Standing at the edge of Clingmans Dome in the Smokies, watching the morning mist roll over endless waves of mountains, I had to catch my breath. It was one of those perfect moments when you realize photos will never do justice to what you’re seeing. Tennessee has a way of serving up those moments when you least expect them.
From the neon lights of Broadway in Nashville to exploring the most beautiful places in Tennessee, like the wild rhododendron forests of Roan Mountain State Park, this state is packed with pure Southern magic. I’ve pulled together 12 spots that made my jaw drop, and trust me, every single one of them deserves a spot on your bucket list. Ready to see what makes Tennessee so special?
Top Must-See Places in Tennessee
Visiting Tennessee? Hike the scenic Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail, explore the rugged beauty of Big South Fork National River, admire the cascading waters at Burgess Falls State Park, or take a scenic drive through Cade’s Cove. Whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures, or breathtaking landscapes, Tennessee has plenty to offer!
1. Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail
- 📍 Location: Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, about 20 minutes north of Chattanooga
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, waterfall chasers 💦, nature photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking along the creek, swimming in the natural pools, photographing the waterfall
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers and robust waterfalls, fall for colorful foliage 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Chattanooga Hixson – An indoor pool and complimentary breakfast, providing a comfortable stay near the trail
Craving a wilderness escape that won’t eat up your precious weekend? Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail pristine nature just minutes from Chattanooga. This 3.5-mile trail follows crystal-clear waters through a dramatic gorge with multiple swimming holes perfect for cooling off. The payoff at the turnaround point is a picturesque waterfall that I’ve found makes the perfect natural backdrop for group photos.
The trail gradually increases in difficulty with several creek crossings. Wildlife spotting here is exceptional with deer, turkey, and occasional river otters playing in the water. Photographers will love the compositions along the creek, especially when morning light filters through the forest canopy. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the falls, but remember to carry out all trash to preserve this meticulously maintained natural area.
2. Big South Fork National River
- 📍 Location: Northeastern Tennessee and Southeastern Kentucky, about 80 miles northwest of Knoxville
- 🏆 Best For: Whitewater paddlers 🛶, hikers 🥾, horseback riders 🐎
- 📸 Top Experiences: Rafting the gorge, exploring natural arches, viewing Twin Arches
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late spring for ideal water levels, October for spectacular fall colors 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Charit Creek Lodge – Historic wilderness lodge accessible only by trail or horseback
Need an adrenaline fix with a side of stunning scenery? Big South Fork offers a playground spanning 125,000 acres where adventure-seekers can find their perfect thrill. The Cumberland River cuts through massive sandstone bluffs creating world-class whitewater sections that never fail to get my heart racing.
The park features over 150 miles of hiking trails from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes. Don’t miss Twin Arches, one of the largest natural bridge complexes in the eastern US. The North Arch spans 93 feet high while the South Arch reaches 103 feet. Equestrians love the 180+ miles of horse trails with dedicated camping areas. History buffs should explore the restored Oscar Blevins farmstead for a glimpse into pioneer life. Stargazers benefit from minimal light pollution making night skies here truly spectacular.
3. Burgess Falls State Park
- 📍 Location: Central Tennessee, about 80 miles east of Nashville and 20 minutes south of Cookeville
- 🏆 Best For: Waterfall enthusiasts 💦, photographers 📸, picnickers 🧺
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the cascades trail, viewing the 136-foot main falls, fishing in Center Hill Lake
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for maximum water flow, weekdays to avoid crowds 👥
- 🏨 Where to Stay: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Cookeville – Modern, pet-friendly suites with full kitchens and an outdoor pool, just 4.4 miles from the park
Want to knock four stunning waterfalls off your bucket list in a single afternoon? Burgess Falls State Park packs a quartet of cascades into a relatively short 1.5-mile trail. The Falling Water River drops over 250 feet through a limestone gorge, culminating in the breathtaking 136-foot main falls that always leaves me speechless.
The trail is moderately difficult with some steep sections and staircases. Numerous overlooks provide jaw-dropping views worth every step. Photographers should arrive early for best light and fewer crowds. For maximum impact, visit after rainfall when the cascades transform into thundering displays of natural power. Beyond the falls, the park offers excellent fishing in Center Hill Lake and well-maintained picnic areas. Wildlife watching is exceptional with river otters, mink, and numerous bird species including occasional bald eagles soaring above.
4. Cade’s Cove
- 📍 Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, about 27 miles from Gatlinburg
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife watchers 🦌, history enthusiasts 🏛️, scenic drivers 🚗
- 📸 Top Experiences: Driving the 11-mile loop road, spotting black bears, exploring historic buildings
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning for wildlife, fall for spectacular foliage, weekdays to avoid crowds 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Townsend Gateway Inn – Cozy mountain lodging with easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a short drive to Cades Cove
Wanted to time travel while potentially spotting a bear from the safety of your car? Cades Cove offers exactly that unique combination. This broad valley surrounded by mountains preserves early settler life with historic log cabins, churches, and grist mills that tell the story of 1800s Appalachian culture.
The 11-mile one-way loop road circles the valley floor. It provides exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during early morning and dusk. I’ve spotted more black bears here than anywhere else in the park. Bikers and walkers have the loop to themselves Wednesday and Saturday mornings before 10 AM from May through September. Key stops include the John Oliver Cabin (built in the 1820s) and the working Cable Mill. Several hiking trails branch off the main loop, including the moderate 5-mile round-trip to Abrams Falls, featuring one of the park’s most voluminous waterfalls.
5. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
- 📍 Location: Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee, spanning both sides of the GA/TN border
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, hikers 🥾, military enthusiasts 🪖
- 📸 Top Experiences: Driving the battlefield tour, visiting Point Park on Lookout Mountain, hiking Missionary Ridge
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Read House – Historic hotel in downtown Chattanooga with Civil War connections
History nerds and outdoor enthusiasts unite! America’s oldest and largest military park spans over 9,000 acres across two states. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park features a seven-mile self-guided driving tour with numerous monuments explaining the 1863 conflict that resulted in over 34,000 casualties.
The visitor center houses one of the best Civil War museums I’ve ever explored. It includes the impressive Fuller Gun Collection and a detailed electric map presentation of the battle. For spectacular views, head to Point Park on Lookout Mountain, where the “Battle Above the Clouds” took place. From this vantage point, you can see seven states on clear days while standing where Union forces gained a crucial foothold. Hiking enthusiasts should explore the network of trails traversing Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain. These paths combine historical context with refreshing outdoor activity in a truly unique setting.
6. Cumberland Caverns
- 📍 Location: McMinnville, Tennessee, about 85 miles southeast of Nashville
- 🏆 Best For: Cave explorers 🕳️, adventure seekers 🔦, live music fans 🎵
- 📸 Top Experiences: Taking the Daily Walking Tour, joining the Adventure Tour, attending Bluegrass Underground concerts
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round (cave maintains 56°F regardless of season) 🌡️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sparta cabins – Rustic accommodations within 30 minutes of the caverns
Looking for an Instagram-worthy adventure that works rain or shine? Tennessee’s largest show cave features over 32 miles of passages and formations that seem straight from fantasy novels. Cumberland Caverns showcases massive rooms like the Hall of the Mountain King, which can accommodate 500 people beneath its 140-foot ceiling.
Daily walking tours cover about a mile of lighted pathways. You’ll see dramatic flowstone cascades, delicate soda straw formations, and the stunning Volcano Room complete with a waterfall. For thrill-seekers, the Adventure Tour has you crawling and climbing through undeveloped passages by headlamp light. I’ve never experienced anything quite like hearing live music in the caverns during the Bluegrass Underground concert series. Few experiences compare to sounds resonating through ancient limestone chambers naturally decorated with mineral masterpieces formed over millions of years.
7. Gatlinburg
- 📍 Location: Eastern Tennessee, at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- 🏆 Best For: Family vacations 👨👩👧👦, mountain getaways 🏔️, shopping enthusiasts 🛍️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the Gatlinburg SkyLift, exploring downtown shops, visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October for fall colors 🍂, June-August for summer activities, December for holiday lights ✨
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Park Vista – Panoramic mountain views with trolley access to downtown
Ever wanted a mountain escape with zero planning hassle? Gatlinburg delivers both wilderness and comfort without compromising either. This walkable town balances outdoor adventure with tourist-friendly attractions that won’t leave you bored.
Downtown features shops, restaurants, and must-see spots like Ripley’s Aquarium and the Gatlinburg Space Needle. For unforgettable views, I’ve never seen anything quite like the glass-floor panels on the SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge.
The town offers moonshine tastings, dinner theaters, and countless candy shops to satisfy your sweet tooth. When nature calls, trailheads into the national park sit just minutes away. The perfect home base lets you alternate between wilderness adventures and mountain town comforts without wasting precious vacation time.
8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- 📍 Location: Spans the border between Tennessee and North Carolina
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, wildlife enthusiasts 🦌, waterfall chasers 💦
- 📸 Top Experiences: Driving Cades Cove Loop, hiking to Clingmans Dome, spotting black bears and synchronous fireflies
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June for fireflies, mid-October for peak fall foliage 🍂, April-May for wildflowers 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: LeConte Lodge – The only lodging inside the park, accessible only by hiking trail
Forget paid national parks with mediocre views. Great Smoky Mountains offers incredible diversity without an entrance fee. The mystical blue haze creates a backdrop that transforms with each season, offering a different experience every visit.
With over 800 miles of trails, options range from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Cades Cove provides reliable wildlife viewing along an 11-mile loop road. For panoramic views extending over 100 miles on clear days, head to Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point.
My favorite time to visit is early June when synchronous fireflies create nature’s most impressive light show. The park hosts approximately 1,500 black bears alongside elk, deer, and over 200 bird species. This biological wonderland offers endless opportunities for discovery, whether you have a few hours or several days.
9. Lover’s Leap
- 📍 Location: Rock City, atop Lookout Mountain, just outside Chattanooga, Tennessee
- 🏆 Best For: View seekers 🔭, photographers 📸, romantic couples ❤️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Taking photos at the iconic viewpoint, exploring Rock City gardens, walking across the Swing-A-Long bridge
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for blooming gardens 🌺, fall for spectacular foliage views 🍁
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Chanticleer Inn – Historic bed and breakfast atop Lookout Mountain
Need Instagram gold and jaw-dropping views without an exhausting hike? Lover’s Leap delivers the legendary “See Seven States” panorama from a single dramatic overlook. At 1,700 feet above sea level, this massive rock outcropping sits within Rock City and features the narrow “Needle’s Eye” passage.
The viewpoint’s name comes from a Cherokee legend about star-crossed lovers from rival tribes. The story adds mystique to an already stunning vista. I still remember my first time crossing the 180-foot suspension bridge leading to the gardens, with my stomach dropping at each gentle sway.
Visit during autumn when the valley erupts in red, orange, and gold foliage. For a magical experience, check out Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights in December, when colorful holiday displays transform the entire area. The perfect romantic destination merges natural beauty with whimsical touches.
10. Ocoee River
- 📍 Location: Cherokee National Forest, southeastern Tennessee, about 1 hour east of Chattanooga
- 🏆 Best For: White water rafters 🌊, kayakers 🚣, outdoor adventurers 🏞️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Rafting the Middle Ocoee, watching Olympic rapids at the Ocoee Whitewater Center, hiking the surrounding trails
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for scheduled water releases and rafting season ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Ocoee Retreat – Riverside cabins with easy access to rafting outfitters
Craving an adrenaline rush on Olympic-worthy rapids without needing expert skills? Ocoee River hosted the 1996 Olympic whitewater events and now welcomes adventurers of all levels. The Middle Ocoee section packs 20 named rapids into a thrilling 5-mile stretch.
What makes this river special is its reliability. Scheduled water releases ensure excellent conditions throughout rafting season. The Ocoee Whitewater Center preserves the Olympic course while providing visitor information. I’ve never felt more accomplished than after conquering the infamous “Hell Hole” rapid with a group of friends.
First-timers can tackle these world-class rapids with professional outfitters providing guides and safety instruction. For a full day of adventure, combine the Middle and Upper sections for nearly 10 miles of continuous excitement on the Southeast’s best single-day rafting experience.
11. Rock Island State Park
- 📍 Location: Central Tennessee, approximately 15 miles from McMinnville, between Nashville and Chattanooga
- 🏆 Best For: Waterfall chasers 💦, swimmers 🏊, kayakers 🚣♀️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing Twin Falls, swimming in natural pools, exploring the Blue Hole
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for swimming and water activities 🌞, spring for powerful waterfalls after rainfall 🌧️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Rock Island State Park Cabins – Renovated historic cabins overlooking the Caney Fork River
Tired of overcrowded state parks with underwhelming features? Rock Island State Park centers around a rugged peninsula where three rivers converge, creating Tennessee’s best-kept secret. This 883-acre park offers rushing water, limestone bluffs, and cascading falls without the crowds.
The park’s crown jewel, Twin Falls, uniquely bursts from the rock face rather than cascading over the edge. The water diverted through an underground power plant before emerging dramatically. Below the dam, the Blue Hole offers turquoise swimming spots surrounded by dramatic rock formations.
The most relaxing afternoon I’ve spent in Tennessee involved sunbathing on the limestone “beaches” formed by the bedrock. Kayakers enjoy mild rapids while anglers target smallmouth bass in pristine waters. Hiking trails connect the park’s scenic areas, ranging from short walks to longer routes with spectacular overlooks.
12. Ruby Falls
- 📍 Location: Lookout Mountain, just outside Chattanooga, Tennessee
- 🏆 Best For: Cave enthusiasts 🕳️, families 👨👩👧, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Witnessing the underground waterfall, enjoying views from Lookout Mountain Tower, walking the Blue Heron Overlook
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round (cave maintains 60°F regardless of season) 🌡️, weekdays for smaller crowds
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Chattanoogan Hotel – Upscale accommodations in downtown Chattanooga with easy access to Ruby Falls
Looking for a natural wonder that will amaze your kids without boring you? Ruby Falls reigns as America’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall accessible to the public. This 145-foot cascade thunders through a limestone cavern deep within Lookout Mountain.
The cave tour takes you 1,120 feet beneath the surface past fascinating formations before reaching the illuminated falls. I’ve visited dozens of caves, but nothing compares to that first glimpse of water plummeting through solid rock.
Leo Lambert discovered the falls in 1928 while drilling an elevator shaft and named them after his wife Ruby. Above ground, visitors enjoy the Blue Heron Overlook trail or test their courage on the Zipstream Aerial Adventure course. Book the Ruby Falls Lantern Tour for a truly magical experience, where guides lead small groups through the cave by handheld lanterns.
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