Top 15 Stunning Destinations in Tennessee You Must Visit

Tennessee, famously known as The Volunteer State, offers a vast array of attractions and experiences. As I navigated through captivating images, I was genuinely astonished by the numerous remarkable sites I have yet to discover in this wonderful state!

1. Lover’s Leap

Tennessee boasts stunning natural landscapes, with one of the most breathtaking locations being Lover’s Leap, where visitors can observe seven different states—how many can you identify? The elusive white Fallow deer is also a sight to behold within the Rock City attraction. To fully appreciate the panoramic views surrounding Lookout Mountain, adventurers must muster the courage to traverse the Swing-A-Long bridge.

On a clear day, from Lover’s Leap, one can see Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and the serene Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. If you focus closely, you may even spot Kentucky and Virginia, presenting a delightful challenge for your eyesight.

2. Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Bordering Tennessee and North Carolina lies the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the most frequented national park in the United States. The park offers a multitude of recreational activities, such as biking, hiking, fishing, and camping. Cades Cove, a topic we will address shortly, is the most visited destination within the park.

Horseback riding and picnicking rank among the most favored activities within the park, which features two primary visitor centers: Sugarlands Visitor Center and Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

3. Big South Fork National River

Spanning a remarkable 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area stands out as one of the most picturesque locations in Tennessee. Visitors can explore an extensive range of scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs, while the park itself is steeped in rich history, dating back 10,000 years.

With five campgrounds available, the needs of any camping enthusiast are well met. Additionally, swimming at Bandy Creek Swimming Pool is a rewarding experience during a visit to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

4. Rainbow Hall

No journey through Tennessee’s natural beauty would be complete without experiencing the stunning Rainbow Hall, located at Rock City. For those curious about how Chattanooga might appear with purple or green lighting, Rainbow Hall offers an unforgettable visual experience.

Rainbow Hall achieves this captivating aesthetic through windows adorned with colored gels, providing a unique perspective on the breathtaking scenery of Tennessee.

5. Rock Island State Park

Among the most scenic destinations in Tennessee, Rock Island State Park ranks highly. The Great Falls Gorge is one of the significant natural and historical attractions of the park, which also features Twin Falls, a cascade waterfall flowing from an underground cavern into Caney Fork.

Spanning 883 acres, the park is situated at the headwaters of Center Hill Lake, showcasing some of the most spectacular scenery found on the Eastern Highland Rim.

6. Burgess Falls State Park

The waterfalls at Burgess Falls State Park represent some of the most striking views in Tennessee. Positioned along the Falling Water River, the park is popular for fishing and picnicking.

To witness the most spectacular waterfall within the park, the River Trail/Service Road Loop, spanning 1.5 miles round-trip, is the optimal route, featuring moderate difficulty. Additionally, the half-mile Ridge Top Trail provides stunning vistas of the Falling Water River.

7. Gatlinburg

In winter, Tennessee’s mountain resort of Gatlinburg is simply enchanting. From November through February, this town is adorned with stunning eco-friendly displays and unique LED lighting, particularly along Gatlinburg’s iconic Downtown Parkway and neighboring River Road, regarded as some of the most impressive sights.

Wildlife from the Great Smoky Mountains, including deer, foxes, squirrels, and rabbits serves as inspiration for the illumination displays, complemented by a captivating rocking horse and dancing fountains.

Ober Gatlinburg stands as Tennessee’s sole ski resort, while Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies remains a favored attraction.

8. Hurricane Mills

Hurricane Mills, home to the ranch of Loretta Lynn, ranks among Tennessee’s most frequented tourist sites. The Loretta Lynn’s Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum stands out as a key attraction, while the area hosts various concerts and motocross events, notably the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship.

Loretta Lynn’s ranch boasts a distinctive charm that rivals even Graceland, and Hurricane Mills is also home to one of the most renowned haunted houses in the region—do you dare to explore it?

9. Signal Mountain

Signal Mountain is not only one of Tennessee’s most stunning locales but also is steeped in history. Originally utilized by Native Americans for communication, Signal Point now offers magnificent vistas overlooking the Tennessee River Valley and the City of Chattanooga—unforgettable sights indeed.

Nearby attractions include the Tennessee Riverfront and Aquarium, the Hunter Museum of Art, and the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, along with all the various attractions in downtown Chattanooga.

10. Dollywood Express Steam Train

For those seeking to admire the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Dollywood Express Steam Train offers an exceptional opportunity. This 20-minute mountain excursion provides some of the most extraordinary views anywhere in the United States, particularly within Tennessee.

The theme park where the railway operates was renamed Dollywood in the 1980s after the esteemed singer Dolly Parton acquired a stake in it. In a typical season, approximately three million visitors frequent Dollywood, establishing it as one of Tennessee’s premier tourist destinations.

11. Cade’s Cove

Cade’s Cove is among the most sought-after destinations within the Great Smokies, likely ranking as the most beautiful location throughout Tennessee. This isolated valley attracts over two million visitors annually, with a leisurely journey around Cade’s Cove typically taking between two to four hours by car. Cycling through Cade’s Cove is also permissible, with rental bikes available.

Visitors may encounter white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, skunks, groundhogs, and a plethora of other wildlife in Cade’s Cove. The Cades Cove Historic District rightfully holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

12. Cumberland Caverns

As one of the longest caves worldwide, Cumberland Caverns is an essential stop for anyone seeking a truly distinct experience during their visit to Tennessee. Year-round commercial tours of the cave are provided by the Cumberland Caverns organization, alongside opportunities for spelunking or even hosting a wedding within the cave system. Overall, there are over 30 miles of caves and subterranean passageways to discover at Cumberland Caverns.

13. Abandoned Tennessee State Penitentiary

The former Tennessee State Prison is not only one of the most visually striking buildings in the state but also one of its most imposing structures. Although it has been closed since 1992, it has transformed into one of Tennessee’s leading unusual tourist attractions over the years. Notably, films such as The Green Mile, Attica, and The Last Castle have featured scenes shot at the old Tennessee State Prison.

A tour of this abandoned facility offers an eerie exploration of the prison’s former Death Row. Located just a few miles west of Nashville, it serves as one of the spookiest yet memorable adventures in the state.

14. Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

For hiking enthusiasts, there are few locales as captivating in Tennessee as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With 850 miles of trails and unpaved roads to explore, there is an abundance of sights and experiences for outdoor lovers.

Notable attractions within the park include Alum Cave Bluffs and Arch Rock, while seasoned hikers might challenge themselves with a trek to Mount Le Conte, the park’s third-highest peak, which is renowned for housing the highest inn for visitors in the Eastern United States.