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

  • Signal Mountain, Tennessee

    Edwards Point via Signal Point

    4.8
    5.21 mi / 1184 ft gain
    The Signal Point to Edwards Points trail serves as the southernmost leg of the Cumberland Trail, winding through part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. From the initial Signal Point overlook, the path descends into Middle Creek Gorge, passes through the Rainbow Lake Wilde...
    Read more
  • Tullahoma, Tennessee

    Hike to Lower and Upper Busby Falls

    4.8
    2 mi / 275 ft gain
    Short Springs Natural Area is where these falls are located. There is a decent amount of hiking trails that are a nice getaway for a day to hang out at for waterfalls. Put into your gps "machine falls parking." The gps will take you to the exact parking area. The directions go as follows from Nas...
    Read more
  • Chattanooga, Tennessee

    Middle Creek Falls

    3.5
    1.69 mi / 712 ft gain
    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 ...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Mount Pleasant, Tennessee

    Stillhouse Hollow Falls

    5.0
    1.23 mi / 295 ft gain
    This waterfall is a fun short hike that can be done quick, or a nice place to hangout for the day in your hammock to read a book! From Nashville, take I-65 south and take the Saturn Parkway toward Columbia. Turn right on Hwy 43 and proceed about 21 miles. The natural area parking area is on the ...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Cosby, Tennessee

    Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower

    4.5
    10.99 mi / 2877 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...
    Read more
  • Nashville, Tennessee

    Volunteer Trail

    3.6
    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 ...
    Read more
  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Cataract Falls

    4.3
    1.09 mi / 92 ft gain
    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...
    Read more
  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Hike to the Ramsey Cascades

    4.9
    7.83 mi / 2254 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...
    Read more
  • 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. ...
    Read more
  • Tullahoma, Tennessee

    Rutledge Falls

    4.5
    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...
    Read more
  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    White Rock Overlook

    5.0
    2.85 mi / 876 ft gain
    The White Rock trailhead is less than a 10 minute drive from downtown Johnson City. When pulling up Highbridge Road, take a left at the fork. You will shortly encounter a vehicle gate where you will park to the side of the road (do not block the yellow vehicle gate). You have the option to walk ...
    Read more
  • Johnson City, Tennessee

    Tip Top via White Oak Trail

    4.3
    4.97 mi / 1640 ft gain
    Tip Top rests on one of the highest points of Buffalo Mountain. The overlook features tree coverage perfect for hammocking and benches while providing views of Downtown Johnson City as well as the other side of the mountain range. The hike from the trailhead to Tip Top is moderately steep. The tr...
    Read more
  • 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 ...
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more