The most well-known outdoor attractions there are Dunbar Cave, the Cumberland River. They are narrow unmaintained roads. Great River Road, Tennessee Highway. One of the longest caves in the whole world, Cumberland Caverns is a must for anyone seeking a truly unique experience during their visit to Tennessee. Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. Then Chattanooga has a population of 171,000. And, since Virginia is for Lovers, we also wanted to share a little love for our neighbors! The area offers a wide selection of activities for nature enthusiasts and active travelers like Ocoee River Rafting where the Olympic games happened in 1996. As visitors travel this gorgeous route, they can take in the peace of the nearby woods. Dating back as early as the 19th century, the Old Mill is one of the oldest continuously operating grist mill in Tennessee. If so, be sure to share the prettiest cities in Tennessee with us in the comments. With a population of around 4,000, Gatlinburg remains small despite the fact that its location, Sevier County, attracts around 12 million visitors each year. Next, visitors can retreat to the serenity of the Cherohala Skyway, a picturesque byway that crosses the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests. Spend time exploring the Old Trace Drive, a historic Native American pathway, offering insight into the area's rich history. The Tennessee mountain town of Pigeon Forge is one of the best vacation destinations in the eastern part of the state. Head to Princes Hot Chicken Shack, the place that is regarded as original hot chicken (although it is thought that Nashvilles African-American community actually has been preparing this style of chicken for generations). Famous for its whiskey, being the birthplace of Country Music and the Blues, the Great Smokey Mountains, its network of over 10,000 caves, being home to Elviss beloved mansion, and its famous vibrant and soulful cities, Tennessee is one of the most alluring and captivating states in the USA. Here are some of the best, without the trek. Lake access offers the perfect environment for camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing, boating, and water sports with over 300 miles of natural shoreline. 10 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee (with Map) - Touropia The drive will take people from the Tellico Plains of Tennessee all the way to North Carolina's Robbinsville. 10 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns in Tennessee - Trips To Discover ). Loretta Lynns Coal Miners Daughter Museum is one of the main things to do, while the area also plays hosts to several concerts and motocross races, the highlight of which is probably the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship. thank you for sharing amazing article on road trip, USA After some construction, a special pathway was built, leading to the hidden lake. One thing youll love about the city is that it is a great place to visit any time of the year. Great as they are, there's more to the Volunteer State than Nashville and Memphis. It is the perfect warming dish for winter too (if you like things spicy)! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Tennessee is full of rich history, vibrant communities, and beautiful scenery. Beyond this bit of historical intrigue, there are antique stores, restaurants, hiking opportunities, the Monkey Town Brewing Company, and Chickamauga Lake, allegedly home to the best bass fishing in the nation. Also, there are a lot of additional programs like arts and crafts, campfires, movies, organized sports, and live musical entertainment. It is also famous for being home to one of the countrys most famous and largest military parks, Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park in the country. An incredible natural resource into the woods, the Ijams Nature Center is located barely a mile from downtown Knoxville. When youre in Americas most-visited national park, you can find a wide range of activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, and of course, photographing the wonderful nature. Required fields are marked *. These scenic road trips will show visitors Tennessee's true splendor as they pass by famous monuments, important historical sites, and undiscovered gems. Whether visitors are nature enthusiasts, history buffs, or simply seeking an escape into picturesque surroundings, Tennessee's scenic road trips hold wonders for everyone. If you squint, you might just make out Kentucky and Virginia too a great test for the eyes. Located in the south-central region of Tennessee, Lynchburg first saw settlers arrive around 1801 and, not long after that, was the temporary home of Davy Crockett. Together with its outbuildings, the plantation sprawls over roughly 5,400 acres. The East Tennessee Crossing route provides an enthralling tour of the region's captivating scenery. It may be small, but this town holds all kinds of festivities throughout the year. Also, that name? Ruby Falls - Facebook 13. These road excursions offer plenty of chances to have unforgettable experiences, whether tourists are looking for excitement, peace, or an acquaintance with Tennessee's rich legacy. Also, don't miss the Meriwether Lewis Site; Meriwether Lewis (of the Lewis and Clark Expedition) died and was buried seven miles east of the town in 1809. 16 Top Lakes in Tennessee - U.S. News Travel With so much to do, where are the best places to visit? Tourists will be mesmerized by the breathtaking sights, flowing waterfalls, and lush vegetation as they travel. It's just their gorgeous southern home. The Most Beautiful Towns to Live in Tennessee - MattWardHomes.com There are so many natural wonders, small towns, and beautiful outdoor destinations just begging to be explored. Oddly, though Lynchburg is home to Jack Daniel's Distillery the oldest registered distillery in the country, founded in 1866 by Mr. Jack Daniel himself its home county (Moore County) has been a dry county since Tennessee enacted prohibition laws in 1910. When browsing through some of the most amazing pictures I was surely amazed with how many awesome sites I still have to visit in this state! But I digress! Numerous chances exist along the path for picnicking, hiking, and animal viewing. Near the Townsend entrance to the national park, you can do some hiking at Rich Mountain Loop, which promises spectacular views of nature (and waterfalls)! The city of Memphis is located in southwestern Tennessee and is a huge hub for rock n roll, blues, hip-hop, and soul music. The city straddles the Tennessee and Virginia state line and youll find all kinds of exciting things to do in Bristol VA and TN! You can still check out the Rhea County Courthouse where it was conducted, as well as visit the Scopes Trial Museum. Every turn will reward visitors with breathtaking views as they travel across the Appalachian Mountains, lush valleys, and next to clear rivers. There are many historical sights in Townsend and one cant-miss location is Tuckaleechee Cove as it offers visitors a glimpse into Appalachian history. Renowned for its pristine mountains, alpine waterfalls, vast biodiversity and spruce-fir forests, the Smokey Mountains National Park is Americas most visited national park. The enchanting hamlet of Gatlinburg, which offers a variety of outdoor pursuits, is hidden away in the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains. The other notable attractions in Chattanooga include Lookout Mountain Cave, Hunter Museum of American Art, Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo, and Tennessee River Park for outdoor enthusiasts interested in boating, hiking, or walking. The East Tennessee Crossing gives visitors a fantastic experience by showcasing the area's scenic beauty and cultural attractions. Clarksville. Every turn of the Cherohala Skyway brings tranquility and magnificent surroundings. The old Tennessee State Prison is one of the most beautiful buildings in Tennessee, as well as one of the most physically imposing. To experience the breathtaking scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains, there are few better journeys than the Dollywood Express Steam Train, a 20-minute mountain excursion providing some of the most beautiful views of anywhere in the United States, let alone in the state of Tennessee. Boating and swimming are again a main draw but the good choice of marinas make this a very popular destination. The Great River Road is an iconic scenic route beginning at Reelfoot Lake and following the Mississippi River through Tennessee all the way to Memphis. 16 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee in 2023 | Travellers It is one of the best places to visit in Tennessee with children! Also, dont miss out on one of the most famous places in Sevierville, the WonderWorks Pigeon Forge, an upside-down amusement park located indoors. 3) If you're looking for the peace and quiet of a valley, Cades Cove is where it's at. The state features a variety of picturesque road journeys that enthrall visitors, from the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains to flowing rivers and lush woodlands. Other than that, at Fall Creek Falls, the Nature Center provides direct environmental education through a number of naturalist-led programs. On the Woodlands Trace, travelers can see Tennessee's western border's beauty. Home Travel Guides United States Tennessee (TN) 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Tennessee. Signal Point was originally used by Native Americans to send messages and today, the views from the top, looking over the Tennessee River Valley and the City of Chattanooga, are among the most unforgettable in the States. Attractions Food & Drink Map Leaderboards Stories Unusual Attractions in Tennessee Gatlinburg, Tennessee Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains For two weeks every June,. Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina is the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which is the most visited national park in the States. The Tennessee National Park has many stunning natural and historical sites like Cades Cove, an isolated valley surrounded by mountains and colorful forests, camping sites, and hiking trails. Kevin Stephenson / Flickr. The Cades Cove Loop is a fascinating drive presenting an exceptional combination of scenic natural beauty and rich cultural legacy. When it comes to the, Charming and tiny, this is where the famous Scopes Trial was held in 1925. Ober Gatlinburg is Tennessees only ski resort, while Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies is a popular attraction too. Appalachia has a real gem in Tellico Plains. Make sure to check out The Elephant Sanctuary, the nearby Natchez Trace Wine Trail, Natchez Trace Wilderness Preserve, and the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway. The rare white Fallow deer can also be seen within the Rock City attraction, but for the best views of the land surrounding Lookout Mountain visitors will have to be brave enough to cross the Swing-A-Long bridge. If youre seeking something unique and interesting to do, be sure to visit the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum where you can see more than 20,000 different salt and pepper shakers. From November to February the town is lit up by stunning environmentally-friendly displays, with unique LED lighting displays along Gatlinburgs famous Downtown Parkway, adjacent River Road, among the most impressive of the sights on offer. Here, expect breathtaking mountain views, great hiking, fishing and rafting along the Nolichucky River, and an adorable downtown area with a quality coffee shop, pottery studio, outdoor supply store, and more. Best known for being home to Dollywood, the mountain resort town of Pigeon Forge is a fun and friendly place to visit that has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The Old Jail Museum and Lynchburg Cake and Candy Company are also popular attractions. Learn more about all there is to uncover in, This compact East Tennessee town is a homing beacon for tourists. In 1915, an idea was shared to develop the cave to make it accessible for visitors. 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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States and even outranks Yellowstone National Park and Zion National Park with its 12m+ annual visitors! Murfreesboro is well-known for being the home of Middle Tennessee State University, the largest undergraduate university in the state. Yes , these are all great places but one area is always overlooked on these lists . Other notable waterfalls in the park include the Piney Falls and the Cane Creek Falls. Tennessee is positively brimming with charming small towns. Home to the International Storytelling Center, which hosts the National Storytelling Festival each October, Jonesborough is also considered the "storytelling capital of the world.". Discover the hiking routes to peaceful picnic areas and unknown waterfalls. Tennessee truly has it all. The Ocoee River Byway in Tennessee, passing through Cherokee National Forest, is a beautiful must-see path for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The largest underground lake in America, otherwise known by the name of The Lost Sea (or Craighead Caverns), is one of East Tennessees treasures. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At the Tennessee Riverpark you can view the Walnut St. Bridge and go walking, boating, and hiking. From Memphis to Gatlinburg, from shopping malls to theme parks to National Parks, Tennessee has something for everyone, and all of the activities are family-friendly! Paris Landing State Park and Pickwick State Park also deserve a place on this list as theyre located on the scenic Tennessee River and offer boating, lodging, golf courses, and other recreational activities. Since 1991, Graceland has been on the list of the National Register of Historic Places. May 27, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. 16 Top Lakes in Tennessee. 8 Places To Visit in Tennessee That Every Traveler Would Like To Explore! What sets Jackson City apart from other major attractions in Tennessee is its proximity to numerous state parks. The trip is a haven for nature enthusiasts with birdwatching, hiking, and camping options. Spend time exploring the musical heritage, southern hospitality and architectural buildings of the city. 6. Take a look at places to visit in Tennessee during USA Travel. Christmas in Olde Jonesborough is another highlight. 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Tennessee, Source: Charles Lemar Brown / shutterstock, Source: Small Town Big World / shutterstock, Where to Stay in San Diego Neighborhoods & Area Guide, 15 Best Things to Do in Logansport (Indiana), 15 Best Things to Do in Penzance (Cornwall, England), Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can visit the Hensley Settlement in the park, which is a living history village representative of early Appalachian settlement.