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.
In the winter, the mountains and ridges of Tennessee transform.
Hike to one of these nine fire lookouts for unbeatable views and a unique backcountry experience.
Hit up one of these 7 hikes for a late-season color show.
Too hot for you? Head into this deep-shade forests for a little chill.
Catch the best of the early season show on these nine routes curated exclusively for Basecamp members.
Explore rhododendron tunnels and uncanny forests on this 19.1-mile loop.
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
Score bird’s-eye views over valleys and mountains on these four treks to summit lookouts that can be done in a day.
Like your life and limbs intact? Then you'd better get skilled before visiting these trails.
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.
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.
Stretch your legs and wet your whistle on this 600-odd-mile journey through America's bourbon country.
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.
From the Adirondack 46ers to Everest By the Sea, these are ten to-do lists you'll be happy to tackle.
Head here midweek to get 256-foot Fall Creek Falls to yourself.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Forget standing in line at the store. Spend the 27th on the trail with free admission and other perks from these parks.
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
Even locals hardly know about this secluded spot
Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, Tennessee/North Carolina
These 8 miles of Appalachian dream are among the best 100 miles of trail in the whole national park system.
It’s a zoo out there. Snag close-ups of bears, birds, and elk on these late-summer dayhikes.
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.