Welcome to our ultimate guide to the best hikes in Tennessee. Tennessee, a state known for its diverse landscapes and rich history, offers an array of trails for every type of adventurer.
Whether you're looking for a shorter hike that can be completed within a few hours, a challenging trail run that will test your limits, or simply just something to do on a weekend road trip, you'll find it here. Each trail offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Tennessee, from the misty mountains to the vibrant forests. Planning a trip to explore the great outdoors has never been more exciting.
From the misty meadows of the Great Smoky Mountains to the cascading waterfalls in Cummins Falls State Park, the diversity of Tennessee's landscape is a hiker's paradise.
Whether you’re a seasoned trailblazer or a novice looking for an adventure, Tennessee's hiking trails offer a variety of experiences.
Total Length of Hiking Trails: Over 60 miles (96 km)
South Cumberland State Park is a sprawling park situated on the Cumberland Plateau. It is renowned for offering some of the best hiking and backcountry camping in the region. The park features a wide range of trails and backcountry campsites that cater to all levels of hikers and adventurers. Iconic spots within the park like Foster Falls and Sycamore Falls showcase beautiful vistas, a serene river, and spectacular waterfalls set against the backdrop of dense forest woodlands and rocky gorges.
One of the park’s jewels is the Fiery Gizzard Trail, a 12.5-mile (20 km) path that exhibits scenic terrain passing through Fiery Gizzard Creek, adorned with swimming holes, unique rock formations, and panoramic overlooks. Besides, the Savage Gulf and Great Stone Door area boast an additional 55 miles (88 km) of trails, offering hikers opportunities to explore impressive vistas, historical mining sites, and dramatic cliff-top views. Another notable trail, the Buggy Top Trail, leads adventurers on a 4-mile (6.4 km) roundtrip to Buggytop Cave, one of the largest cave openings in Tennessee, presenting an unforgettable exploration experience.
Total Length of Hiking Trails: Over 56 miles (90 km)
Fall Creek Falls State Park stands as one of the state's largest and most visited parks, enchanting visitors with its spectacular waterfalls, deep gorges, and lush landscapes. Spanning over 30,638 acres, the park is centered on the sublime upper Cane Creek Gorge, an area celebrated for its remarkable geological formations and panoramic waterfalls. The park offers a wilderness experience for hikers of all skill levels, showcasing the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
Among the park's highlights are the multiple waterfalls, including the namesake Fall Creek Falls - one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in the eastern United States. Visitors can explore over 200 campsites, engage in a 2.9-mile (4.6 km) loop that offers panoramic views from all angles, and discover two waterfalls that underscore the park’s natural beauty.
Size: Approximately 522,426.88 acres (2,114.2 km2)
Number of Hiking Trails: Over 150
Total Length of Hiking Trails: 850+ miles (1,368 km)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a picturesque and diverse landscape for adventurers and nature lovers. Among its many trails, The Rainbow Falls Trail is known for its strenuous hike leading to the highest waterfall in the Smokies, offering rewarding views that captivate many. Similarly, The Ramsey Cascades Trail presents a challenge, leading hikers to the park's most spectacular waterfall and through ancient forests.
The park isn't just about strenuous hikes; visitors can also enjoy more leisurely explorations. The historical valley, Cades Cove, provides a glimpse into the past with well-preserved homesteads and churches set against the park’s rich wildlife.
More adventurous trails like those leading to Alum Cave Bluffs and Mount LeConte, or drives along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, offer varied experiences from breathtaking summits to serene natural beauty, making it a unique destination for all types of adventurers.
Here are three of the most captivating routes within the park:
Alum Cave Bluffs & Mount LeConte
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Distance: 5 miles (8 km) to Mount LeConte summit; 2.5 miles (4 km) one way to Alum Cave Bluffs
Hiking Duration: Approximately 6-8 hours for the round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Trail Type: Out and back
The Alum Cave Bluffs & Mount LeConte trail, located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers one of the most rewarding hiking experiences in East Tennessee. The trail is a total of 5 miles (8 km) to just below the summit of Mount LeConte, with a significant elevation change of 1,200 feet (366 meters).
Starting with a moderate hike to the Alum Cave Bluffs, hikers can experience spectacular views of the park, making it a popular spot for both photography and nature enthusiasts.
Past the 2.5-mile mark at Alum Cave Bluffs, the trail continues to ascend towards Mount LeConte, presenting more of a challenge but offering equally rewarding panoramic vistas of the East Tennessee landscape. The diverse ecosystems, geological features, and varying elevations throughout the trail exemplify the unique beauty of the Smokies. This section of the trail, often referred to as the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail, showcases the best of what the mountains have to offer, from ancient forests to rugged mountain scenery.
The Ramsey Cascades Trail
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip
Hiking Duration: Approximately 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trail Type: Out and Back
The Ramsey Cascades Trail offers an intensely rewarding experience for those willing to tackle its strenuous path. This hike, considered challenging due to its steep ascents, takes about 5-7 hours to complete. Marked by the stunning beauty of the park's tallest waterfall, the Ramsey Cascades, it’s a must-visit for anyone passionate about waterfall hikes. The cascades plummet a breathtaking 100 feet (30 meters) into a pristine, clear pool, providing a serene environment perfect for contemplation and relaxation.
The trail itself is a wonder, slicing through an old-growth forest filled with ancient towering trees, moss-covered boulders, and a carpet of delicate wildflowers, making every step an exploration. This dense canopy and lush undergrowth not only serve as a home to various wildlife but also create a profound sense of solitude and connection with nature.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip
Hiking Duration: Approximately 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trail Type: Out and Back
The Ramsey Cascades Trail is recognized for its challenging path that rewards hikers with the sight of the park's tallest waterfall. Located a short distance past the parking areas for Rainbow Falls, this trail offers a blend of natural beauty and physical challenges unique to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hike demands endurance, traversing through rugged terrain and dense forests filled with a variety of flora and fauna.
This trail, while strenuous, brings rewarding experiences as hikers reach the Ramsey Cascades, where water cascades down 100 feet (30 meters) into a serene pool. The path weaves through an ancient forest, presenting old-growth trees and a verdant underbrush that hosts a diverse ecosystem.
Lilly Bluff Overlook and The Point
Location: 920 Ridge Rd., Lancing, TN
Overlook Trail Distance: 0.3 miles (480 meters) one-way
Point Trail Distance: 3.8-mile (6 km) round-trip
Hiking Duration: Varies by trail
Difficulty: Overlook Trail - Easy; Point Trail - Moderate to Strenuous
Trail Type: Overlook Trail - Out and Back; Point Trail - Out and Back
Located in the serene settings of Lancing, Lilly Bluff Overlook, and The Point offers hikers two distinct yet equally mesmerizing trails. The first, the Overlook Trail, is a short 0.3-mile (480 meters) route that leads to the high rock outcrop of Lilly Bluff, presenting hikers with breathtaking views of the eastern river gorge. This trail is notably accessible, with a gravel trail and boardwalk that can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs with minimal assistance, ensuring that the beauty of the high outcrops is accessible to all.
For a more challenging adventure, the Point Trail extends 3.8 miles (6 km) round-trip, taking hikers on a more strenuous journey. This trail descends to Melton Mill Branch - ranging from a subtle trickle in the summer to a powerful roar in winter and spring—and then leads past a concealed natural arch. The trail concludes with a secluded overlook of the river gorge, providing a solitary spot to take in the natural beauty of the area.
The contrasting experiences offered by these trails make the location a versatile destination for hikers and nature lovers seeking either an accessible scenic overlook or a more demanding trek through East Tennessee's lush landscapes.
Perimeter Trail
Location: Sewanee, Tennessee
Distance: 20 miles (32 km)
Hiking Duration: 7-9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Loop
The Perimeter Trail in Sewanee is a 32-mile loop trail that offers an immersive outdoor experience, combining both the serenity of natural landscapes, with the challenge of a moderate hike. With an elevation gain of 2,040 feet (621 meters), it winds through diverse terrains, often along a bluff that provides hikers with breathtaking views. The path is characterized by its unique rock formations, dense forests, and picturesque lakes, making it a perfect spot for both nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Notable spots along the trail include expansive overlooks that offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making these ideal rest stops or picnic areas. The trail also passes by several small lakes, offering opportunities for reflection or a serene break.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area Hikes
Location: Northern Tennessee and Southeastern Kentucky
Total Length of Hiking Trails: About 53 miles (85 km)
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, commonly known as Big South Fork, covers the Cumberland Plateau, straddling the border between Tennessee and Kentucky. This area preserves the scenic Big South Fork of the Cumberland River, offering a diverse range of recreational activities amidst its impressive natural beauty. The park features 14 mapped day hikes, catering to novice and experienced hikers searching for adventure and natural wonders.
Among the most compelling attractions within Big South Fork are the river gorge cutting through the eastern edge of the plateau and the numerous sandstone bluffs and arches that define the region's rugged landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy whitewater rafting, horseback riding, camping, and rock climbing, making it a versatile destination for those seeking to explore the great outdoors.
Highlighted spots within the area include the Twin Arches, a magnificent natural formation, and the historic Blue Heron Mining Community, providing insight into the region's coal mining heritage.
Location: Northwest of Cookeville in Jackson County, Tennessee
Size: 282 acres (1.14 km²)
Number of Hiking Trails: 3
Total Length of Hiking Trails: Approximately 3.9 miles (6.2 km)
Cummins Falls State Park, renowned for its picturesque beauty and rich history, is a haven for those interested in exploring the outdoors, offering three moderately difficult hiking trails that lead to extraordinary views and serene nature spots without the necessity for permits.
The site, which has transitioned from the historic ground of two former mills, has become a coveted destination for both swimming and hiking aficionados.
The main attractions within the park are its trails, each presenting a unique aspect of the park's natural and scenic beauty. The Waterfall Overlook Trail extends for 0.4 miles (640 meters), offering an impressive vantage point above Cummins Falls, one of Tennessee's most stunning waterfalls. Meanwhile, the Upstream Trail, which is 0.5 miles (800 meters) long, provides access to the calm waters upstream of the falls, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot summer's day.
For those seeking a longer hike, the 3-mile (2.8 km) Delia Bell Meadow Trail features an overlook of the Blackburn Fork River, offering hikers panoramic views of the lush Tennessee landscape.
Total Length of Hiking Trails: 9 miles (14 km) round-trip
Virgin Falls State Natural Area is a pristine wilderness in Central Tennessee. It is most renowned for its namesake, Virgin Falls, an awe-inspiring waterfall that emerges from an underground stream and plummets over a 110-foot (30-meter) cliff into a sinkhole, disappearing into another cave at its base. This natural area also features the spectacular Big Laurel Falls, a 15-foot-tiered waterfall (4.5 meters) accessible by a short side trail, which drops into a large, inviting pool.
The path to Virgin Falls consists of a challenging 9-mile (14 km) round-trip hiking trail that leads adventurers through a diverse landscape brimming with natural wonders. Hikers will encounter sinks, caves, waterfalls, and boulder fields, offering an array of breathtaking sights and experiences.
It is important to note that the hike to Virgin Falls and back is strenuous, often requiring between 5 to 8 hours to complete. This adventure is best suited for those prepared for a full day of exploration and physical activity in one of Tennessee's most captivating natural settings.
Conclusion
Tennessee's trails offer a myriad of natural wonders, from towering peaks and thundering waterfalls to quiet glens and wildflower-strewn meadows.
Embarking on these hikes isn't just about the physical act of walking but about experiencing this unique corner of the world with all your senses. The state's remarkable terrain is as diverse as its natural history and presents an open invitation for exploration.
Whether you're visiting for the day, the weekend, or more, the trails of Tennessee promise adventure and beauty in equal measure.
