The Watauga River Bluffs Trail In Tennessee Is A 2-Mile Out-And-Back Hike With A Waterfront Finish
By Meghan Kraft|Published February 11, 2022
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Tennessee is famous for its natural areas and is known as one of the most forested states in the nation’s southern region. Almost 14 million acres, a whopping 53% of Tennessee, is covered in trees. The wilderness of the state’s wooded areas provides a much-needed solace for overworked locals and visitors alike, and the next time you’re looking to indulge in a wilderness experience we’d recommend hiking the Watauga River Bluffs. The natural area is a Tennessee hidden gem, so you can expect great views and very few folks on the trail during your visit.
You’ll find the Watauga River Bluffs in Carter County, Tennessee, located along the edge of the Watauga River. The bluffs are maintained within a 50-acre natural area, so make sure that you respect the land and leave it as you found it. That means no littering or collecting plant life! The state wants to make sure that the Watauga River Bluffs Natural Area remains beautiful for years to come.
The river bluffs have remained unoccupied and fully undeveloped since the '50s. The 1.7-mile hiking trail is both rugged and wild, so make sure you note the diversity of the plants in the area as well as the sheer number of wild animals that make their home in the park. Stay on the marked trail for your safety, and don’t forget to snap photos for your scrapbook. Since the area remains largely unoccupied by humans you won’t have to worry about folks getting in your shot.
You’ll hike through a chestnut oak forest on your way to the waterfront, but there you will also find eastern hemlock, tulip poplar, white oak, and yellow buckeye trees in the forest. During the spring season, the waterfront and forest alike will sport exquisite pockets of wildflowers.
The slopes at the waterfront are fragile, so make sure you are careful as you hike the trail. The bluffs are made of shale and are known to shed and fall into the water when the rocky weight becomes too much to bear. You want to make sure you are far away when that happens for your safety and the safety of your party.
The Watauga River Bluffs State Natural Area is mainly used by hikers, but you’ll also find that the river is popular amongst fishermen. The hiking trail is short, so plan on an out-and-back trek that should only take about an hour.
Visitors claim that the trail tends to get overgrown during the summer so make sure you plan accordingly. Bring water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing for your hike. There is very little elevation gain along the way, so the hike is considered easy for most visitors.
Have you ever hiked along the Watauga River Bluffs? Have you heard of the area before? The Watauga River Bluffs State Natural Area remains one of Tennessee’s most beautiful secrets, and it’s a great place to visit no matter the time of year. Keep in mind that the park is for day-use only, and there is no camping along the hiking route.
The Watauga River Bluffs Trail remains one of the best-hidden gems in the state of Tennessee, and it is highly recommended that you visit during the warmer months. You can learn more about this particular trail on AllTrails, and if you’re looking for more tips and tricks for the best Tennessee adventures we have them for you right here. Happy adventuring!
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