Best Places to Hike in Tennessee: Trails for Every Skill Level

Looking for the best hiking trails in Tennessee? From family-friendly waterfall walks to rugged backcountry adventures, Tennessee’s parks offer some of the most scenic and rewarding hiking experiences in the Southeast.

With 65 parks and more than 1,300 miles of trails, outdoor enthusiasts have endless opportunities to explore waterfalls, forests, mountain overlooks, rivers, and diverse wildlife habitats. Whether you’re searching for easy hikes near Nashville, scenic waterfall trails, or challenging wilderness treks, you’ll find a trail suited to every skill level and interest.

The state’s park network continues to grow while preserving places that showcase Tennessee’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. In June 2026, Tennessee welcomed its newest addition, Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park in Meigs County, creating even more opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and historical interpretation.

Whether you’re planning your first hike or searching for your next outdoor challenge, these trails deserve a spot on your Tennessee adventure list.

Best Beginner Hiking Trails in Tennessee

If you’re new to hiking or looking for a relaxing day outdoors, these parks offer accessible trails, beautiful scenery, and rewarding experiences without strenuous climbs.

Long Hunter State Park

Just minutes from Nashville, Long Hunter State Park offers one of the best beginner hiking experiences in Middle Tennessee. The popular Volunteer Trail follows the shoreline of Percy Priest Lake, providing scenic water views, opportunities for birdwatching, and seasonal wildflower displays.

With gentle terrain and easy navigation, Long Hunter is an excellent choice for families, first-time hikers, and anyone seeking a peaceful outdoor escape close to the city.

Highlights:

• Volunteer Trail
• Percy Priest Lake views
• Birdwatching opportunities
• Family-friendly terrain

Henry Horton State Park

Located along the Duck River in Chapel Hill, TN, Henry Horton State Park features easy woodland trails and peaceful riverside scenery. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike while experiencing one of Tennessee’s most biologically diverse waterways.

The park’s relatively flat terrain makes it an ideal destination for beginners and families looking to connect with nature.

Highlights:

• Easy walking trails
• Duck River views
• Wildlife viewing opportunities
• Accessible outdoor experiences

Burgess Falls State Park

One of Tennessee’s most iconic waterfall destinations, Burgess Falls State Park features the River Trail, which leads visitors past a series of cascading waterfalls before reaching the park’s impressive 136-foot Burgess Falls.

The trail offers several overlooks, making it one of the most rewarding hikes in Tennessee for visitors seeking dramatic scenery without a lengthy trek.

Highlights:

• Multiple waterfall overlooks
• Burgess Falls
• Easy-to-moderate hiking
• Excellent photography opportunities

Best Intermediate Hiking Trails in Tennessee

Ready to tackle longer distances and more varied terrain? These Tennessee State Parks offer unforgettable scenery and rewarding adventures.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Home to Fall Creek Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States, this park is often considered one of Tennessee’s best hiking destinations.

Visitors can explore trails leading to scenic overlooks, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and rugged gorge views. The Base of Falls Trail provides a more adventurous experience, while overlook trails offer spectacular views for visitors of all abilities.

Highlights:

• Fall Creek Falls
• Cane Creek Falls
• Suspension bridge
• Gorge overlooks

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park

Known for its remote beauty, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park in Jamestown, TN, offers forested trails, sandstone bluffs, and unique rock formations. The park’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park makes it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both daytime adventure and nighttime stargazing.

Highlights:

• Scenic forest trails
• Rock formations and natural features
• Dark Sky Park designation
• Quiet, remote landscapes

Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park combines riverside hiking, dramatic overlooks, and breathtaking waterfall views. Trails wind through rugged terrain while offering opportunities to experience the power and beauty of the Caney Fork River.

The park’s combination of waterfalls, overlooks, and river scenery makes it one of Tennessee’s hidden gems.

Highlights:

• Great Falls views
• Caney Fork River
• Scenic overlooks
• Moderate hiking opportunities

Best Advanced Hiking Trails in Tennessee

Experienced hikers seeking challenging terrain and spectacular views will find some of Tennessee’s most memorable adventures in these parks.

Fiery Gizzard Trail

Frequently ranked among the top hiking trails in the United States, the Fiery Gizzard Trail offers rugged terrain, waterfalls, towering rock formations, and breathtaking overlooks.

This challenging trail rewards hikers with some of the most spectacular scenery found anywhere in Tennessee.

Highlights:

• Waterfalls and streams
• Rocky terrain
• Backcountry experience
• Composed of approximately 7,811 acres

Savage Gulf State Park

Massive sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and sweeping overlooks make Savage Gulf State Park one of Tennessee’s premier wilderness destinations.

The Stone Door Trail offers one of the state’s most spectacular viewpoints, while longer backcountry routes challenge experienced hikers with rugged terrain and unforgettable scenery.

Highlights:

• Stone Door overlook
• Waterfalls and gorges
• Backcountry camping opportunities
• Challenging terrain

Frozen Head State Park

Known for its steep elevation changes and extensive trail network, Frozen Head State Park offers hikers access to one of Tennessee’s most pristine wilderness areas.

Dense forests, mountain vistas, and remote backcountry routes create a rewarding experience for those seeking a true outdoor challenge.

Highlights:

• Mountain views
• Extensive trail system
• Wilderness experience
• Challenging elevation gains

Tennessee’s Newest State Park

Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park

Designated as Tennessee’s 65th state park in June 2026, Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park in Meigs County preserves an important chapter in American history while protecting a significant cultural landscape.

Located near the historic Blythe Ferry crossing, the park honors the memory of Cherokee people who were forcibly removed from their homelands during the Trail of Tears. Visitors can learn about this history while exploring a landscape that connects Tennessee’s natural resources with its cultural heritage.

As Tennessee’s newest state park, Cherokee Trail of Tears State Park reflects the state’s commitment to preserving places that educate, inspire, and connect future generations to Tennessee’s story.

How You Can Help Protect Tennessee’s Trails

Every footstep on a trail has an impact. As visitation to Tennessee State Parks continues to grow, responsible recreation and conservation efforts are more important than ever.

Tennessee’s trails pass through sensitive ecosystems that provide habitat for wildlife, protect water quality, and preserve native plant communities. Staying on designated trails and following Leave No Trace principles helps ensure these natural resources remain healthy for future generations.

Leave No Trace Tips for Tennessee Hikers

• Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion and protect sensitive habitats.
• Pack out everything you bring in, including food wrappers and other trash.
• Leave wildflowers, rocks, and natural features where you find them.
• Observe wildlife from a respectful distance and never feed animals.
• Respect historic and cultural sites.
• Follow all park regulations and trail closures.

Small actions by individual visitors help preserve Tennessee’s forests, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife habitats, and historic landscapes.

Why Conservation Matters

The trails we enjoy today require ongoing care and stewardship. Maintaining trail systems, restoring habitats, improving accessibility, and protecting natural resources all require long-term investment.

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy helps support projects that enhance and preserve Tennessee State Parks through:

• Trail improvements and accessibility enhancements
• Habitat restoration and conservation projects
• Educational programs that connect kids to nature
• Historic preservation efforts
• Special projects to improve the visitor experience

When you support the Conservancy, you’re helping ensure that Tennessee’s state parks remain welcoming, accessible, and protected for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Tennessee State Parks

What are the best hiking trails in Tennessee?

Some of the most popular hiking trails in Tennessee State Parks include the Volunteer Trail at Long Hunter State Park, the River Trail at Burgess Falls State Park, the Stone Door Trail at Savage Gulf State Park, and the waterfall trails at Fall Creek Falls State Park.

How many state parks are in Tennessee?

Tennessee currently has 65 state parks located throughout the state, offering more than 1,300 miles of trails and countless opportunities for outdoor recreation.

What should I bring on a Tennessee hike?

Visitors should bring water, appropriate footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, snacks, and trail information. Even short hikes can become challenging during Tennessee’s warm summer months. Before heading out, check the park’s website for updates and important information.

Are pets allowed in Tennessee State Parks?

Many Tennessee State Parks welcome pets in designated areas; however, pet policies can vary by park. Before your visit, it’s recommended to contact the park office to confirm whether pets are permitted and to learn about any specific restrictions or guidelines.

To help protect wildlife, natural resources, and other visitors, pets must remain on a leash at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up and properly disposing of pet waste. Following these guidelines helps ensure that Tennessee State Parks remain enjoyable for everyone.

Explore Tennessee One Trail at a Time

From beginner-friendly lakeside walks to challenging wilderness adventures, Tennessee State Parks offer some of the best hiking trails in the Southeast. With 65 parks across the state, there is always a new destination to discover, a new trail to explore, and a deeper connection to nature waiting around the next bend.

Support the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy today and help protect the trails, landscapes, wildlife, history, and outdoor experiences that make Tennessee extraordinary.