Tennessee is a beautiful place, there’s not denying it. We’re in love with our farmland and rivers to the west, our mountains to the east and all the streams and valleys in-between. As you plan out your family adventures for 2018, you may want to consider adding these twelve breathtaking Tennessee landmarks to your repertoire. Each is more stunning than the last, punctuated by kind folks and true southern hospitality along the way. Happy adventuring!
- Cades Cove
Turcottes78 - Flickr Cades Cove is an isolated valley and small community in the heart of eastern Tennessee. The gorgeous space is beautiful no matter the season, and makes for a stunning state experience.
- Cherokee National Forest
Guillaume Capron - Flickr The Cherokee National Forest was created in the summer of 1920, and has since become known for its stunning autumnal colors and waterways. You can find it on the eastern side of the state, covering 655,598 acres of forested land.
- Reelfoot Lake
Greg Holtfreter - Flickr Reelfoot Lake straddles both Obion and Lake counties in Tennessee, and holds the title as the only natural lake in the state. It was formed during the New Madrid earthquakes in the early 19th century.
- Ruby Falls
Al Kidd - Flickr Ruby Falls is just outside of Chattanooga, and it’s made a name for itself as one of the prime tourist attractions in the state. It’s been estimated to be 30 million years old and falls 145-feet underground.
- Nashville
Jason Mrachina - Flickr Music City has made itself known as a prime national destination, but we’re forever in awe of its perfect mix of natural and urban charm. It’s a true river city with a whole lot of country heart.
- Tennessee River Gorge
Tim Lumley - Flickr Known as the Grand Canyon of Tennessee, the river gorge is made up of 27,000 acres and boasts wildly diverse animal and plant life.
- Cummins Falls
Michael Hicks - Flickr Known as one of the most popular hikes around Nashville, Cummins Falls is a great swimming hole in the summertime and a beautiful view in the wintertime.
- Fall Creek Falls
Michael Hicks - Flickr Fall Creek Falls is actually the largest recreation area in the state, boasting cabins and campsites for overnight stays and a copious amount of hiking trails.
- Newfound Gap
Ken Lund - Flickr Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Newfound Gap is a mountain pass that serves as one of the most beautiful scenic byways in the state.
- Chattanooga
Charlene N Simmons - Flickr We’re forever in love with our stunning city to the south, chock full of bridges and gorgeous restaurants and a downtown fit for a quiet Saturday afternoon. We’d recommend a walk across the Walnut Street Bridge!
- Savage Gulf
Michael Hicks - Flickr Great for camping and hiking, the views at Savage Gulf are breathtaking.
- Great Smoky Mountains
Greg Holtfreter - Flickr Known as the most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains runs along the Tennessee-North Carolina border and is a stunning experience for outdoorsy-folk and homebodies alike.
These underrated places in Tennessee are pretty amazing, too – have you been?
Turcottes78 - Flickr
Cades Cove is an isolated valley and small community in the heart of eastern Tennessee. The gorgeous space is beautiful no matter the season, and makes for a stunning state experience.
Guillaume Capron - Flickr
The Cherokee National Forest was created in the summer of 1920, and has since become known for its stunning autumnal colors and waterways. You can find it on the eastern side of the state, covering 655,598 acres of forested land.
Greg Holtfreter - Flickr
Reelfoot Lake straddles both Obion and Lake counties in Tennessee, and holds the title as the only natural lake in the state. It was formed during the New Madrid earthquakes in the early 19th century.
Al Kidd - Flickr
Ruby Falls is just outside of Chattanooga, and it’s made a name for itself as one of the prime tourist attractions in the state. It’s been estimated to be 30 million years old and falls 145-feet underground.
Jason Mrachina - Flickr
Music City has made itself known as a prime national destination, but we’re forever in awe of its perfect mix of natural and urban charm. It’s a true river city with a whole lot of country heart.
Tim Lumley - Flickr
Known as the Grand Canyon of Tennessee, the river gorge is made up of 27,000 acres and boasts wildly diverse animal and plant life.
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Known as one of the most popular hikes around Nashville, Cummins Falls is a great swimming hole in the summertime and a beautiful view in the wintertime.
Fall Creek Falls is actually the largest recreation area in the state, boasting cabins and campsites for overnight stays and a copious amount of hiking trails.
Ken Lund - Flickr
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Newfound Gap is a mountain pass that serves as one of the most beautiful scenic byways in the state.
Charlene N Simmons - Flickr
We’re forever in love with our stunning city to the south, chock full of bridges and gorgeous restaurants and a downtown fit for a quiet Saturday afternoon. We’d recommend a walk across the Walnut Street Bridge!
Great for camping and hiking, the views at Savage Gulf are breathtaking.
Known as the most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains runs along the Tennessee-North Carolina border and is a stunning experience for outdoorsy-folk and homebodies alike.
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