Is there anything more rewarding than getting out and exploring all that the Tennessee wilderness has to offer? We think not! Below you’ll find a list of some of the most beautiful and best hikes in Tennessee. And the best part of all is that each is relatively easy to complete. Whether you’re looking for a gorgeous mountain trek or a gentle waterfront stroll, you’ll find each of these trails to be remarkable. Ready to get started? Lace up those boots — adventure awaits!
- Radnor Lake - Brentwood
Ashwin Velapanur / Google One of the best hiking spots near Nashville, Radnor Lake offers three miles of hiking on a fairly easy and level loop around the beautiful lake. It’s easy to see why Radnor Lake is considered one of the best hikes in Tennessee. Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37220, USA
- Bald River Falls - Tellico Plains
Jim Liestman / flickr The 90-foot waterfall at Bald River Falls is more than worth the hike, and it will have your camera working overtime. And then some. And the best part of all? It’s one of the most easily-accessible waterfalls in Tennessee. Bald River Falls, Tennessee 37385, USA
- Boardtree Falls - Altamont
James Jordan - Flickr Another easy-access waterfall in Tennessee with tons of scenery, Boardtree Falls is a fun day trip destination. This is a great spot for kids, if you’re looking to bring the family. All trails are well-marked and fairly easy to navigate, making it easy both on the parents and the little ones. Boardtree Falls, Greeter Trail, Altamont, TN 37301, USA
- Alum Creek Bluffs - Sevier County
coloneljohnbritt - Flickr Alum Creek Bluffs runs straight through to Cave Trail, the spot you’ve probably heard of. Hit them both up, if you can! Alum Cave Trail in Tennessee is full of mystery and beauty. Sevier County, TN, USA
- Fall Creek Falls - Spencer
Michael Hicks - Flickr A three mile loop ends up at the renowned Fall Creek Falls, a stunning spot that has been used by Hollywood in multiple movies for its breathtaking beauty. If you’re looking for the perfect weekend day trip in Tennessee, Fall Creek Falls makes for an excellent destination. Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
- Signal Mountain - Hamilton County
Thomas Wolff - Flickr Signal Mountain usually caters to those who are more experienced on a hiking trail, so maybe come this way after a bit of practice or on a REALLy good self-esteem day. Plus, the area surrounding Signal Mountain is one of the cutest small towns in Tennessee to explore. Signal Mountain, TN 37377, USA
- Fiery Gizzard - Tracy City
Michael Hicks - Flickr Did you know that Fiery Gizzard has been voted as one of the most fantastic hiking spots in the state? Now you do. This Tennessee hiking trail is a bit more challenging than the others on this list, but it’s definitely worth exploring. Fiery Gizzard Trail, Tracy City, TN, USA
- Burgess Falls - Sparta
Michael Hicks - Flickr The neat thing about Burgess Falls is that the park offers a plethora of hikes that are perfect for folks of all ages. You can pick and choose, and we ALL love that. This beautiful Tennessee waterfall is gorgeous any time of the year. Burgess Falls Drive, Burgess Falls Dr, Tennessee, USA
- Virgin Falls - Sparta
Michael Hicks / flickr The hike may clock in at nine miles, but we swear- it’s forever and always worth it. From this trail, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful views in Tennessee. Virgin Falls, Tennessee 38583, USA
- Rock Island State Park - Warren County
Arthur T. LaBar - Flickr With hiking trails that come in at just over a mile, Rock Island State park is great - especially if you brought your swimming suit! Everyone should visit Rock Island State Park in Tennessee at least once. Rock Island State Park, 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
We’ll forever be in love with Tennessee because of places like these. Do you agree that these are some of the best hikes in Tennessee? Which trails would you add to the list? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you!
Ashwin Velapanur / Google
One of the best hiking spots near Nashville, Radnor Lake offers three miles of hiking on a fairly easy and level loop around the beautiful lake. It’s easy to see why Radnor Lake is considered one of the best hikes in Tennessee.
Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37220, USA
Jim Liestman / flickr
The 90-foot waterfall at Bald River Falls is more than worth the hike, and it will have your camera working overtime. And then some. And the best part of all? It’s one of the most easily-accessible waterfalls in Tennessee.
Bald River Falls, Tennessee 37385, USA
James Jordan - Flickr
Another easy-access waterfall in Tennessee with tons of scenery, Boardtree Falls is a fun day trip destination. This is a great spot for kids, if you’re looking to bring the family. All trails are well-marked and fairly easy to navigate, making it easy both on the parents and the little ones.
Boardtree Falls, Greeter Trail, Altamont, TN 37301, USA
coloneljohnbritt - Flickr
Alum Creek Bluffs runs straight through to Cave Trail, the spot you’ve probably heard of. Hit them both up, if you can! Alum Cave Trail in Tennessee is full of mystery and beauty.
Sevier County, TN, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
A three mile loop ends up at the renowned Fall Creek Falls, a stunning spot that has been used by Hollywood in multiple movies for its breathtaking beauty. If you’re looking for the perfect weekend day trip in Tennessee, Fall Creek Falls makes for an excellent destination.
Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
Thomas Wolff - Flickr
Signal Mountain usually caters to those who are more experienced on a hiking trail, so maybe come this way after a bit of practice or on a REALLy good self-esteem day. Plus, the area surrounding Signal Mountain is one of the cutest small towns in Tennessee to explore.
Signal Mountain, TN 37377, USA
Did you know that Fiery Gizzard has been voted as one of the most fantastic hiking spots in the state? Now you do. This Tennessee hiking trail is a bit more challenging than the others on this list, but it’s definitely worth exploring.
Fiery Gizzard Trail, Tracy City, TN, USA
The neat thing about Burgess Falls is that the park offers a plethora of hikes that are perfect for folks of all ages. You can pick and choose, and we ALL love that. This beautiful Tennessee waterfall is gorgeous any time of the year.
Burgess Falls Drive, Burgess Falls Dr, Tennessee, USA
Michael Hicks / flickr
The hike may clock in at nine miles, but we swear- it’s forever and always worth it. From this trail, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful views in Tennessee.
Virgin Falls, Tennessee 38583, USA
Arthur T. LaBar - Flickr
With hiking trails that come in at just over a mile, Rock Island State park is great - especially if you brought your swimming suit! Everyone should visit Rock Island State Park in Tennessee at least once.
Rock Island State Park, 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
For related content, check out our ultimate bucket list for Tennessee outdoor enthusiasts.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Tennessee April 11, 2022 Beth C. What’s the most beautiful park in Tennessee? As you’ve learned from reading the article above, Tennessee is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With gorgeous mountain views, lakeside retreats, and rivers to explore, there’s simply no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. But if you’re looking for the most beautiful park in Tennessee, you might consider planning a visit to Roan Mountain State Park. Tucked away in northeastern Tennessee, this park is famous for its sprawling mountain views. It’s an especially popular destination in the springtime when the mountain wildflowers are in full bloom. For an extended adventure, you might even consider camping there. Learn more about why Roan Mountain is one of the most beautiful parks in Tennessee.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Tennessee
April 11, 2022
Beth C.
What’s the most beautiful park in Tennessee? As you’ve learned from reading the article above, Tennessee is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With gorgeous mountain views, lakeside retreats, and rivers to explore, there’s simply no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. But if you’re looking for the most beautiful park in Tennessee, you might consider planning a visit to Roan Mountain State Park. Tucked away in northeastern Tennessee, this park is famous for its sprawling mountain views. It’s an especially popular destination in the springtime when the mountain wildflowers are in full bloom. For an extended adventure, you might even consider camping there. Learn more about why Roan Mountain is one of the most beautiful parks in Tennessee.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As you’ve learned from reading the article above, Tennessee is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With gorgeous mountain views, lakeside retreats, and rivers to explore, there’s simply no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. But if you’re looking for the most beautiful park in Tennessee, you might consider planning a visit to Roan Mountain State Park. Tucked away in northeastern Tennessee, this park is famous for its sprawling mountain views. It’s an especially popular destination in the springtime when the mountain wildflowers are in full bloom. For an extended adventure, you might even consider camping there. Learn more about why Roan Mountain is one of the most beautiful parks in Tennessee.
