Find local adventures, unique places to stay, and local adventure tours in iconic destinations like Great Smoky Mountain National Park and across the state. Hiking, backpacking, biking, rafting, and more.
Top Photography Spots in and near Tennessee, United States
Start your hike at Anthony Creek Trailhead (elevation 1,800 ft), in the Cade’s Cove area. The trailhead is located at the far end of the day-use picnic area near Cade’s Cove campground. There are a few parking spots right at the trailhead, but note that the picnic area closes at dusk (a gate closes ...
The gravel road heading to the trailhead is on the rougher side to take it slow. When you get to the trailhead it’s a small gravel pull off right off the road. There are no maps at the trailhead but there are only a few trails to take and they are marked with a blue marker. To get to the upper falls...
This route to Clingmans Dome is available throughout the year. But during the winter months from December 1 through March 31, the 7-mile Clingman’s Dome Road that branches off Highway 441 at Newfound Gap, stays closed. This means the usual drive to the parking area located just a half mile below the...
Very little elevation gain leads to an easy hike along a river right outside of the Ocoee river region. First .7 miles is very flat, then leads to some slight elevation gain but nothing too serious. This trail traverses through the lush forest for a short distance when you come across a small creek ...
Catch the sunset, bring friends and a picnic, or gaze at the stars from this classic Tennessee overlook! To reach Chilhowee Overlook, follow U.S. Highway from Ocoee, Tennessee for 8 miles then turn left onto Oswald Road. Follow Oswald Road for 3.75 miles until you encounter the overlook on your righ...
Pinnacle Mountain hosts one of the nicest fire towers on the East Coast of the United States. The fire tower is relatively new, sturdy, and has a large 360 degree viewing area at the top. The tower overlooks the Downtown Johnson City area, Elizabethton, Erwin, and the rest of the Buffalo Mountain Ra...
The trail starts at the parking lot which has some nice bathrooms and a nice small picnic area that is open year-round. From the trailhead, you will follow the signs that will lead you to a short mostly flat, 7-mile hike to the first arch. Once you get to the first arch there is a small area with so...
Honestly this is hard to even call a trail, but that doesn't mean it lacks beauty. Once you take the right or left of off ridge Ridge Road make sure to go past the first parking lot and into the second larger parking lot. The trail starts near the front of the parking lot on the right side of the pa...
Halls Top Fire Tower is a special untouched spot in the Cherokee National Forest. The road that leads you into the CNF is known as Halls Top Road just a few miles off of Interstate I-40. This road will take you 4.4 miles to the next turn onto Stone Mountain Road this road is 2.1 miles to the gate be...
The trailhead is located across from the Woods at Fontanel Music Venue, with the trail leading up and over the ridge behind the Fontanel Mansion and back down by the Woods at Fontanel VIP seating area. Keep in mind that the trails also connect to a mile of paved Metro Parks Greenway for foot and bik...
The maynardville fire tower is one that anyone can go too since you can drive straight to the base of it. From the base however there are about 100 steep stairs to the top. On the way up you will need to be extra careful because it is very old and was never built for safety. When you get to the top ...
Starting at the Appalachian Trail (AT) trailhead at US 19E, follow the AT north for 3.1 miles until you reach the intersection of the trail with Buck Mountain Rd. This section of the AT has an elevation gain of almost 1000 ft, and large sections of trail with significant meadows offering magnificent...
After an easy 25 minute drive from Chattanooga you will reach North Chickamauga Gorge on Montlake Road in Soddy Daisy. Park any where in the gravel loop just make sure other cars can get through. From the Montlake Road Trailhead Kiosk the trail begins on an old mining road. Hogskin Upper Loop Trail ...
One of the best trails in the Smokies is the Middle Prong Trail. The trail passes three major waterfalls, in addition to numerous smaller falls, cataracts and cascades. Once you've parked, you'll start at the trail head and immediately see your first cascade. From the trailhead hikers will cross a m...
Start this canoe adventure from Milltown Dam for an easy five-mile paddle down a wide, scenic river. During the warmer months, you will undoubtebly encounter a variety of wildlife, from water to land. Take your time as you float around small islands and rocks, and dock your boat for a quiet picnic, ...
North River Road is located in the Nantahala National Forest near Tellico Plains. To get to North River Campground you can either drive up the Cherohala Skyway about 6 miles then turn when you see the sign for the campground and bald river falls. Another way to get to the campsites along North River...