Tennessee Hikes You Have to See to Believe

Dollywood, Graceland, the Grand Ole Opry, Beale Street, and the Country Music Hall of Fame are just some of the premier attractions that call travelers to the great state of Tennessee. While all of these sites are undoubtedly exciting and entertaining, The Volunteer State has a lot more to offer than buildings, crowds, and amusement park rides. If you're an outdoor enthusiast planning on traveling to Tennessee, you're in luck because the state offers some pretty incredible hiking trails.

Endless vistas, breathtaking scenery, and maybe even a chance to get up close and personal with a woodland friend or two – plus, the sheer appreciation of Mother Nature's majesty – are what you can expect to experience on Tennessee's hiking trails. Here's a look at some of the top treks that you should seriously consider adding to your "must-see" list while you're visiting this southern state.

Pinson Mounds

An archaeological park listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Pinson Mounds, comprises more than 1,200 acres in western Tennessee and is home to 15 known Native American mounds. It also features paved trails that are ADA accessible, allowing for an enjoyable hike for everyone. While you're here, take the opportunity to investigate the mounds, which served as burial grounds, as well as ceremonial sites.

T.O. Fuller Discovery Trail

Situated right outside of Memphis, the  Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock n Roll, T.O. Fuller Discovery Trail is a meandering four-mile trail that offers a moderate hike (that dogs are welcome to explore, too). You'll be surrounded by tall trees, colorful wildflowers, Wetlands, and the Chucalissa Native American Village. It can be accessed all year round, and it's a favorite spot for runners, thanks to the impressive elevation gains over short distances. 

Fiery Gizzard Trail

South Cumberland State Park, our most beloved state park in Tennessee, is home to the Fiery Gizzard Trail, a 9.1-mile loop that heads to Raven's Point. It's been named one of the top 25 hiking trails in the nation, but be warned: it's been given a "difficult" rating. Offering cascading waterfalls, spectacular rock formations, abundant woodlands, and panoramic vistas, you’ll be sure to have a memorable experience on Fiery Gizzard Trail – and a great workout, too!

Point Trail at Lilly Bluff

Located on the eastern side of Tennessee, Point Trail at Lilly Bluff is a 4.2-mile trail that offers a moderate hike. On your trek, make sure to keep an eye out for a secluded natural arch that's simply spectacular. Your walk will guide you along a bluff, where you'll have the chance to take in the breathtaking views of the Obed river gorge. The terrain's varying elevations will surely keep you on your toes, and there are plenty of opportunities to snap postcard-like photos.

From leisurely trails to moderately challenging treks, from Memphis to Knoxville, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Tennessee's natural beauty.

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