A tropical paradise in Tennessee? We know what you’re thinking. When you think of a “Caribbean paradise,” we have a feeling that Tennessee isn’t the first spot to come to mind – and that’s okay. We’re a landlocked state that’s chock full of streams and rivers and valleys, but when it comes to oceans we come up short every time. Still, the Caribbean doesn’t have to just be a beach and an ocean. It’s a state of mind! These 10 places will put you at ease during the heat of the summer, and they’ll give you a chance to relax and unplug either in nature or the rollicking fun of a waterpark.

10. Cummins Falls
Cummins Falls, Tennessee 38501, USA
Michael Hicks - Flickr
Cummins Falls is a family favorite for folks who make their home in the middle of the state. It's a quick hike into the wilderness to a gorgeous swimming hole that's a picture-perfect, scenic oasis in Tennessee, and it's great for people of all ages. Be careful on the rocks, though - they're slippery!
9. Center Hill Lake
Center Hill Lake, Tennessee, USA
Tyler - Flickr
Center Hill Lake is perfect for camping and cabin rentals, but it's also roughly 18,200 acres of gorgeous outdoors that makes for a great weekend spent hiking, boating and fishing.
8. Nashville Shores
Nashville Shores, Nashville, TN 37076, USA
Nashville Shores - Facebook
Nashville Shores is a locally frequented water park that's in Hermitage, Tennessee. You can come for the aqua park itself or rent a lakeview cabin, but the marina and beautiful RV sites make this a highly affordable spot for vacation. Not only is it one of the biggest aqua parks in the state, but the bright colors and beachy vibes make this one of the ultimate paradises in Tennessee for summer fun.
7. Cherokee Lake
Cherokee Reservoir, Tennessee, USA
Cherokee Lake Tennessee - Facebook
You can find Cherokee Lake out near Jefferson City, which is on the eastern side of the state. It's great for boaters and picnickers alike, and don't forget to bring your tent because primitive campsites are available in spades.
6. Nickajack Lake
Nickajack Lake, Tennessee, USA
Bryce Edwards - Flickr
Also known as "The Grand Canyon of Tennessee," this lovely slice of paradise in Tennessee is located just thirty miles from Chattanooga and boasts 215 miles of shoreline. You can visit, camp and hike around the area for yourself in Guild, Tennessee.

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5. Wild Bear Falls Water Park
Wild Bear Falls Water Park, 915 Westgate Resorts Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Wild Bear Falls Water Park - Facebook
Gatlinburg can be touristy, but sometimes touristy is good - you know exactly what you're going to experience and it's bound to be safe and lightly regulated. Wild Bear Falls Water Park is located indoors and offers a fun experience for kids of all ages, which means all you parents out there can tire out the tykes rain or shine.
4. Lost Creek Falls
Lost Creek Falls & Cave Trailhead, White's Cave Rd, Sparta, TN 38583, USA
Alfred Crabtree - Flickr
A hidden oasis in Tennessee, Lost Creek Falls is located in Sparta and offers a magical peek into the truly beautiful underbelly of the Volunteer State. The remote area is great for experienced hikers, and even the mere beginners will find the gorgeous waterfall view worth the exertion.
3. Lake Winnie
Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park, 1730 Lakeview Dr, Rossville, GA 30741, USA
Lake Winnie - Facebook
This Chattanooga favorite is actually located in Rossville, Georgia, but so many folks think it's in Tennessee we decided to give our neighboring state a bit of love. The waterpark has been around since 1925, and offers a vintage look at pure southern summer fun.
2. Watts Bar Lake
Watts Bar Lake, Tennessee, USA
Leia Barker - Flickr
Watts Bar Lake is actually one of the largest lakes in the American southern region, and its Kingston location offers up over 700 miles of shoreline to enjoy. You can swim during the day and rent a cabin to sleep in at night, rounding out your sweet summertime experience.
1. Chickamauga Lake
Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee, USA
riverharbor - Flickr
Perhaps one of the most popular lakes in Tennessee, Chickamauga Lake is perfect for water skiing and swimming, while many prefer to grab their rod and reel and or make their way to the Dayton location to spend the day fishing. Either way, the lake makes for a great weekend spent amongst friends and family, attracting hundreds of thousands of guests on an annual basis.

You can continue to explore our great state with a visit to This Small Town In Tennessee That’s A True Hiker’s Paradise.

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Jackie Ann | May 29, 2022

What are the best beaches in Tennessee?

There’s nothing better than sinking your toes into the sand and soaking up the sun. Even though we are a landlocked state, we still have some beautiful beaches in Tennessee to enjoy, if you know where to look. One of our favorites is Old Hickory Beach, one of the few dog-friendly beaches in Tennessee. There’s even a 1-mile nature trail that will take you and your precious pup around Old Hickory Lake with beautiful views and tons of wildlife to see.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Tennessee?

TLC advised against chasing waterfalls in their popular 90’s song, but we respectfully disagree. There are so many waterfall hikes in Tennessee that you could spend an entire year exploring them all. Cane Creek Cascades is a short and sweet hike that’s great for families with little ones, but for the more adventurous hikers, try the 8-mile hike to Virgin Falls. This hike is considerably more strenuous, but you’ll be rewarded with some of the most incredible views along the way.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Tennessee?

Spending time outdoors is good for both physical and mental health, and there’s an oasis in Tennessee of outdoor adventure for you to enjoy. The Ijams Nature Center in downtown Knoxville features 300 acres of beautiful natural space that feels like one of the most beautiful paradises in Tennessee. Over 12 miles of nature trails weave throughout the park featuring stunning cliff-side boardwalks and incredible waterfront views. You can even rent a Kayak and explore Meads Quarry Lake to see the nature center from an entirely new perspective.

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