Sweetwater, Tennessee

8:30 a.m. and we’re winding our way down Highway 129 near Robbinsville, NC. The fog is still thick over the Little Tennessee River as we slow down crossing the bridge into Graham County. “I think we missed it,” I say as we continue onward. Within minutes the Tapoco Lodge comes into view. My pre-h...

The Laurel-Snow Trail was the first National Recreation Trail designated in Tennessee and at just under 35 miles from downtown Chattanooga, it is perfect for a day hike, for a day of climbing, or for setting up basecamp for the weekend. The 2,000 acre area sits along the Walden Ridge of the Cumbe...

Start this hike from the parking lot of the Chilhowee Day Use Area (here you must remember to bring $3 cash to pay the day use fee). To begin, walk along the path to the left of the facilities until you come to the trailhead.  Start here continuing along the left-side of the lake. After passing t...

Hooper bald is one of the highest points in Graham County so the views from the top can be spectacular year round.  The trail-head starts at mile marker 8 on the Cherohala Skyway. From the trail-head you start your accent on a semi-paved trail and walk about a half-mile before reaching the edge o...

Huckleberry Knob is the highest point in the Cheoah Ranger District at 5,560 feet, and it offers expansive views of the surrounding Cherokee and Natahala National Forest. The hike is 2.4 miles roundtrip and begins at the parking lot between mile 8 and 9 up an old dirt road. You will go up the di...

Potter's Falls is a semi locally known area that is used for lots of different activities. To get there the roads are pretty simple and easy to follow the directions. The parking can be a bit tricky especially if its during the summer or extreme cold in the winter. There are only about 15 spots o...

Gregory Bald via Twentymile is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Robbinsville, North Carolina.

One of the biggest perks of hiking Abrams Falls is the drive to get there. The trailhead is located approximately 5 miles into the scenic Cades Cove Loop. Cades Cove is an adventure in itself. Keep your eye out for black bears, deer and wild turkey. If you are taking the self guided auto tour, Ab...

The beauty of this trail starts at the parking lot. Before you start the trail, you will find a picnic table near the parking lot and go down to the edge of the rolling stream. Its a great spot to hear the stream and take some pictures. If you are feeling adventurous you can try to hop from rock ...

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 cre...

Starting at the parking lot, head up the trail (Clemmer #302/Scenic Spur #78) and it should say "1.7 miles to waterfalls". At the top of the hill in approximately 0.1 miles, veer to the right on trail #78. Continue for another 0.6 miles trail - #86 cuts across but continue straight on #78. From t...

The Lakeshore Park Loop in Knoxville, Tennessee, offers visitors a scenic and accessible pathway through the expansive 185-acre Lakeshore Park. This loop trail provides panoramic views of the Tennessee River and the Great Smoky Mountains, making it a favorite spot for walkers, joggers, and fami...

The Gregory Bald summit is indisputably picturesque – the 10-acre meadow at the top hosts magnificent azalea blooms in June, wild blueberries in August, and views of Cades Cove, Rich Mountain, Fontana Lake, Thunderhead Mountain, and Clingmans Dome, year-round. Start this hike at the Gregory Ridg...

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 ...

Cade's Cove is a valley located smack in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Feel free to drive the 11 mile loop in the day, but if you're really cool, you'll schedule your trip around a full moon so you can bike under the light of night! Allow yourself a few hours to explore a...

The overlook is easily accessible from a parking circle located off Oswald Road. Follow U.S. Highway from Ocoee, Tennessee for 8 miles then turn left onto Oswald Road. Follow Oswald Road for 2.5 miles until you encounter the overlook on your left. The overlook will be clearly marked with signage....