Exciting Ways to Experience Nature When Traveling in Tennessee

Exciting Ways to Experience Nature When Traveling in Tennessee

For many people, the idea of a vacation is to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. But what if you want to be able to enjoy nature while still being close enough to civilization for food and supplies? Tennessee is the perfect place for this. You will never run out of things to do with beautiful parks, forests, lakes, and rivers.

Take a Scenic Road Trip Along the Cherohala Skyway

It’s no secret that Tennessee is a beautiful state, and there’s no better way to experience its natural beauty than a scenic road trip. One of the most popular routes in the area is the Cherohala Skyway, which runs for 70 miles between Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and Robbinsville, North Carolina. It was built in 1972 as part of President Lyndon Johnson's Great Smoky Mountains National Park Highway System, a network of roads connecting major national parks across America.

The road winds through some stunning mountain views, taking you past waterfalls like Laurel Falls and Cherokee Falls along the way (both are excellent spots for those who want to take a quick dip). Along with these natural wonders, there are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking through Panther Creek State Park or fishing at Standing Indian Campground may be just what you need after an exciting drive. No wonder it experiences 2 million visitors each year.

The Cherohala Skyway is also great for spending quality time with the people you love. Spend the day exploring together, then stop at one of the many restaurants along the route for dinner. There are plenty of options, from barbecue joints and family-style restaurants to fine dining establishments like The Farmhouse Restaurant & Tavern.

Wander Through the Trails of Panther Creek State Park

Panther Creek State Park is one of the top state parks in Tennessee. It's located in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains and enjoys around 50% of 5-star ratings by visitors. The park has over 35 miles of hiking trails.

It’s a great place to go hiking, fishing, and bird-watching. It has paved and gravel trails so everyone can enjoy it, from beginner hikers to professional athletes! The park also has a canoe launch for anyone who wants to take their boat out into Panther Creek Lake or hang out on its shores with friends and family members.

The park has a playground for kids to play on, as well as a picnic area. It's an excellent place for the whole family! The park also has a swimming area, which is ideal for those hot summer days. The swimming area has a beach and bathhouse, so you can enjoy time in the water without worrying about sunburn.

Explore the Recreational Activities at Paris Landing State Park

One of the best ways to experience nature while traveling in Tennessee is by visiting Paris Landing State Park. This park has a campground, cabins and RV sites, a restaurant, a marina, and a gift shop. It's open year-round.

Paris Landing State Park has many recreational activities for visitors, including boating and fishing on the lake. The park also offers a swimming area with bathhouse facilities for those who want to get into the water for some fun in the sun.

The park has a marina that provides boat rentals, including canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats. Picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and hiking trails are also available at Paris Landing State Park. Paris Landing State Park is located off Highway 79 in Paris, Tennessee. The park's address is 16055 Highway 79 N, Buchanan, TN 38222, USA.

Stay in Cabin Amidst the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg

You can stay in a cabin amid the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracted the most recreational visitors in 2021, 14.161 million, and the trend appears to be growing.

Depending on your budget and needs, you can rent a cabin for a few days or several months. Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals are available year-round so that you can visit anytime! You will find cabins of all sizes and budgets, rustic or luxury, close to town or secluded deep within the woods, or single rooms or multiple rooms that sleep up to 20 people.

If you love the outdoors, there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy. The Great Smoky Mountains have over 800 miles of hiking trails, and the weather is mild year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also rent bicycles or motorcycles to explore the area at various locations.

Alternatively, you can take a guided tour with a professional guide to learn more about this beautiful region's history and natural scenery. There are plenty of dining options in Gatlinburg, including buffets, steak houses, fine-dining restaurants, and casual cafes that serve breakfast all day long.

Witness the Beauty of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area is a national park in Tennessee. It's located in the southern part of the state and is home to many waterfalls. For instance, there's an 80-foot cascade called Twin Falls that you can hike to from a parking lot on TN 60, 16 miles east of Sparta.

On this trail, you'll pass by two more minor falls before arriving at Twin Falls. It’s worth noting that this hike is 8 miles round trip and involves some scrambling over rocks, so wear sturdy shoes!

There are other epic sights to see here as well. For example, in addition to its namesake Big South Fork Gorge, there are also plenty of opportunities for biking trails, including one paved path throughout this area, so don't worry if you don't have time for hiking.

There's also a National Recreation Trail called the Big South Fork Loop that you can hike. It spans 22 miles and will take you through the gorge and several other scenic destinations along the way. If you're looking for something shorter, there are two different trails here, too, one is a 2-mile hike called the Clinch Mountain Nature Trail, and another is a 6-mile hike called Indian Creek Trail which also passes by Indian Creek Falls.

Final Thoughts

Tennessee is an excellent place for nature lovers to visit. You’ll find many natural attractions and outdoor activities that will allow you to experience the beautiful state in new ways. Whether you want to explore caves, hike trails, or kayak rivers, there are many ways to enjoy nature in Tennessee.