In 2019, the National Recreation and Park Association recognized Tennessee as having some of the best state parks in the entire country, and we couldn’t agree with them more. From the mountains of East Tennessee to the waterfalls of the Cumberland Plateau and the bluffs of the Mississippi, Tennessee has some of the most stunning places you’ll find anywhere in the country. We compiled some of our favorite state parks to visit in Tennessee that highlight all of the reasons the Volunteer State absolutely deserves its recognition, and we think after seeing these pictures you’ll agree, too. Check them out!
- Roan Mountain State Park
TranceMist - Flickr Roan Mountain sits near the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and carries the unique distinction of being the largest wild rhododendron garden in the world. The park has everything from wooded creek trails to sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains, making it one of the most diverse and beautiful spots in Tennessee. Learn more about what makes Roan Mountain State Park such a phenomenal outdoor attraction. Roan Mountain State Park, 527 TN-143, Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
Michael Hicks - Flickr Fall Creek Falls is a favorite of every adventure-loving Tennessean. Every summer, the pool at the waterfall’s base fills up with folks looking to cool off from the blistering Tennessee heat, and who could blame them? This state park is one of the most picturesque swimming spots you’ll find anywhere in the country. Not to mention the fact that Fall Creek Falls is home to the tallest waterfall in Tennessee. Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
- Montgomery Bell State Park
Ian Raffalovich - AllTrails Just a 45 minute drive west of Nashville, Montgomery Bell State Park is a favorite of all Middle Tennesseans. The park has a history of being the birthplace of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, but there is much more pioneering history hiding around every corner of the park’s 20 miles of hiking trails. Looking to extend your stay? Montgomery Bell State Park offers a beautiful year-round campground! Montgomery Bell State Park, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA
- Rock Island State Park
Dr. V - AllTrails Rock Island State Park is full of hidden gems for anyone looking to put in the work of hiking through this undisturbed Tennessee wilderness. Walk the banks of the Caney Fork River and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of multiple waterfalls as they gather into the headwaters of equally stunning Center Hill Lake. Some consider Rock Island State Park to be the single most beautiful state park in Tennessee. Do you agree? Rock Island State Park, 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
- Burgess Falls State Park
Roxy Pinson - AllTrails Burgess Falls is easily one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the entire state of Tennessee. While most folks take the easy, short hike to the top of the falls and watch the water fall to the gorge below, the more difficult trek down to the bottom of the valley is rewarded with stunning views of the falls like this one. Though it’s one-two hours from Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, these falls are well worth the drive. No matter which season you choose to visit, Burgess Falls State Park makes for an excellent Tennessee day trip destination. Burgess Falls State Park, 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583, USA
- Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Jaimin Patel - AllTrails Just a short drive north of Memphis, Meeman-Shelby State Park has everything from the soaring Chickasaw Bluffs to the eerie confines of the cypress trees of Tupelo Swamp. There’s so much in just this one park, which makes it the perfect day trip from Memphis or anywhere else in West Tennessee. Nestled right on the Mississippi River, this beautiful Tennessee state park belongs on your radar. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, 910 Riddick Rd, Millington, TN 38053, USA
- Frozen Head State Park
Joel Palilla - AllTrails Perched atop the edge of the Cumberland Plateau in Eastern Tennessee, Frozen Head State Park is a sprawling wilderness full of over 50 miles of trails that offer stunning vistas of the valley below the plateau. Learn more about what makes Frozen Head State Park one of the best state parks to visit in Tennessee. Frozen Head State Park, 3208, 964 Flat Fork Rd, Wartburg, TN 37887, USA
Do you agree that these are some of the best state parks to visit in Tennessee? Are there any that you would add to the list? If so, be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
TranceMist - Flickr
Roan Mountain sits near the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and carries the unique distinction of being the largest wild rhododendron garden in the world. The park has everything from wooded creek trails to sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains, making it one of the most diverse and beautiful spots in Tennessee. Learn more about what makes Roan Mountain State Park such a phenomenal outdoor attraction.
Roan Mountain State Park, 527 TN-143, Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Fall Creek Falls is a favorite of every adventure-loving Tennessean. Every summer, the pool at the waterfall’s base fills up with folks looking to cool off from the blistering Tennessee heat, and who could blame them? This state park is one of the most picturesque swimming spots you’ll find anywhere in the country. Not to mention the fact that Fall Creek Falls is home to the tallest waterfall in Tennessee.
Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585, USA
Ian Raffalovich - AllTrails
Just a 45 minute drive west of Nashville, Montgomery Bell State Park is a favorite of all Middle Tennesseans. The park has a history of being the birthplace of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, but there is much more pioneering history hiding around every corner of the park’s 20 miles of hiking trails. Looking to extend your stay? Montgomery Bell State Park offers a beautiful year-round campground!
Montgomery Bell State Park, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA
Dr. V - AllTrails
Rock Island State Park is full of hidden gems for anyone looking to put in the work of hiking through this undisturbed Tennessee wilderness. Walk the banks of the Caney Fork River and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of multiple waterfalls as they gather into the headwaters of equally stunning Center Hill Lake. Some consider Rock Island State Park to be the single most beautiful state park in Tennessee. Do you agree?
Rock Island State Park, 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581, USA
Roxy Pinson - AllTrails
Burgess Falls is easily one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the entire state of Tennessee. While most folks take the easy, short hike to the top of the falls and watch the water fall to the gorge below, the more difficult trek down to the bottom of the valley is rewarded with stunning views of the falls like this one. Though it’s one-two hours from Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, these falls are well worth the drive. No matter which season you choose to visit, Burgess Falls State Park makes for an excellent Tennessee day trip destination.
Burgess Falls State Park, 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583, USA
Jaimin Patel - AllTrails
Just a short drive north of Memphis, Meeman-Shelby State Park has everything from the soaring Chickasaw Bluffs to the eerie confines of the cypress trees of Tupelo Swamp. There’s so much in just this one park, which makes it the perfect day trip from Memphis or anywhere else in West Tennessee. Nestled right on the Mississippi River, this beautiful Tennessee state park belongs on your radar.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, 910 Riddick Rd, Millington, TN 38053, USA
Joel Palilla - AllTrails
Perched atop the edge of the Cumberland Plateau in Eastern Tennessee, Frozen Head State Park is a sprawling wilderness full of over 50 miles of trails that offer stunning vistas of the valley below the plateau. Learn more about what makes Frozen Head State Park one of the best state parks to visit in Tennessee.
Frozen Head State Park, 3208, 964 Flat Fork Rd, Wartburg, TN 37887, USA
Fuel up for your Tennessee adventure at Nikki’s Drive-Inn, a classic spot that still serves up great food like they did in the good old days.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in Tennessee January 09, 2022 Beth C. What are the top natural wonders in Tennessee? Now that you’ve learned about some of the best state parks to visit in Tennessee, we can dive into some of the state’s most impressive natural wonders. One of our favorite recommendations is Ramsey cascades in Gatlinburg. To start, it’s the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, measuring over 100 feet. It’s also a wonderful place to spot salamanders at the base of the pool. Overall, this destination makes for a wonderful place to reconnect with the wild. Next up on our list would be the Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga. Often referred to as “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon,” this beautiful gorge has been carved out over time by the Tennessee River. Finally, a trip on the Cherohala Skyway is an absolute must if you’re someone who appreciates beautiful drives. This 43-mile roadway connects Tennessee to North Carolina. If you happen to take the drive during the fall, you can look forward to the most breathtaking scenery. Some other contenders for the best natural wonders in Tennessee include Lookout Mountain in Rock City, the Lost Sea in Sweetwater, and Virgin Falls Pocket in Sparta. Looking for more information? Check out our previous article: Here Are The 7 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Tennessee.
The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in Tennessee
January 09, 2022
Beth C.
What are the top natural wonders in Tennessee? Now that you’ve learned about some of the best state parks to visit in Tennessee, we can dive into some of the state’s most impressive natural wonders. One of our favorite recommendations is Ramsey cascades in Gatlinburg. To start, it’s the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, measuring over 100 feet. It’s also a wonderful place to spot salamanders at the base of the pool. Overall, this destination makes for a wonderful place to reconnect with the wild. Next up on our list would be the Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga. Often referred to as “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon,” this beautiful gorge has been carved out over time by the Tennessee River. Finally, a trip on the Cherohala Skyway is an absolute must if you’re someone who appreciates beautiful drives. This 43-mile roadway connects Tennessee to North Carolina. If you happen to take the drive during the fall, you can look forward to the most breathtaking scenery. Some other contenders for the best natural wonders in Tennessee include Lookout Mountain in Rock City, the Lost Sea in Sweetwater, and Virgin Falls Pocket in Sparta. Looking for more information? Check out our previous article: Here Are The 7 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Tennessee.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Now that you’ve learned about some of the best state parks to visit in Tennessee, we can dive into some of the state’s most impressive natural wonders. One of our favorite recommendations is Ramsey cascades in Gatlinburg. To start, it’s the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, measuring over 100 feet. It’s also a wonderful place to spot salamanders at the base of the pool. Overall, this destination makes for a wonderful place to reconnect with the wild. Next up on our list would be the Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga. Often referred to as “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon,” this beautiful gorge has been carved out over time by the Tennessee River. Finally, a trip on the Cherohala Skyway is an absolute must if you’re someone who appreciates beautiful drives. This 43-mile roadway connects Tennessee to North Carolina. If you happen to take the drive during the fall, you can look forward to the most breathtaking scenery. Some other contenders for the best natural wonders in Tennessee include Lookout Mountain in Rock City, the Lost Sea in Sweetwater, and Virgin Falls Pocket in Sparta. Looking for more information? Check out our previous article: Here Are The 7 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Tennessee.
