People from all over the United States are making the move to Tennessee. Mild weather, affordable housing, and low taxes are just a few of the reasons families are deciding to call Tennessee home.
But for outdoor lovers, there’s another reason to cross the state line into Tennessee: nature. Gorgeous and unique state parks offer activities like hiking, walking, birding, photography, picnicking, camping, relaxing, and watersports make spending time outdoors even more enjoyable.
In honor of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 5, 2021, we wanted to share five East Tennessee state parks you should consider visiting very soon.
Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of the most beautiful areas in the state to immerse yourself in nature. Located in the upper center of Cane Creek Gorge, this almost 30,000-acre state park is home to the highest waterfall in the Eastern United States. There are over 35 miles of scenic trails for hiking and camping, with over 200 RV sites with full hookups, picnic tables, and grills in addition to 16 primitive sites for tent camping. Fall Creek Falls is a spot that's sure to be a favorite if you love camping or backpacking.
There are more than 500 waterfalls in Tennessee, most of which are in East Tennessee along the Cumberland Plateau. Fall Creek Falls is not only the highest, but it's also easily accessed by car for those with limited mobility or who prefer not to hike. Visitors can park in a paved parking area and walk a short 100 yards to visit the site, take photos, and soak in gorgeous views while listening to the rush of the impressive cascading water.
As one of Tennessee's most visited state parks, you'll also find three other waterfalls, including Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades.
In addition to nature enthusiasts, adventurers also love this park. Put your strength and agility to the test at the Canopy Challenge Course at Fall Creek Falls State Park. More than 70 obstacles, rope swings, nets, tricky bridges, and wild zip lines will challenge you to hours of eco-friendly fun. Visit the Canopy Challenge Course page or stop by the visitors center for more information about the course, tour times, and physical requirements.
Native Americans from the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Creek tribes hunted in the Burgess Falls area until the late 19th century, and you can learn more about their experiences during your visit to this state park. Gorgeous, scenic, and with 250-foot waterfalls that flow into deep gorges, this park is a beautiful place for families and nature lovers.
On National Trails Day, Window Cliffs, an adjacent site run by the state park, offers a rigorous, 5.4-mile guided hike. An experienced guide will lead hikers in beautification and clean-up efforts. This is one of many guided hikes, programs for school children, and other activities and events that are available throughout the year.
Reviews from the online community often reference the exciting challenge hikes in this park present and the comfort of having a nearby park ranger in addition to the impressive scenery.
Visit the park website for more information about staying nearby, including cabins and camping options at neighboring state parks.
Norris Dam State Park is located just outside Knoxville in Rocky Top, Tennessee. With over 800 miles of shoreline, this is one of the many state parks in Tennessee known for hiking and swimming. Besides swimming, this park is perfect for other lake recreation activities such as fishing, boating, wakeboarding, skiing, or anything else you love to do in the water.
This stunning park sits on 4,000 acres and offers visitors magnificent views of Norris Dam Lake. Besides cabins to stay in, you'll find RV and camping sites with picnic areas and grills, access to boats, and even houseboats to rent and stay in, all of which make weekends on the water and family vacations memorable.
While you're visiting, don't miss out on the park's 21 miles and 15 unique hiking trails of various elevations through lush scenery near and around Norris Dam Lake and the surrounding hills and valleys.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park provides visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in rich Tennessee history as well as nature. This area of Carter County served as the location for many significant historical events of the 18th century. Once an early settlement founded by John Carter, it later became the site for signing the Transylvania Purchase, among other events before and during the Revolutionary War.
If you're looking for shorter-distanced trails, there are several to choose from at Sycamore Shoals. The longest is the 1.2 mile Patriot Path with markers indicating historical significance during the 18th century. Other sites to visit include the nearby Revolutionary War site, Fort Watauga, and the Carter Mansion, the oldest standing frame house in the state. Reviews of this park mention how fun the frequent events and reenactments are for families, the ease of access for people (and dogs!), and the gorgeous trails along the water.
Stop by the park office/visitors center for park maps and information about other nearby historical sites and natural areas.
While not technically a Tennessee state park, Baker Creek Preserve is located in the city of Knoxville. It features 100 acres of land, four play areas, and 7.1 miles of unpaved mountain biking trails, though five of the eight trails are also used for hiking. Whether you are a beginning mountain biker or an advanced pro, this area is excellent for any skill level. If you bring the kids, there is also a pump track for any age and skill level.
Biking and hiking trails wind to beautiful Baker Creek, through some of the largest sycamore trees in the area, and even to an old barn once part of the South Knoxville moonshine trade. Reviews of the preserve are incredibly positive and call out the variety of terrain on the trails filled with hills, ramps, and rocks.
Whether you're one of Tennessee's permanent residents or planning to come for a vacation, visiting any of our magnificent state parks should be high on your list of things to do!
And if you decide you want to stay, we won't blame you a bit! Come check out East Tennessee's premier community for lake, nature, and golf lovers, Tennessee National Marina, Resort, and Village.
