Summer is the time of year when the whole country heads out on the roads – this is when cars earn their miles, children listen to hours of music on end, and parents voraciously eat up the books they’ve been waiting all year to read. We’ve found 12 places that make road trips easy, whether you’re looking to finish that novel over a couple of hours or simply get in a solid hike to tire out the kids. There’s a little something for everyone on this list of the best day trips in Tennessee in the summer. Adventure awaits!

1. Have you ever taken the Honey Loop Trail?

Honey Creek Loop Road, Honey Creek Loop Rd, Tennessee, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Honey Loop Trail is lauded by natives as one of the best hikes for locals and visitors alike. Although it can be a bit difficult to traverse, we'd recommend you take a spin.
Know before you go -- Check out this video of the trail by Papaw in the Woods:


2. This hidden waterpark is perfect for a day with the kids.

Wild Bear Falls Water Park, 915 Westgate Resorts Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Wild Bear Falls Waterpark - Facebook
A hidden waterpark, yes...because it's an all-weather waterpark. Which means it's INSIDE. How neat is that?! Lounge around the pool and keep an eye on the littles, all from the inside. Do you know what amazing place we're talking about? Westgate’s Wild Bear Falls, of course! It's one of the best places for Tennessee summer vacations. For more information, you can check out Wild Bear Falls Waterpark online.
Check out this amazing hidden oasis of water by watching this video from Kidding Around:


3. Take a trip down Tennessee's best (lazy) river.

Smoky Mountain River Rat Main Tubing Outpost, 205 Wears Valley Rd, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
River Rat Tubing - Facebook
No list of the best day trips in Tennessee to take in the summer is complete without a mention of tubing. River Rat Tubing is great for folks who are looking to lazily float down the river without a care in the world.
Wonder what to expect while traveling down the river in Tennessee in summer? Check out this video from The Smoky Mountain Family to find out:


4. The tiniest city in Tennessee is sure to have a few surprises in store.

Oakdale, TN, USA
Brian Stansberry/Wikipedia
Do you know what the smallest town in Tennessee is? It changes depending on the person you talk to, but we visited Oakdale, one of the sweetest places in the state, and we couldn't recommend a more charming place to spend a day or two.
Don't believe us? Check out this cinematic video by Garrett Miller in Oakdale, Tennessee:


5. This waterslide is worth a visit.

Wilderness at the Smokies - Facebook
We don't just want a simple waterslide this summer - we want the BEST WATERSLIDE EVER. We've found the perfect place for you to visit, chock full of fun in the southern summer sun. Wilderness at the Smokies Resort is one place that is sure to charm everyone in your family. It's one of the best things to do in Tennessee in the summer. Learn more about planning your visit when you check out Wilderness at the Smokies Resort online.
Know before you go, check out this video from The Smoky Mountain Family:


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6. It's always cooler on the east side of the state.

Tim Lumley - Flickr
Do you know which mountain has the best view on the east side? We're talking, of course, about the iconic Clingman's Dome. If you've never seen the panoramic mountain view from this iconic landmark, you'll want to check it out this season. And don't forget to bring your camera with you to capture those photo-worthy moments! The trip to Clingman's Dome is so worth it for the incredible views so make sure to check out the Adventuring in the Moment video:


7. Catch a Tennessee county fair - we found quite a few!

Jefferson County Fair - Facebook
Yep, we have it - your guide to the best county fairs in the state. August is for fried everything and a spin on the ferris wheel, and we've found the best places for you to visit. Here is another bonus one for you, The Tennessee Valley Fair coming at you with a video from yankeeinthesouth:


8. Visit this spring-fed pool to cool off in the great outdoors.

The Townsend Wye, Laurel Creek Rd & Little River Road, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Bethany H - TripAdvisor
The Little River at Townsend Wye is one of the most popular swimming holes in Tennessee - for a reason. Pack a swimsuit and go for a dip in the refreshing waters for a summer experience you won't soon forget! Get Some POV action with this cool video from Sweet Southern Living:


9. We found the best pizza places in Tennessee...perfect for a summer night dinner.

Big Ed's Pizza, 101 Broadway Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
Cindys cross stitch/Google Reviews
Have you ever been to Big Ed's Pizza? We've included the best pizza places that Tennessee has to offer - and you should probably check if your favorite made the list.

10. A trip to the rhododendron fields is one for the books.

Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA
Brenda Wiley - Flickr
Last but not least on our list of the best day trips in Tennessee to take during the summertime is a beloved mountain. Roan Mountain is in East Tennessee and has one of the most beautiful views in the state - especially when the mountainous fields explode with flowers. Seeing is believing and this place you have to simply see. Check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment:


So, what are your thoughts? Do you think these are some of the best day trips in Tennessee in the summer? Share your thoughts and recommendations with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! Make sure to check out This Map Shows The Shortest Route To 7 Of Tennessee’s Most Incredible Caves.

Before you hit the road on any of these day trips, check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you’ll need for a comfortable car ride!

The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 60+ Essentials For Your Next Adventure

 

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Best Day Trips In Tennessee

Beth C. | April 24, 2022

What are some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Tennessee?

Here are some of the best kid-fiendly hikes in Tennessee:

If you're planning some fun outings with the kids in Tennessee, you might be curious about family-friendly trails. Tennessee is famous for its challenging mountain treks and portions of the Appalachian Trail, but you'll be pleased to hear that not all hikes in the Volunteer State are lengthy or challenging. One of our favorite recommendations is the Limestone Sinks Trail at Cedars of Lebanon State Park. While you're here, be sure to check out all of the fascinating rock formations. The loop is an easy half-mile -- the perfect length for little ones. Another kid-friendly hiking destination near Nashville is Shelby Bottoms. There are lots of shorter trails within this park, so pack a picnic or bring a couple of bikes and enjoy your day exploring the great outdoors. Some other kid-friendly hikes include Deerwood Arboretum Trail, the Jim Baily Nature Trail at Montgomery Bell State Park, and Deer Trail at Long Hunter State Park. How many of these kid-friendly hikes in Tennessee have you experienced?

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