18 Epic Tennessee Hikes

Miles logged anywhere throughout the world will qualify for this year’s Hike-a-Thon, but if you need some ideas of beautiful places to explore here in Tennessee, we love these natural treasures!

MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Black Mountain to Brady Mountain (Cumberland Trail), Crab Orchard: The Cumberland Trail—a long-term collaborative project in progress—is a 300-mile hiking trail along the Cumberland Plateau. At the Black Mountain Trailhead, there are easy, shorter paths to picturesque overlooks and through elaborate rock formations. However, if you’re looking for a moderately strenuous and longer hike, take the 4.5-mile trail one way along the ridge overlooking Grassy Cove to Brady Mountain.
Window Cliffs State Natural Area, Baxter: This 5.5-mile out-and-back hike requires 18 creek crossings. While this trail contains beautiful streams, a 20-foot waterfall, and rare plants, the main attraction is the stunning and unique geologic feature that gave this State Natural Area its name.
Laurel Woods Trail at Beaman Park, Joelton: Hike the new Laurel Woods Trail at Beaman Park, a 6-mile moderate/hard loop trail added as part of the park hiking trails expansion.
Fiery Gizzard Ridgetop, Tracy City: For sweeping Fiery Gizzard ridgetop views, hike the 3.5-mile moderately easy trail starting at Foster Falls Trailhead.
Virgin Falls State Natural Area, Sparta: For those of you looking for a rugged adventure, visit Virgin Falls State Natural Area for a strenuous 9-mile hike surrounded by mature forest and gorgeous waterfalls.
Joy Gleghorn Nature Preserve at Wells Hill Park, Fayetteville: Enjoy an easy 2-mile hike featuring two small waterfalls and a stunning array of wildflowers. This hike at Joy Gleghorn Nature Preserve is an excellent option for those bringing children or leashed dogs.
Black Mountain, photo by Chuck Sutherland. Through a generous donation, TennGreen Land Conservancy assisted in the conservation of 518 acres of high bluffs, wildflowers, and historic ruins along Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park (the Cumberland Trail).

EAST TENNESSEE

Porter Creek Trail and Brushy Mountain Trail, Gatlinburg: Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Porter Creek Trail and Brushy Mountain Trail share the same first mile of old gravel road, with spur trails to historic home sites dating as far back as 1875. The Brushy Mountain Trail is a strenuous 12-mile hike, while the Porter Creek Trail is a more moderate 5.5-mile hike. Both trails are out-and-back trails, which feature charming wildflowers, streamside hiking, and serene waterfalls. However, the Brushy Mountain Trail has a much greater elevation change amidst moss-covered rocks, mature hemlocks, and scenic views atop the mountain.
Fred Behrend Loop Trail at Roan Mountain State Park, Carter County: This moderate 2-mile loop trail is lightly trafficked and perfect for hikers, trail runners, and leashed dogs.
Turtletown Falls Trails in Cherokee National Forest, Turtletown: Tucked in the flora- and fauna-rich Cherokee National Forest, this moderate, almost-4-mile loop trail features Turtletown Creek Lower Falls.
Whitehouse Cliffs of Rocky Fork State Park, Flag Pond: This short out-and-back hike (just over 2 miles) is considered moderately strenuous due to the elevation change to reach the top of Whitehouse Knob, where you’ll find awe-inspiring granite and quartzite cliffs. This location is also great for rock climbers—permit required.
Tennessee Riverpark Urban River Walk, Chattanooga: Perfectly nestled between the Tennessee River and Downtown Chattanooga, the Tennessee River Walk starting at Wheland Foundry is an 8-mile, moderately easy nature walk to Coolidge Park.
Chimney Top to Lookout Tower West Trail Loop, Wartburg: Frozen Head State Park’s Chimney Top to Lookout Tower West Trail loop is a challenging hike, just under 14 miles, with excellent elevation changes and breathtaking views.

Scenic mountain views in the Spring in front of blue sky with a few small clouds — Chimney Top at Frozen Head State Park, photo by Chuck Sutherland.

WEST TENNESSEE

Riverwalk and Big River Crossing Urban Hike, Memphis: Starting at Martyrs Park, this 3-mile loop trail includes views of both the Mississippi River and downtown Memphis. Continue your adventure across Big River Crossing, on the pedestrian path of Harahan Bridge, to add two miles out-and-back across the river into West Memphis, Arkansas. This bridge becomes an iconic beacon while lit in LED lights at night, adding to the already stunning Memphis skyline.
Pinson Mound Nature Trail, Pinson: Pinson Mound State Archaeological Park is home to the country’s second-largest Native American mound, Saul’s Mound, thought to be from the Middle Woodland period. This 3-mile walk is considered easy, with portions of the trail paved and optional stairs to access magnificent views.
Lake Placid at Chickasaw Bluff State Park, Deanburg: Enjoy an easy 2-mile hike around Lake Placid at Chickasaw Bluff State Park. This nature walk includes views of the lake passing a recreation area and a bridge crossing.
Lady’s Bluff Trail, Linden: Lady’s Bluff Trail is a Tennessee Valley Authority-managed trail that’s also a National Recreation Trail. This 2.5-mile out-and-back, moderately easy trail is located near Lick Creek’s confluence into the Tennessee River, and it meanders through the forest to an overlook view of Brusseltown Wildlife Refuge.
River Trail at Big Cypress Tree State Park, Greenfield: Enjoy an easy, almost 2-mile out-and-back hike along the River Trail at this lesser-known State Park.
Chickasaw Bluff Trail at Fort Pillow State Park, Henning: Historic and scenic, the Chickasaw Bluff Trail at Fort Pillow State Park is a 4-mile out-and-back trail with stunning views of the Mississippi River atop spectacular bluffs once inhabited by Chickasaw Tribes.