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Tennessee

Looking for the best hiking in Tennessee? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Tennessee. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Tennessee

  • Sevierville, Tennessee

    Spelunking in Forbidden Caverns

    5.0
    When exploring all that Tennessee has to offer, it’s hard to ignore the fact it is home to more caves than any other state in America. So when picking one, of more than 10,000, to explore it is hard to go wrong. Forbidden Caverns happens to be one of the most popular spots and is only a few minut...
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  • Tullahoma, Tennessee

    Hike to Rutledge Falls

    4.0
    0.4 mi / 3 ft gain
    Find the trail parking area by following your GPS to “Rutledge Falls Baptist Church”. You will see a small parking area on the side of the road across the street from the church. The path to the falls is extremely short with a steep section to climb down to the base of the falls. This trail is on...
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  • Cosby, Tennessee

    Hike to the Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower

    4.5
    10.99 mi / 3040 ft gain
    Most visitors have a vision of how they'd like to see Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it typically involves climbing to the top of a mountain like 4,928-foot Mount Cammerer. This is a very strenuous hike involving a breathtaking amount of elevation gain along the rugged Low Gap and Appal...
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  • Mooneyham, Tennessee

    Welch's Point

    5.0
    0.3 mi / 79 ft gain
    This location was recently opened back to the public by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Tennessee Department of Conservation and Environment in the fall of 2014 after being closed for over a decade! It is one of the most spectacular spots to watch the sunset in east Tennessee. This o...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Hike to the Ramsey Cascades

    4.9
    7.83 mi / 2190 ft gain
    This multi-tiered waterfall is known as the tallest in the park – a worthwhile reward for the steep and sometimes tricky terrain you'll face on the way up. The popular route to the falls also passes through an impressive old-growth forest, which apparently boasts some of the tallest trees in the...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Hike to the Jump-Off

    4.3
    6.2 mi / 1079 ft gain
    This trail starts at the Newfound Gap parking lot. Newfound Gap is situated on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The views from Newfound Gap overlook North Carolina and are worth the trip in their own right. The restroom facilities are clean and have flushing toilets. Follow the crowds ...
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  • Chattanooga, Tennessee

    Hike to Middle Creek Falls

    3.5
    0.5 mi
    Middle Creek Falls, despite its proximity to the Cumberland Trail hikes, has no official designated trail. However, there is a pull-off on Suck Creek Road (informally marked by graffiti and bumper stickers adorning the guard rail) with room on either side of the street to park.  The trail begins ...
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  • Nashville, Tennessee

    Volunteer Trail

    4.0
    11.03 mi / 1070 ft gain
    Starting at the Bakers Grove Area parking lot, start hiking on the lovely wood chipped trail. The Volunteer Trail and Day Loop share this first section of the trail. In about .5 miles you will reach a sign and a junction on the trail. Follow the whites blazes on The Volunteer Trail to the right ...
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  • Copperhill, Tennessee

    Hike the Beech Bottom Trail to Jacks River Falls

    5.0
    9 mi / 315 ft gain
    Jacks River Falls is one of Georgia's most impressive waterfalls.  Containing several cascades that combine to an 80 foot waterfall, this destination provides spectacular views and refreshing pools to take a dip in.  You can approach the falls from either Jacks River Falls trail or the Beech Bott...
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  • Palmer, Tennessee

    Hike the North Plateau-North Rim Loop at Savage Gulf

    4.0
    14.7 mi / 2483 ft gain
    From the Savage Ranger Station, take the Savage Day Loop for roughly 2.2 miles until you reach the junction. From there take the North Plateau trail and return on the North Rim trail. The elevation gain on this trail is rather gradual and and subtle, but it is a long trek that requires endurance ...
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  • Lebanon, Tennessee

    Hike the Hidden Springs Trail

    3.5
    4.5 mi
    This trail is a prime spot for anyone who wants to get a simple, but enjoyable walk in the woods. It's very well marked, flat, and can be enjoyed in any weather. Also, it is very dog friendly- Jolene loved it!Starting at the Trailhead across from the parking lot you may go right or left and follo...
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  • Pikeville, Tennessee

    Photograph Buzzard's Roost Overlook

    5.0
    0.04 mi / 10 ft gain
    Located in the beautiful state park of Fall Creek Falls, you'll find this overlook along with Millikan's Overlook. Both overlooks showcase the views shown in my photos, however, Buzzard's Roost is a short walk down the side trail that gives a more solitude experience that you may be looking for. ...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains

    4.4
    1.09 mi
    You will find the trailhead to this gravel path just to the left of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The easy walk along Fighting Creek is scenic and tends not to be crowded, either. At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. Please refrain from climbing on or around the f...
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  • Spring City, Tennessee

    Hike to Stinging Fork Falls

    3.5
    3 mi / 400 ft gain
    The trail begins on the right side of the parking lot. The first part is flat with no elevation change and easy walking. About half a mile in you will reach a trail split. The right trail will take you to the falls and the left trail will take you to an overlook of the gorge below. I was not able...
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  • Sewanee, Tennessee

    Hike to Bridal Veil Falls in Sewanee, TN

    4.0
    1.5 mi / 387 ft gain
    Great short hike. Hard to find trail head, it is not marked at the parking area or where you leave the road.  Put in your gps the coordinate spot tagged above off Clara Point Rd. To get to the trailhead, you have to cross the road from small parking area and go back 20 - 30 yards, where you will ...
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  • Nashville, Tennessee

    Mossy Ridge Trail

    4.6
    4.5 mi / 781 ft gain
    The Mossy Ridge Trail offers scenic views of small waterfalls along this 4.5-mile hike in Percy Warner Park. If you're looking for a little longer hike (add 2 miles), you can start at the Nature Center and use the connector trails to join the main loop. This loop is dog friendly on-leash.
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