Tennessee Hiking

Tennessee is truly the hiker’s dream! You will find trails of all lengths and experience levels that traverse this beautiful state. Whether in the Smoky Mountains, Memphis, or the many state parks, you are sure to find just the right place to “take a hike”.

In the Nashville area, experienced hikers will exalt in the invigorating Bearwaller Gap Hiking Trail which travels the wooded shoreline of Cordell Hull Lake. The 5.6 mile trail passes waterfalls, rocky overlooks, and old homesteads and is considered one of Tennessee’s finest, but most challenging, trails. There is a backcountry campsite area which makes it a great place for backpacking as well. For a less strenuous hike, visit Flat Rock Cedar Glades and Barrens Hike Trail. This easy path ambles among cedars and hardwoods and passes by barren rock and grassy glades.

In Memphis there are many trails from which to choose. There is the short yet steep Azalea Combination Trail, the Fort Pillow Historic Trail that begins near the Inner breastworks and goes on to the outer limits of the breastworks. A much longer (8 miles) trail can be found on the Chickasaw Bluffs Trail which travels from the Chickasaw Bluff 3 to Poplar Lake.

At Honeycreek Pocket Wilderness of north Tennessee is the Big Fork National River & Recreation Area which contains the south fork of the Cumberland River. Here you will find 6 mile Honeycreek Loop Trail, a trail that will truly test your endurance and add to your hiking ability and stamina! The trail dips into a creek valley then continues on to the river. You will ford the creek at least 14 times, and unless conditions are dry, plan to get wet. A note of warning: because of the intricacies of this trail, do not attempt to hike it at night! However, don’t be discouraged, Despite its difficulty, this trail is one of the most rewarding and gorgeous areas of the Big Fork area.

Some other Tennessee hikes include, but are not limited to, the Barfield Wilderness Loop Trail in Murfreesboro, the Riverside and Indian Mounds Trail in Memphis, the Chimney Tops Trail in the Smoky Mountains, and over 30 miles of trails that make up the Appalachian Trail.

Banner by Gorilla Girl
Hiker on Rocks by Neil Alejandro