10 Out Of This World Summer Day Trips To Take In Tennessee
By Meghan Kraft|Updated on March 08, 2024(Originally published March 26, 2023)
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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.
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!
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!
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?