Tennessee has many vibrant colors- mist clad mountains- stunning waterfalls- historical sites and universe of music. All of them crave visitors to search for amazing places to visit in Tennessee. It’s obvious because Tennessee is always warm with their guests and seems personal every time. Even though the temperature is a little bit boiling, it is always special for exploring the state throughout the year.
Every place in Tennessee presents something unique, making it a complete trip with southeastern culture, “meet and three” food, and how to forget about music! Tennessee has seven pieces of music, more than any state in the USA. If you want to indulge in Tennessee and even if you are a first time visitor who always tries to figure out a place to start his journey. This blog matches your curiosity and shows you 10 amazing places in Tennessee. Additionally what activity you will do with your family and friends.
Top 10 Beautiful Places in Tennessee
There are lots of beautiful places in Tennessee but we consider one of the top beautiful places every visitor should go there if they come to Tennessee.
Memphis
Memphis introduced itself as the home of vibrant popular music. We can’t believe that anyone who lives in America does not hear the name of Beale street at once. Memphis is nestled on the Mississippi riverfront blended with numerous activities and has the second largest city of Tennessee. Right away in the city you will see the great Civil Right Museum that inspires most of the citizens and visitors from the decades. For kid attractions a Memphis zoo is a must visiting point. Memphis culture is always shown by its musical vibe. Everywhere in downtown music has become the lifestyle of locals. And Memphis has a treasure house of music which you can see through Sun Studio, Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and Blue Hall of Fame.
Nashville
Describing a vibe of Nashville city is not possible in tiny words. Nashville city has a bunches of things for exploring. And most of the part is music. It is the capital of Tennessee and addresses the vibrant nightlife, rich history and culture of America. One example of a famous historical site is “Ryman Auditorium”. In worldwide , everybody calls it the “mother church of country music”. By the way, if music is not your interest. You have many things to do in Nashville like food is your life go and eat “Hot Chicken”, the most loveable dish of Nashville. Apart from that as entertainment, you can play golf and visit engaging Frist Art Museums.
Dollywood
Dollywood comes in the list of most favorite destinations in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Basically It is a Family-Friendly theme park, mix of 50 plus thrilling-rides, beautiful waterpark and Smoky Mountain sideview Resorts. It comprised almost 160-acre area for family fun. There is no doubt, it is a complete one day trip. When you enter the park boundary, most of you are riding the thrill roller coaster as a focus portion. Or we guess, an amazing ride of legendary “The Dollywood Express” is too. That’s a tour by side of a smoky mountain and the express journey midway between two points is 5 miles with a breathtaking view of nature treasure. Activity is a first part, additionally throughout the year park hosting elegant events and festivals.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
When you are planning to find a place to visit in Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park of course should be in your bucket. This National park is showing the raw beauty of nature very beautifully. Even every turn has something to fully immerse in. During the scenic hike you witness unforgettable views of flower rich valleys, stunning waterfalls like never touched before and peaks of mountains. Great Smoky Mountains primarily measure as finest Tennessee nature spots such as for waterfall view- Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls are worthwhile. Alums Cave Bluff is the best spot for taking the overall view of mountains. As for photography or long road trips, no one is better than him. A completely new experience of nature freshness!
Rock Island State Park
If you feel hot during the Tennessee journey. So Rock Island State park is in the highlight. This state park offers visitors an escape from downtown’s busy lifestyle. When we first visited, we were surprised how people do not talk much about this state park. But actually it is a hidden gem in the middle of Tennessee. Whether you like hiking, camping, swimming and fishing, Rock Island State Park is ready. You know what is the best thing Rock Island has, Twin falls and Great Falls, Both are iconic waterfalls and what we say is just breathtaking views we have ever experienced. On the site there are 60 camp areas. Additionally Summers will find numerous summing holes for open bathing in the landscape surrounding.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg (Tennessee mountain towns) is a well planned resort city that is featured very close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This downtown presents a modern charm of beautiful restaurants, hotels, shops and is enveloped in green forest. Photography enthusiasts can not afford to miss the chance of Gatlinburg. There are many beautiful attractions such as Ober mountain Gatlinburg, around the city that compelled visitors to click pictures from different angles. Gatlinburg has a wide range of outdoor activities. Only wait for your countdown to start. Whitewater rafting, ziplining, and scenic helicopter tours are like a normal day in town.
Ruby Falls
Have you think about why Ruby Falls is Special? Because of its placement. Ruby Falls is a long and deep underground waterfall over America. And right now it is open for public tours but a tour guide is required when you visit. Beside the waterfall inside you also see the history of the cave and nature art of stone formation. Also a lightshow happen around the waterfall that illuminates the area totally. Ruby Falls is placed inside Lookout Mountain and you need 26 stories below to travel by elevator to reach the waterfall. When you enjoy the waterfall, Lookout Mountain tower is waiting for you, the point offering the best view of Tennessee river and Rolling valley. One activity which impresses us most on the site is zip lines.
The Lost Sea Adventure
It is the largest underground lake in America and as the world measures it is second. The tour takes approximately one and half hours where visitors do 4- miles of boat rides over the lake. The water of the lake is fresh and clean. So you can look clearly deep into the water. This is a perfect place for a family- kids trip indeed this site is informative. Because it is historical and self-created by nature you will definitely enjoy the story of the cave formation. In the entrance a yellow tunnel is noticed by which everyone accesses this lake. Yet advance booking is mandatory. Don’t forget to visit this unique attraction in Tennessee. It is resting on the Sweetwater.
Clingmans Dome
Many of you may be confused by his unfamiliar name. It is obvious because formerly the name of Cligmans Dome was “kuwohi”. Clingmans Dome is basically the highest peak of Smoky mountain as well in Tennessee. When you count from the sea level at the top you find its height at 6643 feet. This place is perfect for long steep hiking and the trails through the natural forest gives you an immersive experience of wildlife. When you climb to the top, the observation tower is pleasing to you by providing a panoramic mountain view. And by chance you arrive at sunrise and even during sunshine, the view becomes more vivid. Entry is free but parking lots allow only 15 min free service, afterward fees are mandatory. Pets and bicycles are not allowed in the park.
Chattanooga
As a point of interest in scenic view, Chattanooga is always in first place. This city has many reasons to stop. The first one is Tennessee riverfront, very beautiful, very charming. It offers bike riding along the waterfront side by side with numerous picturesque points. Since it is surrounded by mountains, the vibe of the city is a balance of modern presence and natural beauty. Or don’t forget to walk over streets which are filled with cafes, boutiques, restaurants and many luxury hotels. The Tennessee aquarium is one of the best places to visit in Tennessee. This aquarium has a mindblowing demonstration of marine life in America. The atmosphere of the city is very friendly for touring throughout the year.
Best Outdoor Activities in Tennessee
Without exploring outdoor activities in Tennessee, your journey is incomplete. This state has many side to recreation ideas ranging from thrilling to peaceful activities. Whether it’s hiking on the Smoky Mountain, going on long scenic drives or finding points for camping outside of the city. Create your Tennessee tour interesting and lifelong admiration by engaging with these activities.
- Hiking on the Great Smoky Mountain: If you like hiking visit Great Smoky Mountain. It gives you a remarkable experience of hiking in the Appalachian panoramic view. We are sure of this steep hike showing you the best natural scenic view in Tennessee.
- Scenic drive & Waterfall: Going to the road trip side of the mountain there are numerous turns and stops to look at the amazing view of Appalachian Mountain valley and Cascading waterfalls. Cumberland Plateau and the Great Smoky Mountain are prime options for scenic driving. And during the drive you will easily access famous waterfalls in Tennessee such as Twin fall and Bald river falls.
- Camping & Wildlife Viewing: For camping “Cades cove campground” is a sufficient place. It allows both tent and RV camp out there. This park is so long and often black bear, and deer are easily visible. So come there with your family and choose early morning time for a close nature experience.
- River Rafting & Kayaking: Tennessee offers world class whitewater rafting experience from class I to class IV. The best thing is every water activities zone, you can easily reach out. For popular rafting enjoyment Ocoee river is best. This river side was in the spotlight at the Olympic 1996. And secondly the Pigeon river is relatable.
Best Time to Visit Tennessee
The average temperature of Tennessee is kind of hot and humid, that is why summer is not pleasant and also particularly it is crowded. If you find the best time to visit Spring from April to May and Fall from September to October is ideal. This time temperatures are mild and most of the festivals are held during the period. Even you do not face the problem of a large crowd, you can easily enjoy outdoor activities with your family and friends. Winter is ok-ok because the positive point is that temperatures are low compared to the year but there is more of a chance to face snow. It may disturb your mountain journey.
Conclusion
Essence is saying to you, Tennessee is a must watch state in the southern boundary of the USA. And from east to west, the 10 best places to visit in Tennessee are very straightforward and very convenient to access. Music is a part of Tennessee local vines so each city like Memphis and Nashville has its own tune of music. Additionally peaks like The Great Smoky Mountain and underground Ruby Waterfall in Lookout Mountain change the definition of state across the world. Families, romantic couples, kids or solo visitors too can comfortably enjoy the tour of its culture, modern energy and natural wildlife. Tennessee is inviting for you with family, come here to eat hot chicken, outdoor recreation and also for downtown unique shopping.