| Hiking In Tennessee |
| Get out your day pack, hiking boots, and maps. Tennessee has hundreds of wonderful trails throughout our state to enjoy. We have listed a few of our favorite hikes here as well as links to other great hiking websites. Check back often as this list is updated as we get Outdoors in Tennessee. |
| Short Springs Natural Area Tullahoma, TN Trail Length- Approx. 3 miles This is a beautiful trail and one of my favorite hikes. Short Springs is state natural area with a lovely forest, creeks, and waterfalls. The highlights include unique wildflowers and Machine Falls. The waterfall alone is worth the trip. The trail is moderate, with quite a few ups and downs through the hills and valleys of Short Springs. HINT: Take the side trails! They almost always pay off! HINT: On the way to Short Springs, stop by Rutledge Falls. After you turn right at a 3 way stop on Rutledge Falls Drive, a parking area along a fence will be on your right. Park and take the short walk to the Falls. This is private property, so make sure to obey all of the posted rules. What a backyard! |
| Old Stone Fort State Park Manchester, TN Trail Length-Approx. 3.2 miles Old Stone Fort is on the site of a Native American ceremonial ground between the Duck and Little Duck Rivers. The main trail is easy, with some more hikes available. The main trail is a loop around 50 acres of grassland that takes you past woodlands, ridges, waterfalls, bluffs, and some beautiful creek views. If you're in a hurry, take just the main trail (only about 1.2 miles), but try to take time to enjoy the Backbone and Moat Trails. HINT: Stop by the interpretive center and pick up the self guided walking trail booklet. It is full of information about this historically significant spot. |
| Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains National Park Numerous trails of Varying Length Cades Cove is one of our favorite destinations. With the mountain churches, log cabins, and historical interpretive center, it really feels like you are stepping back into a simpler time and place. The scenery is breathtaking, and the hiking trails are outstanding. Our favorite trails are the Abrams Falls Trail, Hannah's Gap, and Gregory Bald. Some of the trails are strenuous, so make sure to be prepared. There is parking along the loop to reach the trailheads. For a full listing of Cades Cove Trails, click here. HINT: Make reservations well ahead of your trip for the Cades Cove Campground. This site is booked well in advance. There are other wonderful places to stay in nearby Townsend. HINT: If you are going to Cades Cove in peak tourist season, the drive around the loop can take a very long time. Plan to spend a full day in the Cove. Be patient! |
| Rock Island State Park Rock Island, TN 4 Trails and plenty of "rock hopping" This gem of a state park is not as popular as its scenery and activities deserve. Great Falls is one of the best waterfalls in the state, and perhaps on the entire East Coast. The trails include the Collins River Nature Trail, the Moonshine Trail, the Eagle Trail, and our favorite, the Caney Fork Gorge. The Caney Fork Gorge is less of a traditional trail and more of a giant riverbed with plenty of rocks, swimming, fishing, and waterfalls. The Eagle Trail leads to a natural beach swimming and picnic area on Center Hill Lake. The Collins River Nature trail is a lovely trail beside the river with ample water access and wildflowers in season. And the Moonshine Trail is short, but offers wildlife viewing, the remnants of a moonshine still, and wildflowers. HINT: Climb up the base of the Great Falls and walk behind the falling water. Very cool. HINT: There are numerous swimming holes to explore in the Caney Fork Gorge, some with waterfalls. HINT: Check out the 19th Century textile mile, and the castle-like springhouse across the road. |
| Fall Creek Falls State Park Pikeville, TN Numerous Trails Throughout the Park Sacred ground. That's the best way to describe how I feel about Fall Creek Falls. The best state park in Tennessee, and perhaps in the country, is full of activities that every nature lover is sure to enjoy. The well maintained trails throughout the park lead to beauty at every turn. The trails range from short but challenging (Cable Trail), to paved bike paths and walkways around the lake. Overnight trails are available, but the best trails are the day hikes that lead to features such as Fall Creek Falls, the Cascades, Piney Falls, and Cane Creek. Beautiful bluffs and gorges, ample creeks, the famous waterfalls, wildflowers, wildlife, and virgin forests can all be experienced on the trails of the park. Click here for information on the trails and amenities of Fall Creek Falls. HINT: There is a "pull off" on Highway 284 just before you get to the Nature Center. You can recognize it by the stone wall. Hop over the stone wall and follow the trail. This takes you to the top of a bluff. This overlooks the swimming area of Cane Creek. Very nice view. Be careful! HINT: At Millikins Overlook, walk around the wooden overlook, and hike the short trail to the rocks below. There are stunning views of the gorge, and a great look at Buzzards Roost to your right. HINT: Try some fishing while you're there. The state record bluegill (3 lbs.) was caught in Fall Creek Falls Creek, and the state record Channel Catfish (41 lbs.) was caught in Fall Creek Falls Lake. HINT: Check out the Indian Village Trading Post on 284 just outside the North Entrance to the park. Very nice people and some great Native American themed items for sale. HINT: The Mountaineer Folk Festival held on Sept. 8-10 is a great event with bluegrass, Appalachian crafts, a Civil War encampment, and other mountain demonstrations. |
| South Cumberland State Park Monteagle, TN Stone Door and Laurel Falls 2.7 miles round trip This is a very nice trail that can be hiked easily, and it can also lead to other trails throughout the park. When you get to the Stone Door Ranger Station, make sure to take the short trail to your left leading to Laurel Falls. Laurel Falls is a beautiful waterfall plunging into a small, yet picturesque gorge. The short loop to the falls is mildly challenging, but not very long. The Stone Door Trail is a there and back (unless you continue on the trail throughout the park). The first 0.3 miles of the trail is paved. The paved trail is excellent for the physically challenged to see a beautiful overlook of Savage Gulf. The trail continues for another 0.7 miles, leading to the Great Stone door and some of the best overlooks in Tennessee. The hike through the stone door is steep, but not too difficult as "stairs" are cut into the trail. It's fun to imagine the Native Americans taking this same route through the Cumberlands. This is a popular rock climbing spot. HINT: Stop by the main visitors station in Monteagle for a nice history of the area, great maps, and most importantly, directions. HINT: Take some time to talk to the Rangers and staff about this area. They were some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable that we have experienced in all of Tennessee. HINT: If you are planning on driving to the different areas of South Cumberland, make sure to prepare beforehand to allow for plenty of time. The parking areas and trailheads can be quite a distance apart. HINT: Check out the historic Beersheba Springs Hotel near the Stone Door hiking area. This is hotel is on the Natural Historic Register and is a wonderful mountain hideaway. |
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