Tennessee is known for its rocky natural topography and beautiful creeks, mountains, and plains that make the Volunteer State one of the most beautiful places in the nation. Folks come from all over the world (yep – the WORLD) to wander the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and raft down the rapids of the Ocoee. If you’re lucky enough to live in the state, then these seven Tennessee hikes that show off the best views in the state might be old hat. Or you just might find a trail that will surprise you. Learn more below, and perhaps plan a trip out into the great outdoors for yourself to tackle one of the best hikes in Tennessee.

  1. Piney Falls Trail

Tim Lumley - Flickr The trail to Piney Falls can be found in the Piney Falls State Natural Area and is a 1.7-mile loop trail that’s both heavily trafficked and considered moderately difficult. You’ll gain roughly 275 feet in elevation, but the kid-friendly trail is perfect for a quiet hour out in the countryside. Plus, you’re rewarded with a stunning view of Piney Falls! Learn more about this secluded waterfall hike in Tennessee. Piney Falls Trail, Tennessee, USA

  1. Fall Creek Falls Gorge Overlook

Kevin Wood - Flickr The Gorge Overlook and Woodland Trails of Tennessee can be found at Fall Creek Falls State Park. It’s a 2.9-mile loop trail that’s been rated as moderate and gains roughly 856 feet in elevation over its full course. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and the trail is appropriate for kids as well. You’ll want to go hiking in the springtime if you can when Fall Creek Falls are gushing and at their peak. Not to mention the fact that Fall Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee! Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA

  1. Cane Creek Cascades

Tim Lumley - Flickr Cane Creek Cascades is also located in Fall Creek Falls State Park, and it’s one of the most popular views in the park beyond Fall Creek Falls itself. The hike to Cane Creek Cascades is easy and fairly short, which makes it perfect if you’re looking for a gorgeous view with little time investment. You can find it a short walk behind the Fall Creek Falls State Park Nature Center. Learn more about this incredibly beautiful waterfall in Tennessee. Cane Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA

  1. Twin Arches Loop Trail

Tim Lumley - Flickr You can hike this epic Tennessee loop trail if you find yourself at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. The trail itself is around 4.7 miles long and is both moderate and great for kids and dogs. Keep your eye out of the huge rock formations along the route - they’re unreal! You won’t find a view like this anywhere else in the state. There’s a reason Twin Arches Loop Trail is considered one of the best hikes in Tennessee. Twin Arches, Oneida, TN 37841, USA

  1. Fiery Gizzard Trail

Jeff Moore - Flickr Wander the Fiery Gizzard Trail to Raven’s Point in South Cumberland State Park if you’re looking for a REAL challenge. The 9.6-mile loop trail is located near Tracy City, Tennessee, and you’ll have views of the many trailside waterfalls and the countryside at Raven’s Point. Fiery Gizzard Trail is definitely worth the effort.

  1. Alum Cave Trail

Marc - Flickr The hike to Alum Cave is well-known to be one of the most difficult and beautiful in the state. The out-and-back trail is 10.6 miles long, and the trailhead is located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. You’ll have views of Arch Rock, as well as incredible mountaintop views from Mount LeConte itself. You can even choose to stay at the LeConte Lodge in one of the primitive cabins on-site. Alum Cave Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA

  1. Sewanee Perimeter Trail

Michael Hicks - Flickr Sewanee Perimeter Trail is a 21.5-mile trail at its full length. The loop trail is considered moderate and offers gorgeous forest views and the chance to see some of the most incredible rock formations in the state. It’s recommended that visitors use the trail from April to October, due to the difficult 1,922-foot elevation gain. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best hikes in Tennessee. Perimeter Trail, Sewanee, TN, USA

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 by leaving a comment below — we’d love to hear from you! Looking for a short and sweet adventure in Tennessee? Glen Falls Trail just might be the trail for you! 

Tim Lumley - Flickr

The trail to Piney Falls can be found in the Piney Falls State Natural Area and is a 1.7-mile loop trail that’s both heavily trafficked and considered moderately difficult. You’ll gain roughly 275 feet in elevation, but the kid-friendly trail is perfect for a quiet hour out in the countryside. Plus, you’re rewarded with a stunning view of Piney Falls! Learn more about this secluded waterfall hike in Tennessee.

Piney Falls Trail, Tennessee, USA

Kevin Wood - Flickr

The Gorge Overlook and Woodland Trails of Tennessee can be found at Fall Creek Falls State Park. It’s a 2.9-mile loop trail that’s been rated as moderate and gains roughly 856 feet in elevation over its full course. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and the trail is appropriate for kids as well. You’ll want to go hiking in the springtime if you can when Fall Creek Falls are gushing and at their peak. Not to mention the fact that Fall Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee!

Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA

Cane Creek Cascades is also located in Fall Creek Falls State Park, and it’s one of the most popular views in the park beyond Fall Creek Falls itself. The hike to Cane Creek Cascades is easy and fairly short, which makes it perfect if you’re looking for a gorgeous view with little time investment. You can find it a short walk behind the Fall Creek Falls State Park Nature Center. Learn more about this incredibly beautiful waterfall in Tennessee.

Cane Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA

You can hike this epic Tennessee loop trail if you find yourself at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. The trail itself is around 4.7 miles long and is both moderate and great for kids and dogs. Keep your eye out of the huge rock formations along the route - they’re unreal! You won’t find a view like this anywhere else in the state. There’s a reason Twin Arches Loop Trail is considered one of the best hikes in Tennessee.

Twin Arches, Oneida, TN 37841, USA

Jeff Moore - Flickr

Wander the Fiery Gizzard Trail to Raven’s Point in South Cumberland State Park if you’re looking for a REAL challenge. The 9.6-mile loop trail is located near Tracy City, Tennessee, and you’ll have views of the many trailside waterfalls and the countryside at Raven’s Point. Fiery Gizzard Trail is definitely worth the effort.

Marc - Flickr

The hike to Alum Cave is well-known to be one of the most difficult and beautiful in the state. The out-and-back trail is 10.6 miles long, and the trailhead is located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. You’ll have views of Arch Rock, as well as incredible mountaintop views from Mount LeConte itself. You can even choose to stay at the LeConte Lodge in one of the primitive cabins on-site.

Alum Cave Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA

Michael Hicks - Flickr

Sewanee Perimeter Trail is a 21.5-mile trail at its full length. The loop trail is considered moderate and offers gorgeous forest views and the chance to see some of the most incredible rock formations in the state. It’s recommended that visitors use the trail from April to October, due to the difficult 1,922-foot elevation gain. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best hikes in Tennessee.

Perimeter Trail, Sewanee, TN, USA

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Address: Piney Creek Falls, Tennessee 38585, USAAddress: Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USAAddress: Cane Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USAAddress: Twin Arches Ln, Jamestown, TN, USAAddress: Fiery Gizzard Trail, Tennessee, USAAddress: Alum Cave Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USAAddress: Perimeter Trail, Sewanee, TN, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in Tennessee March 06, 2022 Beth C. What are the best trails in Tennessee for beginners? It’s no secret that Tennessee is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. With endless waterfalls, mountain trails, rivers, and lakes to explore, there’s no shortage of ways to have an epic adventure in the Volunteer State. And fortunately, not all hikes are difficult. In fact, some are relatively easy and suitable for almost everyone. Some of the best trails in Tennessee for beginners include Radnor Lake in Brentwood, Bald River Falls in Tellico Plains, Broadtree Falls in Altamont, Alum Creek Bluffs in Sevier County, Fall Creek Falls in Spencer, Signal Mountain in Hamilton County, Fier Gizzard in Tracy City, Burgess Falls in Sparta, Virgin Falls in Sparta, and Rock Island State Park in Warren County. Have you hiked any of these easy trails? For more information, be sure to check out our previous article: 10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Tennessee. What are the top natural wonders in Tennessee? Tennessee has so many natural wonders that it can be overwhelming to know just where to begin! Fortunately, we’ve pinpointed some of the best spots to capture Tennessee’s natural beauty. These destinations include Ramsey Cascades in Gatlinburg, Burgess Falls State Park in Sparta, the Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga, Virginia Falls, Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains, the Lost Sea in Sweetwater, and Lookout Mountain. Learn more about Tennessee’s most impressive natural wonders.

The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in Tennessee

March 06, 2022

Beth C.

What are the best trails in Tennessee for beginners? It’s no secret that Tennessee is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. With endless waterfalls, mountain trails, rivers, and lakes to explore, there’s no shortage of ways to have an epic adventure in the Volunteer State. And fortunately, not all hikes are difficult. In fact, some are relatively easy and suitable for almost everyone. Some of the best trails in Tennessee for beginners include Radnor Lake in Brentwood, Bald River Falls in Tellico Plains, Broadtree Falls in Altamont, Alum Creek Bluffs in Sevier County, Fall Creek Falls in Spencer, Signal Mountain in Hamilton County, Fier Gizzard in Tracy City, Burgess Falls in Sparta, Virgin Falls in Sparta, and Rock Island State Park in Warren County. Have you hiked any of these easy trails? For more information, be sure to check out our previous article: 10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Tennessee. What are the top natural wonders in Tennessee? Tennessee has so many natural wonders that it can be overwhelming to know just where to begin! Fortunately, we’ve pinpointed some of the best spots to capture Tennessee’s natural beauty. These destinations include Ramsey Cascades in Gatlinburg, Burgess Falls State Park in Sparta, the Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga, Virginia Falls, Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains, the Lost Sea in Sweetwater, and Lookout Mountain. Learn more about Tennessee’s most impressive natural wonders.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

It’s no secret that Tennessee is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. With endless waterfalls, mountain trails, rivers, and lakes to explore, there’s no shortage of ways to have an epic adventure in the Volunteer State. And fortunately, not all hikes are difficult. In fact, some are relatively easy and suitable for almost everyone. Some of the best trails in Tennessee for beginners include Radnor Lake in Brentwood, Bald River Falls in Tellico Plains, Broadtree Falls in Altamont, Alum Creek Bluffs in Sevier County, Fall Creek Falls in Spencer, Signal Mountain in Hamilton County, Fier Gizzard in Tracy City, Burgess Falls in Sparta, Virgin Falls in Sparta, and Rock Island State Park in Warren County. Have you hiked any of these easy trails? For more information, be sure to check out our previous article: 10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Tennessee.

What are the top natural wonders in Tennessee?

Tennessee has so many natural wonders that it can be overwhelming to know just where to begin! Fortunately, we’ve pinpointed some of the best spots to capture Tennessee’s natural beauty. These destinations include Ramsey Cascades in Gatlinburg, Burgess Falls State Park in Sparta, the Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga, Virginia Falls, Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains, the Lost Sea in Sweetwater, and Lookout Mountain. Learn more about Tennessee’s most impressive natural wonders.