Tennessee is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful states in the entire country, but it can be hard to get out and experience that beauty when we’re in the coldest winter months. Whether you’re looking for motivation for your 2020 new year’s resolutions or you’re just looking for the next waterfall to chase, we’ve collected a list of the seven best hikes in Tennessee in which to experience the stunning beauty of the wintertime. Lace up your boots, grab your winter travel essentials, and hit the trails!
- Reelfoot Lake
Kelly Stewart - Flickr Reelfoot Lake is famous for being the only natural lake in Tennessee (it was formed by an earthquake in the early 1800s), but its half-immersed trees are absolutely breathtaking (and slightly eerie) in the chill of winter. There are plenty of trails along the lake’s shores that are ready for you to explore. Reelfoot Lake Watershed, Tennessee 38260, USA
- Montgomery Bell Loop
Miles On Trail - AllTrails Just a 45-minute drive west of Nashville, Montgomery Bell State Park offers the perfect escape from the city. The main loop that goes around the park is nearly ten and a half miles long, but there are shorter trails around the park as well. Montgomery Bell State Park, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA
- Pinson Mounds Nature Trail
Shane Hill - AllTrails Pinson Mounds is the site of a Native American burial ground, and the park now serves as an educational monument to those first residents of what is now Tennessee. The trail winds around the park for just under three and a half miles and includes an optional climb to the park’s tallest mound. Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park, 460 Ozier Rd, Pinson, TN 38366, USA
- Schoolhouse Gap Trail
Katrina Allocco - AllTrails The Schoolhouse Gap Trail near the famous Cades Cove is one of the most picturesque trails in all of East Tennessee. During the winter when the trees are thinned out, you can see for miles and miles out across the valleys, and it’s even prettier when it’s covered in snow! The trail itself is out-and-back and just under five miles. Schoolhouse Gap Trail, Tennessee 37882, USA
- Rainbow Falls Trail
DJ Ferry - AllTrails Rainbow Falls should not be attempted if it has gotten a lot of snow, simply because parts of it are pretty steep, but with a light dusting or even on a clear winter day, this trail is truly one of the best hikes in Tennessee. The 6.5-mile out-and-back trail is a great way to get out if you’re visiting nearby Gatlinburg and want to avoid the crowds. Rainbow Falls Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA
- Cane Creek Falls
Haley Bennett - AllTrails Can Creek Falls and its nearby neighbor Fall Creek Falls are both absolutely stunning in the wintertime, as you can see from this picture of the lower cascades frozen over. The main loop at the state park is 2.5 miles and is a great way to get in a quick, gorgeous hike. Cane Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
- Radnor Lake Loop
Michael Hicks - Flickr For those Nashvillians who don’t want to go far for their hiking, Radnor Lake is the perfect spot. The loop around the lake is partially paved and is pretty flat, so it’s a great winter walk destination. The trail itself is only two and a half miles and there are plenty of coffee shops nearby where you can warm your hands afterward. Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37220, USA
Now that you’ve seen some of the best hikes in Tennessee for the wintertime, which of these trails are you most excited to lace up your boots for and get on? If staying inside is more your speed during the winter months, we don’t blame you though. These decadent sticky buns at Marcy Jo’s in rural Tennessee are the perfect ways to warm up.
Kelly Stewart - Flickr
Reelfoot Lake is famous for being the only natural lake in Tennessee (it was formed by an earthquake in the early 1800s), but its half-immersed trees are absolutely breathtaking (and slightly eerie) in the chill of winter. There are plenty of trails along the lake’s shores that are ready for you to explore.
Reelfoot Lake Watershed, Tennessee 38260, USA
Miles On Trail - AllTrails
Just a 45-minute drive west of Nashville, Montgomery Bell State Park offers the perfect escape from the city. The main loop that goes around the park is nearly ten and a half miles long, but there are shorter trails around the park as well.
Montgomery Bell State Park, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029, USA
Shane Hill - AllTrails
Pinson Mounds is the site of a Native American burial ground, and the park now serves as an educational monument to those first residents of what is now Tennessee. The trail winds around the park for just under three and a half miles and includes an optional climb to the park’s tallest mound.
Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park, 460 Ozier Rd, Pinson, TN 38366, USA
Katrina Allocco - AllTrails
The Schoolhouse Gap Trail near the famous Cades Cove is one of the most picturesque trails in all of East Tennessee. During the winter when the trees are thinned out, you can see for miles and miles out across the valleys, and it’s even prettier when it’s covered in snow! The trail itself is out-and-back and just under five miles.
Schoolhouse Gap Trail, Tennessee 37882, USA
DJ Ferry - AllTrails
Rainbow Falls should not be attempted if it has gotten a lot of snow, simply because parts of it are pretty steep, but with a light dusting or even on a clear winter day, this trail is truly one of the best hikes in Tennessee. The 6.5-mile out-and-back trail is a great way to get out if you’re visiting nearby Gatlinburg and want to avoid the crowds.
Rainbow Falls Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA
Haley Bennett - AllTrails
Can Creek Falls and its nearby neighbor Fall Creek Falls are both absolutely stunning in the wintertime, as you can see from this picture of the lower cascades frozen over. The main loop at the state park is 2.5 miles and is a great way to get in a quick, gorgeous hike.
Cane Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
For those Nashvillians who don’t want to go far for their hiking, Radnor Lake is the perfect spot. The loop around the lake is partially paved and is pretty flat, so it’s a great winter walk destination. The trail itself is only two and a half miles and there are plenty of coffee shops nearby where you can warm your hands afterward.
Radnor Lake, Oak Hill, TN 37220, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Tennessee April 05, 2022 Sara Dager What are some of the best hikes in Tennessee to take in the summer time? Tennessee is lucky to see relatively moderate summers with average highs of around 83 degrees. With hours of extra sun and lots of gorgeous nature to see, summer is the perfect time to fit in a nice hike in the Volunteer State. We think the ideal summer hike in Tennessee is one that includes some water, maybe a creek, or a waterfall, or both, and the Porter Creek trail has all of that, plus multiple footbridges and the remains of an old farm. At just over four miles this trail is perfect for intermediate level hikers. Take a look at our list of hidden waterfalls in Tennessee for more inspiration for the perfect summer hike (or in some cases short stroll.) Just don’t forget a good layer of sunscreen and bug spray, especially if you’re going into the woods! Which hiking trails in Tennessee are most family friendly? Hiking with the whole family is no doubt a delight, but it can also be a struggle. With members of all levels of ability, children or elderly folks who may tire quickly, and all of the distractions that nature provides, you want to make sure you are picking just the right family friendly hiking trail in Tennessee before putting on your boots, packing some snacks, and heading out. Our list of easy hikes in Tennessee includes trails with waterfalls, loops around lakes, and a trail that comes in under a mile that’s perfect for almost everyone! Are there any natural wonders in Tennessee? Tennessee is chock full of natural wonders to well… wonder at! It’s hard to make a turn without spotting a waterfall or scenic lookout, and you know that our lakes can’t be beat. The most famous natural wonder in the Volunteer State is of course the expansive Smoky Mountains, but there is a lot more to be seen and admired. Take a look at our list of seven of the best natural wonders in Tennessee and start planning your trip or trips to see them all now!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Tennessee
April 05, 2022
Sara Dager
What are some of the best hikes in Tennessee to take in the summer time? Tennessee is lucky to see relatively moderate summers with average highs of around 83 degrees. With hours of extra sun and lots of gorgeous nature to see, summer is the perfect time to fit in a nice hike in the Volunteer State. We think the ideal summer hike in Tennessee is one that includes some water, maybe a creek, or a waterfall, or both, and the Porter Creek trail has all of that, plus multiple footbridges and the remains of an old farm. At just over four miles this trail is perfect for intermediate level hikers. Take a look at our list of hidden waterfalls in Tennessee for more inspiration for the perfect summer hike (or in some cases short stroll.) Just don’t forget a good layer of sunscreen and bug spray, especially if you’re going into the woods! Which hiking trails in Tennessee are most family friendly? Hiking with the whole family is no doubt a delight, but it can also be a struggle. With members of all levels of ability, children or elderly folks who may tire quickly, and all of the distractions that nature provides, you want to make sure you are picking just the right family friendly hiking trail in Tennessee before putting on your boots, packing some snacks, and heading out. Our list of easy hikes in Tennessee includes trails with waterfalls, loops around lakes, and a trail that comes in under a mile that’s perfect for almost everyone! Are there any natural wonders in Tennessee? Tennessee is chock full of natural wonders to well… wonder at! It’s hard to make a turn without spotting a waterfall or scenic lookout, and you know that our lakes can’t be beat. The most famous natural wonder in the Volunteer State is of course the expansive Smoky Mountains, but there is a lot more to be seen and admired. Take a look at our list of seven of the best natural wonders in Tennessee and start planning your trip or trips to see them all now!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tennessee is lucky to see relatively moderate summers with average highs of around 83 degrees. With hours of extra sun and lots of gorgeous nature to see, summer is the perfect time to fit in a nice hike in the Volunteer State. We think the ideal summer hike in Tennessee is one that includes some water, maybe a creek, or a waterfall, or both, and the Porter Creek trail has all of that, plus multiple footbridges and the remains of an old farm. At just over four miles this trail is perfect for intermediate level hikers. Take a look at our list of hidden waterfalls in Tennessee for more inspiration for the perfect summer hike (or in some cases short stroll.) Just don’t forget a good layer of sunscreen and bug spray, especially if you’re going into the woods!
Which hiking trails in Tennessee are most family friendly?
Hiking with the whole family is no doubt a delight, but it can also be a struggle. With members of all levels of ability, children or elderly folks who may tire quickly, and all of the distractions that nature provides, you want to make sure you are picking just the right family friendly hiking trail in Tennessee before putting on your boots, packing some snacks, and heading out. Our list of easy hikes in Tennessee includes trails with waterfalls, loops around lakes, and a trail that comes in under a mile that’s perfect for almost everyone!
Are there any natural wonders in Tennessee?
Tennessee is chock full of natural wonders to well… wonder at! It’s hard to make a turn without spotting a waterfall or scenic lookout, and you know that our lakes can’t be beat. The most famous natural wonder in the Volunteer State is of course the expansive Smoky Mountains, but there is a lot more to be seen and admired. Take a look at our list of seven of the best natural wonders in Tennessee and start planning your trip or trips to see them all now!
