11 Beautiful Tennessee Locations You Probably Didn't Know Existed
By Meghan Kraft
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Updated on March 07, 2024
(Originally published April 19, 2023)
Tennessee is known for its varied topography and stunning beauty as a state, one of the greenest in the south that boasts a lush forested region and dozens of beautiful small towns. Still, no matter how many times you’ve made your way to the Volunteer State, there’s always something new and beautiful to experience. These eleven hidden gems in Tennessee are perfect for a day trip. Get ready for an adventure!
1. Overton Park
1914 Poplar Ave #202, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
If you're in Memphis looking for "hidden gems near me," here's a great place! At 342 acres, this beautiful Memphis city park boasts everything from a golf course to an art museum and is even home to the historic music venue where Elvis hosted his first paid show. Everyone should explore
Overton Park at least once!
2. Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail
Big Soddy Creek Gulf, 11721 Back Valley Rd, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379, USA
You can hike this 8.2-mile trail near Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, and it's one of the best local trails for folks of all ages due to its lack of difficulty and dog-friendly rules. Make sure you keep Fido on a leash, though!
Big Soddy Creek Gulf is one of the best hidden gems in Tennessee!
3. Big Creek Gulf Sink
Big Creek Gulf Trail, Tennessee, USA
Located in the South Cumberland State Park, Big Creek Gulf Sink is full of gorgeous views. Here, you can wander the Big Creek Gulf Trail and find yourself on a three-waterfall hike through the heart of Tennessee. It's a beautiful and fairly low-trafficked area, so get your fix in the great outdoors.
4. Wears Valley
Wears Valley, TN 37862, USA
Wears Valley is a gorgeous asset to East Tennessee and is perhaps most famous because of its secret entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We'd recommend a visit for the beautiful views and kind locals.
5. Conasauga Falls
Conasauga Falls Trail, Tellico Plains, TN 37385, USA
You can hike to the falls in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, on an off-the-beaten-path trail that leads to one of the least known waterfalls in the state. At only 1.5 miles round trip, it's the perfect addition to any natural southern experience.
Conasauga Falls will make you fall in love with Tennessee all over again.
6. Tom Lee Park
Tom Lee Park, Riverside Dr, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
This beautiful city park is located not too far from downtown Memphis, and it overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Mississippi River. The 30-acre city park has picnic benches and a walking path for patrons.
Tom Lee Park is a lovely afternoon getaway.
7. Townsend
There are all sorts of things to do in
Townsend, Tennessee , due to its fantastic location near the Great Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove, and the ever-popular
Tuckaleechee Caverns . We'd recommend experiencing the tiny town as your home base while visiting the eastern side of the state. It's one of the most serene Tennessee hidden gems.
8. Raccoon Mountain Caverns
Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground, 319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37419, USA
This fun RV park and campground boasts wild cave expeditions and even small family attractions like a go-kart track right outside of Chattanooga. It's great for locals and folks from Georgia alike, due to the ease of its location.
Raccoon Mountain will ignite your imagination. This is one of the best cool hidden places in Tennessee.
9. Chestnut Top Trai
Chestnut Top Trail, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
At just over ten miles, this gorgeous trail is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's open year-round, and it's rife with gorgeous wildflower fields in the summertime. The nature views will astound you, and the running trails are pristine. Plan your trip to the Chestnut Top Trail today!
10. Cane Creek Cascades
Cane Creek Falls, Tennessee 37367, USA
At
Cane Creek Cascades , gorgeous waterfalls are just the beginning. This area is also home to a 150-foot suspension bridge! Stare into the stunning panoramic views and soak up the sights. The trails are open year-round, but for the best views, visit between April and October.
11. The Blue Hole Falls
Bluehole Falls, Tennessee 37355, USA
There's no doubt about it:
Blue Hole Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Tennessee. The gorgeous cascades will make reignite your love for Tennessee nature, and the hiking trails are serene. This area is home to some peaceful campsites, so you can easily turn your afternoon outing into a weekend adventure.
Have you been to any of these hidden gems in Tennessee? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know about more secret scenic places, nominate them for a chance to be featured!
If you’re still looking for beautiful places to visit, you should check out this gorgeous hike in Tennessee , Don’t forget to download the AllTrails+ app to guide you on the trails!
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More to Explore
Hidden Gems In Tennessee
Elisa Regulski
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April 23, 2023
What are the best hiking trails in Tennessee?
The best hiking trails in Tennessee are:
Laurel Falls Trail - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Alum Cave Trail - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Sewanee Perimeter Trail - South Cumberland State Park
Burgess Falls Trail - Burgess Falls State Park
Starr Mountain - Ocoee State Park
Abrams Falls Trail - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
What are the most beautiful places in Tennessee?
The most beautiful places in Tennessee are:
Tricorner Knob
Twin Falls
Tennessee River Gorge
Ruby Falls
Cherokee National Forest
Fall Creek Falls
Cumberland Caverns
What are the best hidden gems in Tennessee?
The best hidden gems in Tennessee are:
The Lost Sea - Sweetwater
Nancy Ward Gravesite - Benton
Museum of Appalachia - Clinton
Market Square - Knoxville
Big South Fork National Park
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