Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In Tennessee
By Chris Dodge|Published February 19, 2024
×
Chris Dodge
Author
My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. The drab colors of winter fade away and the world is washed again in the beauty of warm sunrays and blooming flowers. New life sprouts from the ground and the cycle starts fresh once again. Here in the South, our winters are pretty mild compared to the rest of America, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate a little bit of warmer weather. It is a time to get outside and explore the world and many adventures are waiting for us in the Volunteer State. So allow me to be your guide and show you some of the best things to do in Tennessee in Spring.
When I think of spring one of the first things that comes to mind is blooming flowers. After all, this is the season when life starts to come back from the cold clutches of winter and make a triumphal return. Flowers represent a few things but one of them of course is love. So we have some romantic things to do in Tennessee in Spring as well as some good small-town events you have to see.
Bell Buckle is one of those charming small towns that everyone in Tennessee must visit at some point in their lives. This lovely community has plenty of events throughout the year like the annual RC Cola and MoonPie Festival but this spring they are opening up their little town for another year of Daffodil Day. In March every year, the daffodils start to bloom and show up all over town making for a beautiful scene. This event will showcase fierce competition for the best flowers and flower arrangements. The real winners are those who attend and see all of the springtime fun. The smell of smoked BBQ will also waft in the air because Daffodil Day also is the same day as the Best of the Butts BBQ competition. Feast on succulent meats while enjoying the pretty flowers, sounds like the perfect way to spend a spring day to me.
2. Standing Stone Lake Trail, Standing Stone State Park
Looking to take a romantic springtime stroll? When the wildflowers start to bloom that is one of the best times to visit the Standing Stone Lake Trail. Looking for fun but don’t want to break the bank, as far as free things to do in Tennessee in Spring this should be on the top of your list. The trail offers a vast array of wildflowers that bring splashes of color while you walk. Enjoy the peaceful water as you work your way around the lake and don't forget to bring your camera. Standing Stone State Park is north of Cookeville and can make for a lovely little day trip.
Advertisement
Botanical Gardens In Tennessee
I have learned a few things about myself over the years and one of those little things I discovered was how much I love botanical gardens. The beautiful arrangements, interesting plants, and attention to detail lure me in every time. Art and nature go hand and hand and the harmony of the two is very apparent in these gardens so while looking for fun things to do in Tennessee in Spring I think going to a botanical garden is a must.
Price: Adults - $12, Children 2 to 12 - $7, Children under 2 - Free, Seniors- $10
Memphis Botanic Garden comes highly recommended and well worth a visit if you find yourself anywhere near the city. Spring especially is a fantastic time of the year to come because the Japanese Cherry Trees are blooming. These spectacular trees offer some of the prettiest scenes in any garden and they are one of my favorites. This botanical garden is massive and hosts 96 acres of various zones giving guests plenty to explore. Art hidden throughout the floral beauty makes the whole place come alive, and this is a great place to bring your kids. The hands-on approach to learning takes children on a journey through treehouses, castles, and more. There is a reason the Memphis Botanic Garden ranks high on every list. While you are in the city why not indulge in a little rock ‘n’ roll history by taking a trip to Graceland, the glorious home of the late and great Elvis? Or head on over to the famous Beale Street where you can get your own old fashion float at A. Schwab's.
Location: Knoxville, Jackson, and Crossville, Tennessee
Popularity: Moderately popular
Price: Free
UT Gardens is one of the most accessible gardens in the state because no matter where you call home there most likely is a location near. Located in Knoxville, Jackson, and Crossville you will have plenty of places to see one of these beautiful places. This is a great option for family things to do in Tennessee in spring because UT Gardens have amazing areas for kids to play in. They also host various programs throughout the year that make learning fun. Make sure you bring your camera for all of the pretty setpieces they have throughout the garden with an old antique truck, wetland boardwalks, and more.
Cheekwood is the standard when it comes to marrying elegant living and the true beauty of nature. This historic estate has been opened to the public and offers opulent decorations and extravagant lavishings found in the mansion. The grounds are perfectly manicured into sophisticated gardens that showcase nature's brilliance for all to enjoy. The combination of art and plant life is woven together in such a way that guests are left in awe. Cheekwood offers many rotating exhibits while also maintaining an ebb and flow with the seasons. Since spring is all about blooming flowers and new growth a visit to this property will be a stunning reminder of just how wonderful our world is. If you live in Nashville or anywhere nearby this should make its way to the top of your spring list.
Parks To Visit In Tennessee This Spring
When it comes to Tennessee Spring activities getting outside is my number one priority and we have some incredible natural places to enjoy! From our great national park to our Tennessee state parks that rival other states’ national parks, we have plenty of options to get out in nature and breathe some fresh spring air. So if you are looking for somewhere to go on spring break then forget the beach and head to one of these parks instead.
Location: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Popularity: Very popular
Price: Park it Forward day - $5, Week - $15, annual - $40
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the single greatest place to enjoy nature in Tennessee. It is incredibly accessible and offers a variety of ways to enjoy this mountainous paradise. Take to the waters with some white water rafting or casually float down the streams in an intertube. Hike epic long treks or opt for the shorter and easier trails. The scenic drives are second to none with mountain-top views, historical trips, and land teeming with wildlife. There is a certain culture in the Smokies that has to be fully experienced to understand. Plan a getaway for the whole family and stay in any of the surrounding areas like Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Townsend, or even hop over the border to the southern part of the park and explore North Carolina. Spring is a great time to visit because for a park that sees the most visitors out of any other national park avoiding the crowds can make the experience much more enjoyable. I have been to the Smokies many times and I could keep going back for the rest of my life and never get tired of these mountains. Pair a trip to the Smokies with a visit to Dollywood where you will find one of the greatest springtime festivals in the state.
Fall Creek Falls is one of those epic state parks that offer bigger-than-life experiences. The reason why this state park makes for a great spring destination has to do with the multiple waterfalls hidden within. Fall Creek Falls is the biggest waterfall in Tennessee and hiking to the base of the falls is a short but sweet hike filled with caves to explore, towering rock walls, and the rush of seeing water plunge 256 feet to the ground. There are many other impressive waterfalls in the park and there are miles of hiking trails that include everything from a steep descent with ropes, a swinging bridge, and beautiful gorges. This is one park I would highly recommend and one I can not wait to get back to when I get the chance. If you want to extend your trip then you can camp in the park or book a night in one of their cabin rentals. Make a whole weekend out of it for some great family fun.
Spring Hikes In Tennessee
When it comes to things to do in Tennessee in spring I always avidcate for hiking. Not just any hiking though because spring is one of the best times to chase waterfalls. More rain than usual typically falls this time of year which makes our wonderful waterfalls even more spectacular! So lace up your hiking boots and bring a rain jacket because I’m going to show you some of the best waterfalls in the state.
8. Grotto Falls, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Popularity: Popular
Price: Park it Forward day - $5, Week - $15, annual - $40
There is always something special about a waterfall, but one you can walk behind is even better. The trail leading to Grotto Falls is located off of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail which is closed from December through April. So you will have to wait until the road is open in April to visit this hike unless, of course, you want to go for a really long walk. The hike itself is fairly easy with a few ups and downs but the reward is great. Grotto Falls is a stunning 25-foot waterfall but you can walk behind the rocks and experience the wall of falling water. It is a magical waterfall and if you want to extend your trip you can continue on the trail for a strenuous hike up to the top of Mount LeConte. This is also the trail that the pack llamas use to carry goods up to the LeConte Lodge three times a week.
While doing some waterfall chasing in Tennessee, Burgess Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls and a must-see. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the Ridgetop Trail to see several waterfalls in one short hike. The destination at the end of the trail of course is Burgess Falls but there is plenty of beauty to witness along the way making this a top springtime trail. Although you can not get to the base of the falls from this trail there is a way to get there if you want that grand experience. Take a trip on a Kayak from the Cane Hollow Recreation Area upstream to see the base of the falls. This state park is found in Middle Tennessee which makes it a great location for those coming from Knoxville, Chattanooga, or Nashville.
10. Ramsey Cascades, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Popularity: Popular
Price: Park it Forward day - $5, Week - $15, annual - $40
Ramsey Cascades is found in the lesser-known section of the Smokies known as the Greenbrier Area. Pictures don’t do this waterfall justice because what you are looking at is actually the tallest waterfall in the Smokies as it cascades down 100 feet. With a strenuous 8-mile out-and-back hike you can see this stunning natural wonder yourself. This is also the perfect place to find salamanders hidden in the watery crevasses in the rocks. It might be a longer trail but I’m sure you will agree that it is well worth it when you sit on a flat rock and enjoy the view of this incredible waterfall.
Spring Picnic Spots In Tennessee
When it comes to enjoying cheap things to do in Tennessee in Spring nothing beats a good ole picnic. There are so many ways to gather for a picnic too. Make something at home or bring some hot dogs to grill, sit at a picnic table, or roll out a blanket. There is no wrong way to have a picnic but it’s one of my favorite things to do. When we go for a picnic that means we are adventuring and in my opinion, there is nothing better on the planet than that.
11. Chimney’s Picnic Area, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Popularity: Popular
Price: Park it Forward day - $5, Week - $15, annual - $40
If you have taken a few suggestions from this list then chances are you will be in the Smokies already. So when it comes time to eat a meal the Chimney’s Picnic Area is one of the best. This quiet place is shaded with a large canopy of trees above and a lovely creek to listen to as you eat. Each picnic table has its own parking spot so you can pull up, pull out your cooler, and start to enjoy your picnic. When you are done step on down by the water and explore as you climb over big rocks or dip your toes in the cool mountain stream. If you find yourself near the other side of the park then another great place to eat is the Cades Cove Picnic Area.
12. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Nashville
During the spring, the cherry blossoms all over Nashville start to bloom and wash the whole city in a pink and white hue. These stunning trees make a trip to the city at this time completely worth it and at the heart of the Music City, you will find the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Here the American flag flies high as well as the Tennessee state flag. This historic, educational, and natural space allows for a gathering of guests to enjoy the green space in the busyness of city life. The park is filled with monuments and signs so you can learn about history like the Civil War. The park is lined with cherry blossom trees and makes for a great place to just roll out a blanket and watch the beautiful blossoms wave gently in the breeze. Have the kids play in the interactive splash pad, catch live music at the amphitheater, go biking around the park, or simply take a stroll. This Nashville park is close enough to popular places like Broadway, The Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of Fame as well if you are looking for something to do after your picnic.
There you have it our best recommendations for the best things to do in Tennessee in Spring. Which ones are your favorites or ones you are going to add to your list this season? Which adventures are you heading out on this spring, let us know in the comments we would love to hear from you. There is a wide variety of natural beauty to enjoy in our state so I encourage you to take full advantage of warmer weather during this amazing season.
If you plan on doing some hiking then I would suggest downloading the AllTrails app, it is a must for us every time we hit the trails and has been a lifesaver.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
