For the Nature Lover in Tennessee:
Top Nature Attractions
While Tennessee may be known for music, it’s also a wonderful place for exploring the great outdoors. There are waterfalls, hiking, parks and much more to explore.
STATE PARKS
There are tons of state parks to enjoy in Tennessee! Each offers its own unique atmosphere and activites to take part in. Here are a few that are worth the trip.
Big Ridge State Park
Located just out of Knoxville, Big Ridge State Park was originally developed as an example of how the lakes could double as recreational areas. It now has over 15 miles of trails and several campsites.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Located in Nashville, the State Capitol overlooks the park. It features a WWII memorial, a full Carillon bell tower, and many other tributes to the state.
Cove Lake State Park
Cove Lake State Park is located on the Cumberland Plateau and is full of breathtaking views. It has campsites, picnic pavilions, and an 11-mile stretch of the Cumberland Trail and is located just outside of Knoxville.
David Crockett State Park
Located at the site of Davy Crockett’s powder mill, gristmill, and distillery that he owned and operated, sits David Crockett State Park. The buildings may not be there anymore, but there are trails along the bluffs of Shoal Creek.
Dunbar Cave State Park
Near downtown Clarksville, Dunbar Cave is one of Tennessee’s many limestone caves. It was used for years by Native Americans and later served as a venue for square dances, shows, and music concerts. The cave can be toured through the summer, from May through August.
Edgar Evins State Park
Located on Center Hill Lake, Edgar Evins State Park is just an hour outside of Nashville. It contains rental cabins and 12 miles of hiking trails. The park also has a butterfly garden with native species of Tennessee plants.
Norris Dam State Park
Norris Dam was the first project undertaken by the Tennessee Valley Authority. This park is great for boating: You can bring your own or rent one from the marina. The park also offers cabin rentals.
Indian Mountain State Park
Sitting at the base of the mountain, Indian Mountain State Park is located right on the border of Kentucky just north of Knoxville. The land was once a strip mine but was turned into a recreational area in the 1960s.
Standing Stone State Park
Standing Stone Park is located on the Cumberland Plateau and is named after a 12-foot-tall rock that used to define the borders of Native American nations. The rock is no longer there but the park is in place to preserve its history. The park is most known for its annual marble tournament.
Natchez Trace State Park
This isn’t the park with the famous Natchez Trace bridge, but they do have over 250 miles of horse riding trails and a 40-mile overnight trail for backpacking. It’s located just outside of Jackson on an old route of the original Natchez Trace.
HIKING
Henry Hollow Loop - 2 miles
Located just outside of the small town of Joelton, Henry Hollow Loop is a little over 2 miles long. It’s considered kid friendly March to November while it’s safest at its peak (the top of the mountain). It’s a moderate trail and it runs in a loop.
Ridge Top Trail - .5 miles
This is a dog-friendly trail, but they must remain on a leash. While it may be a .5 mile trail, you could extend it into almost five miles.
Azalea Springs Day Loop - 2.5 miles
This is another dog friendly trail. Located in Big Hill Pond State Park, this trail provides a moderate hike that’s free for day use but you can pay a small camp fee to backpack on one of the overnight trails if you prefer.
Grundy Day Loop Trail - 3 miles
This day loop features a waterfall and is not crowded. It provides lots of opportunities for observing nature.
Radnor Lake South Lake Trail - 2.5 miles
Located in Brentwood, this trail gets a little busy on the weekends but gets quieter during the work week. This day trail is great for kids.
Laurel Falls - 2.6 miles
Laurel Falls is an easy trail that leads you to a waterfall. It also has nice views of the nearby hills and interesting rock formations along the way.
Red Trail - 3 miles
Located in Marcella Vivrette Smith Park, Red trail is a fairly difficult trail and will lead to Enid’s Eyrie.
Old Stone Fort Loop Trail - 2.9 miles
This trail loop is for running and is located in Manchester in Old Stone Fort State Park. It’s a popular trail and is great for dogs.
Bearwaller Gap – You Choose
Bearwaller Gap is considered an out and back kind of hike so extend your hike to over eight miles or you can turn back at the 1.5 mile point and make a three mile loop. It’s located near Carthage on the Cumberland River. This trail is for more experienced hikers, no so much for the kids.
Cheeks Bend Bluff View Trail - 1.9 miles
This trail is great for all skill levels and is opened year round. It provides a nice view of the river in Columbia.
OTHER ADVENTURES
Canopy Course
Located in Fall Creek Falls, ArborTrek Canopy Adventures is a treetop obstacle course. Fall Creek Falls State Park is known for its beautiful landscapes and hking hiking trails. You can enjoy up to 2.5 hours of ziplining, crossing bridges high above the ground and other activities up in the tree tops. Check the hours of the park before you go, they do change seasonally.
America’s Largest Underground Lake
Located in Sweetwater, the Lost Sea is the largest underground lake in the United States. It was discovered by a thirteen-year-old in 1905 and is a part of Craighead Caverns, a cave system that is between Sweetwater and Madisonville. You can tour the cave and take a glass-bottomed boat ride across the waters that are about 140 feet under the Earth’s surface.
Underground Waterfall
Located in the state line between Tennessee and Georgia, Ruby Falls is not only a beautiful site to see, it also has a rich history. The cave leading up to the falls is made from water eroding the limestone and is accessible by elevator. The waterfall falls from a height of 145 feet and is the largest underground waterfall accessible to the public. Tours generally last a little over an hour.
The Natural Bridge
Located in Sewanee, the Natural Bridge is 25 feet high and is a sandstone arch cut into the rock by nature. It was formed by a giant sinkhole and it’s believed that the surrounding area was eroded, leaving the sandstone bridge. You can find the bridge on a hike through South Cumberland State Park, a three-acre protected area.