Tennessee is chock full of natural beauty, from the fertile flatlands in the west to the mountains of the east. We’ve pulled together a list of twelve places, from one end of the state to the other, that you’re bound to fall in love with. Whether you’re looking for waterfalls or rock bridges or a place to camp, we’ve got you covered. Leave your favorite spots in Tennessee in the comments below – we’d love to hear from the heart!
- Did you know that Tennessee’s natural rock bridge was formed from a sink hole?
Brent Moore - Flickr The Sewanee Natural Bridge is a sandstone arch located in southern middle Tennessee, and it can only be seen via hike. We’ve included directions!
- The largest underground lake in the United States is hiding in Tennessee!
The Lost Sea - Facebook You can explore the massive cavern in Sweetwater via tour guide and glass bottomed boat. It’s a neat experience, one that gives you insight into the history of our state and it’s stunning natural underbelly.
- This state park feels like something out of a fairy tale…
Michael Hicks - Flickr Fall Creek Falls is known for its gorgeous scenery, but did you know that it is 256 feet tall? That makes it one of the tallest waterfalls this side of the Mississippi!
- Dale Hollow Lake is gorgeous, but we find it to be a bit underrated…
Anton Petrash - Flickr Located on the Kentucky and Tennessee border, poor Dale Hollow gets cast to the side when it comes to Center Hill Lake and Watauga Lake to the east. We, however, think it’s worth a long weekend.
- We made a list of the best places to camp right on the water.
Bledsoe Creek State Park - TN State Parks Because what’s summer camping without a quick dip in the lake/river/stream/pond? We found the best ones!
- Does an underground waterfall strike your fancy?
Ruby Falls - Facebook Ruby Falls is one of the most iconic attractions in Tennessee. You can visit for yourself, and be guided through the rainbow caverns to the 145 foot waterfall, deep below.
- This never ending rhododendron field is a magical experience.
Jim Liestman - Flickr A trip to Roan Mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains is not only stunning, but a true experience in the floral department. The mountain virtually explodes with blooms during June, and it’s quite the spectacle.
- This hiking trail transports you to another world…
Michael Hicks - Flickr The Honey Creek Loop is located near Allardt, Tennessee and you can find it it in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Keep in mind, it is challenging - but well worth the exertion.
- Care for a trip to the Little River at Townsend Wye?
tn1949 - TripAdvisor You have to be aware of your surroundings when you’re tubing in the river, but it’s one of the most vibrant and exciting spots to spend a summer afternoon.
- Visit Townsend, Tennessee to experience a town rife with natural beauty.
rjones0856 - Flickr Can you imagine waking up to THIS outside your window every morning…? It may be enough to get us to move!
- Cane Creek Falls is the lesser known of the waterworks in Fall Creek Falls State Park, but we love it.
Michael Hicks - Flickr At 85-feet tall it is a bit shorter than the park namesake, but it actually is the most voluminous in the park.
- We tend to believe that Bledsoe State Park is the most beautiful lakeside camping in the state.
Michael Hicks - Flickr Located just outside of Nashville, this beautiful state park used to serve as a hunting ground for multiple Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Shawnee, Creek and Chickamauga.
While you’re gallivanting around the state, you should check out these 6 Awesome Tunnels In Tennessee You Need To Drive Through At Least Once. They’re a trip!
Brent Moore - Flickr
The Sewanee Natural Bridge is a sandstone arch located in southern middle Tennessee, and it can only be seen via hike. We’ve included directions!
The Lost Sea - Facebook
You can explore the massive cavern in Sweetwater via tour guide and glass bottomed boat. It’s a neat experience, one that gives you insight into the history of our state and it’s stunning natural underbelly.
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Fall Creek Falls is known for its gorgeous scenery, but did you know that it is 256 feet tall? That makes it one of the tallest waterfalls this side of the Mississippi!
Anton Petrash - Flickr
Located on the Kentucky and Tennessee border, poor Dale Hollow gets cast to the side when it comes to Center Hill Lake and Watauga Lake to the east. We, however, think it’s worth a long weekend.
Bledsoe Creek State Park - TN State Parks
Because what’s summer camping without a quick dip in the lake/river/stream/pond? We found the best ones!
Ruby Falls - Facebook
Ruby Falls is one of the most iconic attractions in Tennessee. You can visit for yourself, and be guided through the rainbow caverns to the 145 foot waterfall, deep below.
Jim Liestman - Flickr
A trip to Roan Mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains is not only stunning, but a true experience in the floral department. The mountain virtually explodes with blooms during June, and it’s quite the spectacle.
The Honey Creek Loop is located near Allardt, Tennessee and you can find it it in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Keep in mind, it is challenging - but well worth the exertion.
tn1949 - TripAdvisor
You have to be aware of your surroundings when you’re tubing in the river, but it’s one of the most vibrant and exciting spots to spend a summer afternoon.
rjones0856 - Flickr
Can you imagine waking up to THIS outside your window every morning…? It may be enough to get us to move!
Michael Hicks - Flickr
At 85-feet tall it is a bit shorter than the park namesake, but it actually is the most voluminous in the park.
Located just outside of Nashville, this beautiful state park used to serve as a hunting ground for multiple Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Shawnee, Creek and Chickamauga.
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