Where there are mountains there are generally great hiking trails and fantastic views. Hiking in Tennessee is no different! With Blue Ridge, Appalachian Ridge and Valley region, the Appalachian Plateau, the Highland Rim and the Nashville Basin there is absolutely no lack of outdoor hiking in Tennessee. Deciding on which trails to hike will depend on either what area you're inor what type of terrain is preferred if the getaway is strictly for hiking in Tennessee.

There is an abundance of Tennessee falls hiking to be done in several different areas. A great place for Tennessee falls hiking in the Smoky Mountains National Park is at Abrams Falls which is a 5-mile round trip. Easy to moderate in skill level and relatively flat, the trail leads to the 20-foot high Abrams Falls. The waterfall is very photogenic and offers the park's largest volume of water. The trail begins at the west end of Cades Cove Loop Road. Tennessee falls hiking can also be enjoyed on a 2.5 mile round trip trek to Laurel Falls which is the most popular and easiest waterfall hike in the park. A fairly flat and paved trail passes through oak and pine forests and a series of cascades leading up to the falls which are at a 60 foot drop.

Rainbow Falls is another great spot for Tennessee falls hiking and is almost a 6-mile round trip. This is a moderate level hike to the torrent of falls that drops 75 feet hazing the plants and rocks below. There are fantastic views from 5 miles up as hikers wander through hardwood forests, a shady cove, and mountain wildflower. This is a great Tennessee hiking for the mushroom enthusiast.

Tennessee Map

For a fantastic overnight Tennessee hiking trail try Clingman's Dome Overnight Loop. This trek begins at the highest trailhead in the Smoky Mountain Park taking the Appalachian Trail past myriad views of the park and beyond. This Tennessee hiking trail leaves high country and drops into a spruce-fir forest for a stream side campsite where beauty has no boundary. The Tennessee hiking trail goes on through Clingman's Dome at Three Forks and makes an arduous climb back up to Sugarland Mountain Trail. From there the Appalachian Trail is intersected and continues all the way to the observation deck at the top of the Dome before completing the circuit.

There are many great Tennessee hiking trails along the main Appalachian Trail that vary in difficulty. The best thing to do is grab a hiking map and discover what kind of trails are available to hike and where they lead. Hiking in Tennessee is a very rewarding experience. Lush forests, steep mountain sides, elegant wildflowers, rushing streams and calm lakes are all part of Tennessee's diverse ecosystem and makes hiking in Tennessee especially enjoyable.

Hiking in Tennessee is a fun activity for the whole family and a great way to see the beautiful surroundings up close. Hiking in Tennessee can also provide a short day trip or long escape from the urban activities of shopping, dining, and sightseeing in the city. Don't forget your camera a good pair of sturdy hiking boots or shoes!