Well, the weather is changing and there are few things better than being on the side of a mountain in the cool, crisp fall air. At this moment, I am in Florida enjoying the sunshine and cooler beach days. Fall is great here too, but I keep day dreaming about a day on the trails in Tennessee. I can’t help it, I just love a Tennessee hike. So here’s a list of five places to visit across a beautiful state (although there are plenty more.) Feel free to leave a comment about your own outdoor adventures. Okay, now get out there…GO!
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park- Chimney Tops Trail/Chimneys Picnic Area
This trail can be busy therefore it is highly recommended to begin fairly early in the morning. We started just before eight o’clock and saw quite a crowd coming up on the way back down. (This trail is rated Difficult, unfortunately the very top of the trail remains closed off due to fire damage. Don’t worry, this trek will still offer amazing views.) The Chimney Tops trail is probably the first serious hike that I remember tackling as a child; it was much more difficult years later as an adult.
There is so much to do, so if you aren’t up for the trail then grill something at the ‘Chimneys Picnic Area.’ Explore the river and spend time relaxing, listening to the water and feeling the crisp mountain air against your face. Ahhh! Now that’s what I’m talking about…It’s a beautiful place to get some perspective on life. Nature Conservation Reminder: Leave it as you found it. (Leave the rocks as you found them.)
2. Signal Mountain-Edwards Point-Chattanooga, TN
We started near Rainbow Lake and went up Signal Mountain to Edwards Point on the southern section of the Cumberland trail. From there you can cross Middle Creek on a 100 ft wooden suspension bridge, view Lockhart’s Arch and continue the trail to Edward’s Point with amazing colors in the fall.
The rock formations make a fun playground that the kids will enjoy. A hiking stick may be handy, the terrain makes for a beautiful and challenging hike with a view at the end that is well worth it. You can also hike to Edwards Point by starting your trip at Signal Point which makes the trek just under 3 miles. Edwards Point overlooks the Chattanooga valley with a breathtaking expanse of the Tennessee River.
3. Great Smoky Mountains-Clingmans Dome-Appalachian Trail
Clingmans is the highest point in Tennessee at 6,643 feet. This is a great place for the entire family. It is nostalgic for me since I first went strapped to my parents back and have visited numerous times over the years. You can even park and get an excellent vista from the sidewalk. The walk up is a steep, paved path, about half a mile with plenty of places to rest if needed. Once you get to the base of Clingmans Dome, there’s ample seating for a quick snack. There are downsides, sometimes the views from the dome can be impeded by thick cloud cover (check visibility before you go, after all it is the Smokies), also prepare for a crowd. If you want a true mountain trail then jump on part of the Appalachian trail for a challenge with awe inspiring views. (We attempted only a very small portion, but hope to explore further.)
4. Natchez Trace Parkway-101 mile Tennessee Portion-Jackson Falls
There is no way to sum up the beauty that can be found as you cruise across Tennessee on the Northern section of the parkway. The leaves are most beautiful early fall. One of my favorites is Jackson Falls, its a short walk to see the beautiful falls and there are even stairs making an otherwise difficult area much more accessible. There are plenty of trails and scenic overlooks on the parkway that I hope to explore in the future. Natchez Trace Parkway stretches from Nashville, TN down to Natchez, MS for a total of 444 miles of scenic National Park.
5.Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park-Manchester, TN
This place has a certain special vibe about it. It is home to a prehistoric stone “fort” which was actually a ceremonial gathering place built by Native Americans. The trails offer views of gorgeous waterfalls. You can visit the museum welcome center for more information on the excavation and history.
*Bonus: Fall Creek Falls State Park-Woodland Trail and Gorge Overlook for a short less than 3 mile loop. Its a great trail for dogs on leash or a hike with kiddos. This park offers backcountry camping (need a permit) for a more rustic experience, or stay in a campsite, cabin rental or the Inn. The park is known for Fall Creek Falls, there are also other water features such as Piney Falls and Cane Creek Falls with over 50 miles of trails throughout the park. (Photo not included)
Photo credit: Lindsey Phillips Sebastian
Shown below: The wooden bridge at Signal mountain on the way to Edwards Point.
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