Hiking in Knoxville, TN

The 6,593 foot summit of Mt. Le Conte is one of the most popular spots in Smoky National Park. You can get there via a number of trails, but two of our favorite hikes are the Alum Cave Trail and the Boulevard Trail.

The 65-foot waterfall, for which the trail is aptly named, is truly a sight to behold when the rainfall is high. Hikers can sit at the bottom and relax to the sound of the roaring water while kids and pets explore.

For a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Mt. LeConte and the foothills of Tennessee, a quick hike to Look Rock’s observation tower is all that’s required.

This family-friendly rec area doesn’t just have nearly 13 miles of hiking trails—it’s also the only state park in Tennessee with a “boundless playground,” where kids of all abilities can interact and have fun together while exploring nature.

Hiking to Indian Flats Falls via the Middle Prong Trail is one of the absolute best waterfall hikes in all of Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

House Mountain is the tallest peak in Knox County. It's home to scenic hiking trails and fun road cycling routes.

With six distinct hiking trails to choose from, Cumberland Mountain State Park in eastern Tennessee offers a handful of day hikes and one backpacking trail, as well as a wide range of amenities to fit any traveler’s needs.

Hiking through the dense forest of Frozen Head State Park is a singular experience, given that its 24,000 acres of northeastern Tennessee land feels as if it’s every bit as frozen in time as the mountains top is.

Just 30 minutes from Knoxville, Cove Lake State Park offers access to the rugged Cumberland Trail, as well as maintaining miles of its own hiking trails.

With 15 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous—and, in some cases, seriously spooky—Big Ridge State Park offers something for everyone

This is one of the most popular hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park because the falls and 100-foot wide pool at the end offer visitors a beautiful spot to take a dip.

The 1.6-mile trail through Piney Falls State Natural Area takes you through a lush forest to two beautiful waterfalls.

The Baker Hollow Trail is a 3 mile route one way, which follows along the eastern shoreline of one of the most picturesque lakes in east Tennessee: the Tellico Reservoir. Part of a larger system of trails, the East Lakeshore Trail, Baker Hollow is dominated by upland hardwoods and pines. History is plentiful along the Tellico Reservoir, as this area was once occupied by Cherokee Overhill villages and early settlers. This hike takes you to Mizell Bluff where the view to the north of the Cumberland Mountains will leave you wanting to explore the other 30 miles of trails in this corridor.

Touted as the most challenging trail in the Big South Fork, the Honey Creek Loop trail will certainly test your hiking mettle. Though the loop itself is only 5.5 miles, it can easily take 4 to 5 hours to complete. The trail contains all of the classic features expected from the Big South Fork and Cumberland Plateau region; towering cliff-faces, mysterious rock houses, hidden waterfalls, deep woodlands, and grand overlooks.

Andrews Bald is the highest bald in the Smokies; offering a grassy, scenic summit after an easy 1.8 mile (one way) family friendly hike.

Bald River Trail #88 is a moderately difficult route with waterfall views and is best experienced in the fall.

The Meigs Creek Trail is a 7 mile roundtrip out and back that traverses and crisscrosses Meigs Creek on numerous occasions.

This moderately difficult 4.4 mile trail is a great option for families interested in witnessing some really neat geological cave formations.

The hike to Charlies Bunion is a somewhat strenuous climb along the Appalachian Trail, but the views from the rocky summit are truly staggering.

Whether hiking along the well-kept trails, white water paddling along the Obed River or Clear Creek River, climbing on the hard sandstone rock or trying your luck at fishing, the Obed has something for everyone and can be enjoyed year-round.

One of the toughest hikes in the Smokies, the Baxter Creek Trail leads hikers six miles up steep mountain grade through dense green forest.

One of the best recreational destinations in eastern Tennessee: 17 different hiking trails, 15 biking trails, and plenty of open water for fishing and paddling.

Dark skies, miles of trails, sandstone natural wonders and small crowds make this Tennessee State Park the perfect staging ground for exploring the wilds of the Cumberland Plateau.

One of the quickest afternoon escapes from the hustle and bustle of the city, Fort Dickerson Quarry is a convenient place to enjoy a hike or paddle.

The Jump Off is the iconic cliff face of Mt. Kephart in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It offers stunning views and 6.5 miles of steady hiking along the Appalachian Trail.