Tennessee Trails
The Ruby Falls
NPS
Tennessee, located in the southeastern U.S., is home to various ranges of the Appalachian Mountains, including the Bald and Great Smokies, among others. The Appalachian Valley, made up of low ridges and hills, lies to the west of the mountains.
Tennessee is home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles the border with North Carolina. The park is America's most visited, and features stunning peaks, lush forests and year-round, vibrant wildflowers.
The editors at Backpacker have created an extensive collection of popular trails and trips for hiking and backpacking Tennessee.
Get Above It in Tennessee's Big Frog Wilderness
In the winter, the mountains and ridges of Tennessee transform.
Firetower Hikes
Hike to one of these nine fire lookouts for unbeatable views and a unique backcountry experience.
Top Hikes for Fall Foliage
Hit up one of these 7 hikes for a late-season color show.
7 Hikes to Beat the Heat
Too hot for you? Head into this deep-shade forests for a little chill.
Ten Spring Wildflower Hikes to See Gorgeous Blooms
Catch the best of the early season show on these nine routes curated exclusively for Basecamp members.
Hiking the Big Frog Wilderness, Tennessee
Explore rhododendron tunnels and uncanny forests on this 19.1-mile loop.
Catch Blazing Fall Colors on the Fiery Gizzard Trail
Step into a riot of gold and red foliage less than two hours from Chattanooga on the Fiery Gizzard Trail in South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee
4 Mountaintop Lookout Towers You Need to Hike
Score bird’s-eye views over valleys and mountains on these four treks to summit lookouts that can be done in a day.
The 10 Most Dangerous Hikes in America
Like your life and limbs intact? Then you'd better get skilled before visiting these trails.
National Scenic Trails: The Best 50 Miles
On its 50th birthday, the National Scenic Trails system boasts nearly 19,000 miles. Not sure where to start? We’ve scoured the whole network to bring you the best 50 miles.
Help Build These 10 Hiking Trails of Tomorrow
Protecting land is only the first step. Hikers need trails, and trails don’t build themselves. Grab a Pulaski and create new paths and restore lost routes on these 10 trips.
Hitting the (Whiskey) Trail in Tennessee
Stretch your legs and wet your whistle on this 600-odd-mile journey through America's bourbon country.
America's Best Huts: Roan High Knob Shelter
When the climb up to Roan High Knob lands the weary at the foot of a four-walled 1933 log cabin, it might as well be a five-star hotel.
10 Classic Peakbagging Lists You Need to Tick
From the Adirondack 46ers to Everest By the Sea, these are ten to-do lists you'll be happy to tackle.
The Best Day Hikes in America: Tennessee
Head here midweek to get 256-foot Fall Creek Falls to yourself.
The Best National Park Campsites: Sheep Pen Gap
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Where to Hike for Free on Black Friday
Forget standing in line at the store. Spend the 27th on the trail with free admission and other perks from these parks.
Chattanooga, TN: Savage Gulf Loop
Loop through Savage Gulf and you'll be rewarded with 50-foot cascades, swimming holes, see-forever views, and an amazing campsite. BY ERIC HARRISON
Hesse Creek, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC
Even locals hardly know about this secluded spot
The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes: Calderwood Lake
Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, Tennessee/North Carolina
Best 100 Miles: Andrews Bald to Jonas Creek Junction, Great Smoky Mountains NP, TN/NC
These 8 miles of Appalachian dream are among the best 100 miles of trail in the whole national park system.
Wildlife Hot Spots in America
It’s a zoo out there. Snag close-ups of bears, birds, and elk on these late-summer dayhikes.
Chattanooga: Chickamauga CreekTrail
This 5.6-mile loop climbs the woody spine of Dick's Ridge, then meanders along a twisting mountain stream in a hilly section of Chattahoochee National Forest.