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tennessee
Are you looking to get outdoors and explore some of Tennessee’s best hiking trails? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, there are plenty of scenic routes in the Volunteer State waiting for you. From sprawling national forests with miles of winding paths, to peaceful nature preserves that make for an ideal afternoon outing, these top-notch trails provide an opportunity for exploration—and maybe even a little adventure! Join us as we dive into the best places to go on your next outdoor escapade in Tennessee.
Tennessee is home to many beautiful hiking trails that offer a variety of landscapes and experiences. Here are a few of the top hiking trails in the state:
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This park is home to more than 800 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Alum Cave Trail, which leads to a beautiful cave and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- The Obed Wild and Scenic River: This park is home to a variety of trails, including the popular Lilly Bluff Overlook Trail, which offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscape.
- The Cherokee National Forest: This forest is home to more than 600 miles of hiking trails, including the popular John Muir Trail, which offers a challenging backcountry experience.
- The Savage Gulf State Natural Area: This area is home to more than 50 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Stone Door Trail, which leads to a beautiful natural arch.
- The Virgin Falls State Natural Area: This area is home to a variety of trails, including the popular Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Tennessee has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. And there are many benefits to getting out and enjoying nature. Hiking can improve your mental and physical health, it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends, and it can help you connect with the world around you. So get out there and enjoy all that Tennessee has to offer! And when you’re ready for a break from all the hiking, be sure to take some time off to relax at one of our many vacation rentals.
Trail Locations in tennessee
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Trails in tennessee
Abrams Creek Falls Trail
Blount County
A remote waterfall in a quiet corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Abrams Falls Trail
Blount County
Easy trail to Abrams Falls
Albright Cove-Maddron Bald Loop Trail
Cocke County
Trail through one of the largest stands of virgin poplar in eastern Tennessee
Alum Cave Bluffs
Sevier County
The most popular route to Mount LeConte
Angel Falls Overlook Trail
Scott County
Difficult but scenic trail through Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Anthony Creek-AT-Russel Field Trail Loop
Blount County
Scenic loop through Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Appalachian Trail (Carvers Gap to U.S. Highway 19E)
Washington County
Difficult 2-day backpacking trip along the North Carolina/Tennessee border
Appalachian Trail (Clingmans Dome to Silers Bald)
Sevier County
Portion of the AT offering stunning views
Appalachian Trail (Dennis Cove to U.S. Highway 321)
Carter County
An especially scenic and diverse portion of the AT
Appalachian Trail (Newfound Gap to Charlies Bunion)
Sevier County
Hiking trail within Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Azalea Combination Trail
McNairy County
A combination of several hiking trails in Big Hill Pond State Rustic Park
Bald River Falls Trail
Monroe County
Follows Bald River from Bald River falls to Forest Road 126
Benton Falls Trail
Polk County
Short, level hiking trail from Lake McCamy to Benton Falls
Bluff Trail
Bradley County
Hiking trail through Lookout Mountain-Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Burgess Falls Trail
Putnam County
Trail to the impressive Burgess Falls
Chickasaw Bluffs Trail
Shelby County
Trail along the western side of the bluffs
Chimney Tops
Sevier County
Scenic vistas and rugged rock outcroppings
Clingmans Dome
Sevier County
Highest point in Great Smoky Mountains
Couchville Lake Trail
Davidson County
Paved loop around Couchville Lake
Council House Trail
Bradley County
Loop through Red Clay State Historical Park
Council of Trees Trail
Bradley County
Peaceful hike through Red Clay State Historical Park
Cummins Falls Trail
Jackson County
Tennessee's eighth largest waterfall with excellent swimming at the base.
Dry Ridge Trail (Big Hill Pond State Park)
McNairy County
Trail along a lake to an observation tower
Enclosure Wall Trail
Coffee County
Hiking loop in Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Area
Fairview Gullies Loop
Henderson County
Hiking trail through eroded portion of Natchez Trace State Park
Fall Creek Falls - Gorge Overlook Trail
Bledsoe County
Combination of two scenic trails in Fall Creek Falls State Park
Falls Branch Trail
Monroe County
Hiking trail to a beautiful waterfall
Fern Trail
Henderson County
Interpretive trail in Natchez Trace State Park
Fiery Gizzard Trail
Grundy County
Difficult but interesting overnight trail along Fiery Creek Gorge
Flats Mountain Trail
Monroe County
Hiking trail from Flat Mountain to Beehouse Gap
Fodderstack Trail
Monroe County
Hiking trail along three Tennessee mountains
Fort Henry Trails
Stewart County
A series of ten interconnecting loop trails
Fort Pillow Historic Trail
Lauderdale County
Loop through historic grounds relating to the battle of Fort Pillow
Foster Falls Trail
Grundy County
A stunning 60-foot waterfall in South Cumberland State Park.
Greenbrier Falls Trail
Sevier County
Multiple waterfalls along the scenic Middle Prong in the Smokies.
Greeter Falls Trail
Grundy County
Two beautiful waterfalls connected by a short forest trail.
Grundy Forest Day Loop
Grundy County
Hiking trail in Grundy Forest State Natural Area
Hen Wallow Falls Trail
Cocke County
A less-crowded waterfall hike in the quieter Cosby section of the Smokies.
Hidden Passage Trail
Pickett County
Moderately difficult loop through Pickett State Park
Hidden Springs Trail
Wilson County
Loop through Cedars of Lebanon State Park and Forest
Honey Creek Loop
Scott County
Hiking trail through Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
John Muir Trail
Polk County
20-mile trail from Childers Creek to Brushy Creek
Johnsonville Redoubts Trail
Humphreys County
Hiking trail through Civil War-era redoubts and rifle pits
Laurel Falls
Sevier County
Hiking trail past Laurel Falls to Cove Mountain
Laurel Snow Trail
Rhea County
Hiking trail through the Pocket Wilderness
Limestone Sinks Trail
Wilson County
A self-guided tour of limestone formations
Little River Road Trail
Sevier County
The synchronous firefly show occurs in June
Lower Gap-Mount Cammerer-AT Loop Trail
Cocke County
Overnight trail in Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Lower Loop - Cane Creek Overnight Trail
Bledsoe County
Overnight hike along Cane Creek Gulf
Machine Falls Trail
Coffee County
A beautiful 60-foot waterfall on the scenic Short Springs.
Marguerite Falls Trail
Greene County
Hiking trail to Marguerite Falls in Cherokee National Forest
Meeman-Shelby Woodland Trail
Shelby County
Hilly loop through a diverse and interesting forest
Middle Prong Trail
Blount County
Gravel trail follows beautiful Middle Prong branch of the Little River
Montgomery Bell Overnight Trail
Dickson County
Hiking trail along the perimeter of Montgomery Bell State Park
North Old Mac Mountain Trail
Morgan County
Hiking trail in Frozen Head State Park
North Rim-North Plateau Loop
Grundy County
Combines North Rim Trail and North Plateau Trail in South Cumberland State Recreation Area
North-South Trail (Tennessee Section)
Stewart County
The Tennessee section of the 65-mile hiking trail
Ozone Falls Trail
Cumberland County
Short hike to Ozone Falls
Piney Falls Trail
Rhea County
A powerful 80-foot waterfall plunging into a pristine pool.
Piney River Trail
White County
Hiking trail along Duskin Creek and Piney River
Pinson Mounds Nature Trail
Madison County
Hike through a large Indian mound group
Place of a Thousand Drips
Sevier County
A unique roadside cascade that transforms after rain.
Radnor Lake Trail
Davidson County
Hike along the bank of Radnor Lake
Rainbow Falls Trail
Sevier County
Follow LeConte Creek up to the Falls
Ramsay Cascades Trail
Sevier County
Hiking trail to a beautiful waterfall in Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Riverside and Indian Mounds Trail
Hardin County
Hiking trail in Shiloh National Military Park
Rogers Ridge Trail
Johnson County
Trail along ridgetops in the Watauga District
Rutledge Falls Trail
Coffee County
A tranquil 25-foot waterfall in a peaceful forest setting.
Savage Day Loop
Grundy County
Hiking loop past Savage Falls Overlook and Rattlesnake Point
Short Loop
Montgomery County
Peaceful hike through a natural area
Spruce Flats Falls Trail
Blount County
A lesser-known waterfall near Tremont with beautiful swimming hole.
Squibb Creek Trail
Greene County
Trail in the Cherokee National Forest that goes past numerous waterfalls and cascades
Stone Door Trail
Grundy County
Easy hiking trail to the Great Stone Door in South Cumberland State Recreation Area
Three-Mile Trail
Benton County
Hiking trail along a ridge in Nathan Bedford Forrest State Historic Area
Trillium Gap Trail (Grotto Falls)
Sevier County
Walk behind Grotto Falls
Twin Arches - Charit Creek Loop
Scott County
Combination of the Twin Arches Loop and Charit Creek Loop
Virgin Falls Trail
White County
Hiking trail past some really stunning waterfalls
Whigg Meadows Trail
Monroe County
Short trail to Whigg Meadow
Window Cliffs Trail
Putnam County
Dramatic sandstone arches and cliffs above the Caney Fork River.