There are a million and one ways to experience the amazing sights, sounds, and attractions that Tennessee has to offer. But with so much natural beauty just waiting to be explored, hiking is no doubt one of the best ways to get to the heart of what makes Tennessee so special! The Cumberland Plateau in particular is known for its pristine landscape and is home to numerous opportunities for both novice and pro hikers alike to immerse themselves in nature.
For an easy hike in Tennessee with some majorly scenic rewards, look no further than one of our most gorgeous state parks: Pickett CCC Memorial State Park in Jamestown. Not only does this park have miles of lush trails to explore, but it also has one of the coolest hiking trails in upper Tennessee – the Hidden Passage Trail. There’s literally something beautiful “hidden” around every curve! Check it out:
If you're short on time or looking to take the family out for a beautiful, easy getaway, head over to Pickett State Park.
Hidden Passage Trail is a surprisingly easy hike that takes you on a beautiful loop that is generously dotted with waterfalls, wildflowers, stunning rock houses, gentle creeks, lush forested canopy, and more. The diversity here is simply spectacular.
The stone arch that gives Hidden Passage its name is one of the first things you'll see on the trail. But don't worry - it's not as "hidden" as the name implies. The path is easy to follow!
Did you know that the Cumberland Plateau is home to some of the most diverse temperate forests in the world? You'll feel like you're in the Amazon on your trek!
The bigleaf magnolia, sweeping rhododendrons, and vibrant laurels are particularly lovely and prevalent here. But the delicate nature of many foliage species here, like Cumberland Sandwort, makes it absolutely vital to stay on the trail and boardwalks that make up this hike.
But don't forget about those rock houses along the way! Each is fantastically unique, and the Hidden Passage Trail showcases more of them than any other trail in the park!
The Double Falls side trail descends a few hundred feet into the canyon gorge and will require some water crossings.
Determined hikers - especially those who want to extend the loop and explore the state forest - can camp overnight with a free permit from the visitors' center.
The total Hidden Passage Loop is around eight miles, making it longer than our usual "easy" trails - but the well-kept and marked path is doable for most ages and abilities. Note that adding any one of the additional side trails will round the total mileage up to 10.
However, if the full loop is too much, an out-and-back journey to Crystal Falls and the Hidden Passage arch is certainly worth it. This is a must-do trail in north Tennessee!
