Taking a hike as summer slowly fades to fall is one of the Tennessee native’s favorite pastimes. How could you not love it, when you’re surrounded by such a glut of beauty, day in, day out? We decided to search for a few that reward your hard work with a whole lot of pretty – plus, they aren’t too long. Keep in mind that you’ll be figuring your own trail and can turn back and head home at any time if you wish to make your hike a little bit shorter.
- Rocky Fork State Park
TN State Park System The White House Cliffs Trail is about three miles long as a round trip, and you’ll end up at over 3,000 feet above sea level with a gorgeous panoramic view.
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
Michael Hicks - Flickr The Gorge Overlook Trail is great for folks who are looking to get a solid view of the falls. It’s puppy friendly, and is less than three miles. It’s even a loop!
- Obed Wild & Scenic River
Allen Forest - Flickr The Lily Bluff Overlook gives you a stunning view of the Obed River and where it meets up with Clear Creek. It’s perfectly secluded and stunning, something that can be hard to come by in the extra-busy Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
- Ocoee State Park
Ken Lund - Flickr It’s only 2.1 miles up Starr Mountain, and although it’s an intense uphill hike, you will get to see panoramic views of the Hiwassee River at the peak of it. This will only take about an hour to finish up, so it’s perfect for a quick out and about.
- Big South Fork National River & Rec Area
Anthony Jones - Flickr Twin Arches Trail is less than a mile and a half ‘round trip, and you can see some of the most beautiful and strange rock formations in the state. You can choose to extend your trip depending on how far you’re looking to wander, too. There’s plenty of room!
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Daveynin - Flickr Alum Cave Trail can be a bit longer, at five and a half miles, but it ends up right at the bottom of Mt. LeConte. As the third highest peak in the entire park, it’s a beautiful place to take in a view of the Smokies.
- Snow State Natural Area
Michael Hicks - Flickr The trek Buzzard Point Outlook can be a bit longer, depending upon how long you’re looking to wander. You’ll pass the beautiful Laurel Falls and the Bryan Overlook, and you can even do a bit of rock climbing while out and about.
If you’d rather experience the state via city streets, check out these beautiful, iconic streets.
TN State Park System
The White House Cliffs Trail is about three miles long as a round trip, and you’ll end up at over 3,000 feet above sea level with a gorgeous panoramic view.
Michael Hicks - Flickr
The Gorge Overlook Trail is great for folks who are looking to get a solid view of the falls. It’s puppy friendly, and is less than three miles. It’s even a loop!
Allen Forest - Flickr
The Lily Bluff Overlook gives you a stunning view of the Obed River and where it meets up with Clear Creek. It’s perfectly secluded and stunning, something that can be hard to come by in the extra-busy Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Ken Lund - Flickr
It’s only 2.1 miles up Starr Mountain, and although it’s an intense uphill hike, you will get to see panoramic views of the Hiwassee River at the peak of it. This will only take about an hour to finish up, so it’s perfect for a quick out and about.
Anthony Jones - Flickr
Twin Arches Trail is less than a mile and a half ‘round trip, and you can see some of the most beautiful and strange rock formations in the state. You can choose to extend your trip depending on how far you’re looking to wander, too. There’s plenty of room!
Daveynin - Flickr
Alum Cave Trail can be a bit longer, at five and a half miles, but it ends up right at the bottom of Mt. LeConte. As the third highest peak in the entire park, it’s a beautiful place to take in a view of the Smokies.
The trek Buzzard Point Outlook can be a bit longer, depending upon how long you’re looking to wander. You’ll pass the beautiful Laurel Falls and the Bryan Overlook, and you can even do a bit of rock climbing while out and about.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
