Are you a semi-hiker? Someone that loves to get out in the gorgeous outdoors, but isn’t married to the idea of spending miles and miles alone with your pack? Whether you’d rather have a shorter hike or just something easier with the kids, we’ve got just the list for you – these are some of the best hikes in Tennessee that are short and sweet but don’t compromise on scenery.
- Henry Hollow Loop - 2 miles
Beaman / TripAdvisor Beaman Park Natural Area is a bit out of the way, but a beautiful oasis if you live in a Middle Tennessee city and want to explore the 1,700+ acres of enchanted, raw beauty of Tennessee. Beaman Park Nature Center, 5911 Old Hickory Blvd, Ashland City, TN 37015, USA
- Gossett Tract Trail - 2 miles
TNStateParks One of the more kid-friendly hikes around Tennessee, take a visit to Harpeth River State Park and this two mile trail and all its Tennessee beauty will be waiting for you. Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake, 7851 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
- Creech Hollow Trail - 1.7 miles
TNStateParks Montgomery Bell State Park offers up Creech Hollow Trail, marked with fine greenery and waterways easily make this one of the best hikes in Tennessee for the outdoor explorer. Montgomery Bell State Park. Group Camp 1, Camp I Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA
- Scenic Trail - 3 miles
Unknown / Wiki We love Mousetail Landing for their plethora of hiking options for every level. This lovely state park has some of the most kid-friendly hikes around Tennessee, so bring the youngest nature lovers out for a day of adventure. Mousetail Landing Road, Mousetail Landing Rd, Tennessee 37096, USA
- Cub Lake - 4 miles
TNStateParks Natchez Trace State Park packs a punch with our longest hike on the list, but even at four miles, it’s an easy trail in Tennessee to tackle when you’ve got a little extra time on your hands. Natchez Trace State Park, 24845 Natchez Trace Rd, Wildersville, TN 38388, USA
- Spring Creek Trail - .5 miles
Michael Hicks / Flickr There supposed to be a town under the water at Mousetail Landing, but we’re just focused with the gorgeous hiking opportunities. At less than a mile long, this certainly is one of the best hikes in Tennessee that comes with incredible views like this. Mousetail Landing Road, Mousetail Landing Rd, Tennessee 37096, USA
- Stinging Fork Segment - 3 miles
Michael Hicks / Flickr Hike the Cumberland Trail for a couple of miles and you’ll be more than ready to head home and remember the beautiful scenery with fondness. Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area, Tennessee 37381, USA
- Tree Identification Trail - .3 miles
NixBC / Flickr If you’re visiting Big Cypress Tree State Park, you’ll want to take the tiny ones on their short little identification walk. This kid-friendly hikes around Tennessee has several informational signs along the way, so you learn as you look! Big Cypress Tree State Park, 295 Big Cypress Rd, Greenfield, TN 38230, USA
- Cedar Forest Trail - 2 miles
Anthony Jones / Flickr Cedars of Lebanon is located a solid half hour outside of Nashville and both the views and shortness of the hike will make you feel like you’re in heaven. Cedars of Lebanon State Park, 328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090, USA
- Ridge Top Trail - .5 miles
James Tatum / Flickr Burgess Falls State Park is perfect for a tiny hike that truly packs a punch as far as scenery goes. There are four waterfalls within this state park, so carve out some extra time to see them all. Burgess Falls State Park, 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583, USA
- Azalea Springs Day Loop - 2.6 miles
Bill Automata / Flickr Check out Bill Hill Pond State Park if you’re ready for a couple of miles in heaven. It’s not too strenuous, and your kids will love it. Big Hill Pond State Park, 1435 John Howell Rd, Pocahontas, TN 38061, USA
- Laurel Falls - 2.6 miles
Dan Reynolds Photography/Moment Collections via Getty Images This stunning little hiking trail in Tennessee takes you on a snarled two and half mile hike through the Smoky Mountains that ends with this stunning 80 foot waterfall. While it may not be one of the most kid-friendly trails in Tennessee, it sure is one of the most scenic!
- Clingman’s Dome - 1.3 miles
Virginia / Flickr As the highest point in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes in Tennessee where you can experience panaromic views of the mountains without too much of a strenuous hike. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
Check out the Tennessee State and National Parks website for comprehensive answers to safety questions, necessary supplies, and parking options. Once you get a taste of the trails, you might want to spend a few days camping… check out some of our favorite camping spots in Tennessee and start planning your epic outdoor adventure today.
Beaman / TripAdvisor
Beaman Park Natural Area is a bit out of the way, but a beautiful oasis if you live in a Middle Tennessee city and want to explore the 1,700+ acres of enchanted, raw beauty of Tennessee.
Beaman Park Nature Center, 5911 Old Hickory Blvd, Ashland City, TN 37015, USA
TNStateParks
One of the more kid-friendly hikes around Tennessee, take a visit to Harpeth River State Park and this two mile trail and all its Tennessee beauty will be waiting for you.
Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake, 7851 McCrory Ln, Nashville, TN 37221, USA
Montgomery Bell State Park offers up Creech Hollow Trail, marked with fine greenery and waterways easily make this one of the best hikes in Tennessee for the outdoor explorer.
Montgomery Bell State Park. Group Camp 1, Camp I Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA
Unknown / Wiki
We love Mousetail Landing for their plethora of hiking options for every level. This lovely state park has some of the most kid-friendly hikes around Tennessee, so bring the youngest nature lovers out for a day of adventure.
Mousetail Landing Road, Mousetail Landing Rd, Tennessee 37096, USA
Natchez Trace State Park packs a punch with our longest hike on the list, but even at four miles, it’s an easy trail in Tennessee to tackle when you’ve got a little extra time on your hands.
Natchez Trace State Park, 24845 Natchez Trace Rd, Wildersville, TN 38388, USA
Michael Hicks / Flickr
There supposed to be a town under the water at Mousetail Landing, but we’re just focused with the gorgeous hiking opportunities. At less than a mile long, this certainly is one of the best hikes in Tennessee that comes with incredible views like this.
Hike the Cumberland Trail for a couple of miles and you’ll be more than ready to head home and remember the beautiful scenery with fondness.
Stinging Fork Falls State Natural Area, Tennessee 37381, USA
NixBC / Flickr
If you’re visiting Big Cypress Tree State Park, you’ll want to take the tiny ones on their short little identification walk. This kid-friendly hikes around Tennessee has several informational signs along the way, so you learn as you look!
Big Cypress Tree State Park, 295 Big Cypress Rd, Greenfield, TN 38230, USA
Anthony Jones / Flickr
Cedars of Lebanon is located a solid half hour outside of Nashville and both the views and shortness of the hike will make you feel like you’re in heaven.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park, 328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN 37090, USA
James Tatum / Flickr
Burgess Falls State Park is perfect for a tiny hike that truly packs a punch as far as scenery goes. There are four waterfalls within this state park, so carve out some extra time to see them all.
Burgess Falls State Park, 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583, USA
Bill Automata / Flickr
Check out Bill Hill Pond State Park if you’re ready for a couple of miles in heaven. It’s not too strenuous, and your kids will love it.
Big Hill Pond State Park, 1435 John Howell Rd, Pocahontas, TN 38061, USA
Dan Reynolds Photography/Moment Collections via Getty Images
This stunning little hiking trail in Tennessee takes you on a snarled two and half mile hike through the Smoky Mountains that ends with this stunning 80 foot waterfall. While it may not be one of the most kid-friendly trails in Tennessee, it sure is one of the most scenic!
Virginia / Flickr
As the highest point in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this is one of the best hikes in Tennessee where you can experience panaromic views of the mountains without too much of a strenuous hike.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Tennessee July 12, 2022 Jackie Ann What are the best family-friendly hikes in Tennessee? Wondering to yourself, “are there any hiking trails near me that are kid-friendly?” Well, yes! There are plenty of kid-friendly hiking trails in Tennessee that are just waiting for the youngest of nature lovers to explore, and one of our favorites is the Stone Door Trail. This popular trail clocks in at just shy of two miles, is paved, and stroller-friendly (a huge perk). You’ll gain a bit of elevation (170 feet) as you hike the trail, and your exertions will be rewarded when you see the incredible views at the top. What are the best hikes with a view in Tennessee? Whether you’re looking for a waterfront view or a mountaintop view, Tennessee is home to some of the most scenic hiking trails in the nation. The 90-foot cascade at Bald River Falls should be at the top of your hiking list since it’s not only one of the best hikes in Tennessee, but it’s also one of the most accessible. For the more experienced hiker, a trek up the Fiery Gizzard Trail is a must. Veteran hikers can expect a nearly 10-mile trail filled with streams that lead to stunning waterfalls and unparalleled views of the mountains and valleys below. Can I hike to abandoned places in Tennessee? We love trails that lead to scenic overlooks and gushing waterfalls, but there’s something about hiking to an abandoned place in Tennessee that just brings out the explorer in us. Tucked away in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Range, Norris Lake State Park is home to a hauntingly beautiful trail that will take you to the site of a deadly ambush as well as the Langley Cemetery, an abandoned cemetery seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Tennessee
July 12, 2022
Jackie Ann
What are the best family-friendly hikes in Tennessee? Wondering to yourself, “are there any hiking trails near me that are kid-friendly?” Well, yes! There are plenty of kid-friendly hiking trails in Tennessee that are just waiting for the youngest of nature lovers to explore, and one of our favorites is the Stone Door Trail. This popular trail clocks in at just shy of two miles, is paved, and stroller-friendly (a huge perk). You’ll gain a bit of elevation (170 feet) as you hike the trail, and your exertions will be rewarded when you see the incredible views at the top. What are the best hikes with a view in Tennessee? Whether you’re looking for a waterfront view or a mountaintop view, Tennessee is home to some of the most scenic hiking trails in the nation. The 90-foot cascade at Bald River Falls should be at the top of your hiking list since it’s not only one of the best hikes in Tennessee, but it’s also one of the most accessible. For the more experienced hiker, a trek up the Fiery Gizzard Trail is a must. Veteran hikers can expect a nearly 10-mile trail filled with streams that lead to stunning waterfalls and unparalleled views of the mountains and valleys below. Can I hike to abandoned places in Tennessee? We love trails that lead to scenic overlooks and gushing waterfalls, but there’s something about hiking to an abandoned place in Tennessee that just brings out the explorer in us. Tucked away in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Range, Norris Lake State Park is home to a hauntingly beautiful trail that will take you to the site of a deadly ambush as well as the Langley Cemetery, an abandoned cemetery seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Wondering to yourself, “are there any hiking trails near me that are kid-friendly?” Well, yes! There are plenty of kid-friendly hiking trails in Tennessee that are just waiting for the youngest of nature lovers to explore, and one of our favorites is the Stone Door Trail. This popular trail clocks in at just shy of two miles, is paved, and stroller-friendly (a huge perk). You’ll gain a bit of elevation (170 feet) as you hike the trail, and your exertions will be rewarded when you see the incredible views at the top.
What are the best hikes with a view in Tennessee?
Whether you’re looking for a waterfront view or a mountaintop view, Tennessee is home to some of the most scenic hiking trails in the nation. The 90-foot cascade at Bald River Falls should be at the top of your hiking list since it’s not only one of the best hikes in Tennessee, but it’s also one of the most accessible. For the more experienced hiker, a trek up the Fiery Gizzard Trail is a must. Veteran hikers can expect a nearly 10-mile trail filled with streams that lead to stunning waterfalls and unparalleled views of the mountains and valleys below.
Can I hike to abandoned places in Tennessee?
We love trails that lead to scenic overlooks and gushing waterfalls, but there’s something about hiking to an abandoned place in Tennessee that just brings out the explorer in us. Tucked away in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Range, Norris Lake State Park is home to a hauntingly beautiful trail that will take you to the site of a deadly ambush as well as the Langley Cemetery, an abandoned cemetery seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
