Tennessee, its waterways are equally magnificent. There are several great lakes and over 50,000 miles of rivers where you can embark on an adventure and explore the state’s wilderness. There are countless top-notch water adventures that you’ll fall in love with, ranging from swimming, kayaking, white water rafting, boat trips and even snorkelling.
Take a boat ride on the Lost Sea
Head out to Lost Sea at Sweetwater where you’ll explore a remarkable underwater lake by a glass bottom boat and often with a hilarious tour guide too. The Lost Sea is part of the historic cave system called Craighead Caverns and is listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as America’s largest underground lake. The caves were also formerly utilised by the Cherokees and were once the spot for moonshiners to produce their illegal brews.
Go freshwater snorkelling
A little over an hour from Chattanooga lies the scenic Conasauga River as well as Citico Creek and both offer biodiverse freshwater snorkelling opportunities in Tennessee. The river is relatively silt-free and is home to mussels and over 70 species of fish, including the amber darter and blue shiner. Guided snorkelling tours with the Cherokee National Forest are available at select times during the year.
Kayak eerie Wolf River
There are many ways to experience Wolf River (also called Ghost River) by water, but kayaking leisurely past its cypress groves is possibly one of the best ways to feel connected to nature. There are various kayaking tours organised by local operators who will guide you through the river’s dense shrubbery, eerie creeks and wetlands. While you’re here, you may spot bobcats, river otters and beavers too.
Whitewater raft along the Ocoee River
Brace yourself for a fun and exhilarating adventure as you raft through the best parts of the rapids in the Ocoee River. While this isn’t for the faint hearted, ask anyone who has experienced the adrenaline rush of white water rafting here and they’ll highly recommend it. Opt for a guide who will safely make you work with the rest of the team as you make your way, splashing through spots like Blue Hole and Grumpy’s Ledge.
Feeling inspired?
To start planning your own outdoor adventure in Tennessee, head to the official Tennessee Tourism website.
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