20 Best Trails and Hikes in Tennessee

Rainbow Falls is considered a moderately challenging trail and is a very popular destination, especially for running and hiking. Generally, this trail has two starting points, Single Point Trailhead and Rainbow Lake Trailhead but here we will talk about Single Point Trailhead.

With amazing views of the Tennessee River and Middle Creek with some steps and stairs in between as well as a steep descent cliff hike in the final section it takes you to Rainbow Falls.

The trail can be enjoyed throughout the year and has easy to park and good bathroom facilities available. However, a certain amount of entry fees are mandatory. Usually less crowded and dogs are welcome here but please make sure you follow the safety precautions.

• Length: 4.2km
• Elevation gain: 185m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Kid-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: Yes

This trail is especially for families and occasional travelers which doesn’t require a lot of effort and at the same time, provides you with some quality moments. This is an easy peasy route suitable to all ages and popular for hiking and walking. There are no time restrictions to visit this place as is open and favorable to visit throughout the year and is one of the the best hikes in Tennessee.

Though you don't need to pay any entry fee but may be charged for parking depending on the duration of parking. Generally, it's a less crowded place but becomes everyone's choice during weekends so, plan your trip accordingly. No restrictions on dogs but don’t forget to keep them on a leash.

• Length: 3.9km
• Elevation gain: 123m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Enjoy this moderately difficult but amazing place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Townsend, Tennessee. It is a well-known hiking area that highlights a 25-foot tall waterfall as a key attraction to visitors. Apart from that you get to witness the great forest views, wildlife, and beautiful wildflowers along the way.

An entry fee is not required whereas it has a paid parking system and requires a permit. Except at certain times during the year, it is usually a peaceful trail. Unfortunately, it doesn’t allow the dogs here.

• Length: 8km
• Elevation gain: 188m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: Around 2 hours
• Dog-friendly: No

Charlie Bunion via Appalachian Trail is situated near Gatlinburg, Tennesse and this is a recognized hiking route that is rated as a moderate to challenging trail. Along the summit of Great Smoky Mountain, is a great hiking trail that extends to the various peaks. It offers you a shady path creating the appropriate environment for hiking.

An entry fee isn’t needed but a paid parking tag is a requirement for parking for more than 15 minutes. Also, it has good-condition bathrooms available. Considering the difficulty level, pets are not allowed on this trail. Mostly it is not an overcrowded place.

• Length: 12.9km
• Elevation gain: 575m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Estimated time: 4 hours and 20 minutes
• Kid-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: No

Challenge yourself for this demanding route located near Gatlinburg which is one of the most popular routes for hiking and backpacking. It offers fabulous views of the forest, river, waterfall, and cave along with the seasonal wildflowers creating the cherry on the top environment. You might come across some muddy sections depending on the weather conditions of that time.

You don’t have to pay any entrance fee however a paid parking tag is necessary for parking longer than 15 minutes. Usually less crowded but cannot be predicted because of its popularity it may get busy so, early arrival is recommended to beat the possible crowd. Pets are not permitted here.

• Length: 17.7 km
• Elevation gain: 933m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Kid-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: No

If you are planning to explore the best trails in Tennessee nature along with the whole family then this is yet another family-friendly place that must align with your choice and interest. Despite being rated as a moderately demanding route, it is suitable for all age groups. It has beautiful views of the forest, wildlife, and seasonal wildflowers to offer its visitors along with plenty of picturesque spots.

It is a free-to-enter trail but may charge you for the parking depending on the length of the parking. You may come across the slippery section depending on the recent weather conditions of that time but overall it's doable. Also, it may get crowded later in the day, especially during weekends. This route does not allow pets.

• Length: 7.2km
• Elevation gain: 354m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: No

The challenging route located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee demands a physically fit and active body to complete this trail. It features rocky steeps and difficult elevation gains testing the hiker's strength and mindset. But in the end, all the efforts are rewarded with breathtaking views making you forget the struggle done to reach there.

Additionally, this route does not disappoint you with the views at all as if are beautiful throughout.

An entry fee is not required but may get charged for the parking and mostly has easy-to-park conditions but you may face difficulty with the bathroom. Usually, it is not overcrowded although early arrival is always good. This trail does not allow the dogs.

• Length: 5.8km
• Elevation gain: 392m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Challenging
• Kid-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: No

The next moderately difficult trail is near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Despite a bit of challenge, it is one of the family-friendly routes which is a top choice for families. It offers plenty of shade throughout the trail making favorable hiking conditions.

It has paid parking in a small parking lot and requires a permit but has no entry fee. There is no difficulty with bathrooms though. However, pets are not allowed here.

• Length: 4.2km
• Elevation gain: 166m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: No

Explore this moderately challenging trail located in Brentwood, Tennessee. This trail has several steep sections along with a bit of gradual inclines. It has plenty of shade throughout the route creating pleasant hiking conditions but carrying enough water is recommended especially in summer times.

It has easy and free parking in a large parking lot as well as no entry fee. Not quite a crowdie place and dogs are permitted on this route. you will be offered the great forest, rivers, wildlife and wildflower views.

• Length: 8.2km
• Elevation gain: 253m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

This is a short and easy route which is a well-known destination for walking and hiking. Being a short and easy route, it is also suitable for all ages and a great option to get out into nature and stretch your legs without spending much time and effort on this route along with the small waterfall in the end.

Easy-to-park conditions and bathroom facilities are available. An entry fee is not required. Dogs are permitted but please make sure you follow the safety precautions.

• Length: 1.8km
• Elevation gain: 9m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 25 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

An easy route located just near Brentwood, Tennessee which is a friendly route for all ages as well, and it also can be easily accessed using a wheelchair, stroller, or other mobility equipment with all-terrain tires. A popular hiking and walking destination that has become everyones favorite.

Along with the mesmerizing scenic views you will get to witness plenty of wildlife and wildflowers on seasons. Easy parking conditions are available but may get difficult if it's crowded.  It might be a turnoff for pet lovers that it doesn’t permit pets on the trail.

• Length: 4.3km
• Elevation gain: 37m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: Around 1 hour
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: No

The next nice and easy trail near Hartford, Tennessee gives a great option to every age group to hang out in nature to enhance blood circulation and breathe some fresh air. This short and easy route is mainly known for horseback riding, camping, and hiking. It has a wide and easy-to-navigate path taking you to the waterfall.

You can get on this beautiful hike with no entry fee but may have to pay for the parking which requires a permit as well. This peaceful place has also bathroom facilities. However, you will have to leave your dogs at home as it does not permit.

• Length: 6.4km
• Elevation gain: 165m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: No

The beautiful hike near Signal Mountain Tennessee has a lot to offer you. While the whole route has incredible lush green forest views along with waterfalls, the experience from the top of the point is simply magnificent with the view of the Tennessee River below. You will have to cross multiple rocky parts with manageable elevation gains. September climate condition is considered ideal to enjoy this amazing trail.

Easy and free parking is available but has a small parking lot, so get there early to avoid the difficulty though it is not that crowded generally. Conditions might change as per the weather and time of the year you visit. You can accompany yourself with your lovely dogs but ensure keeping on a leash for the safety of all.

• Length: 6.1km
• Elevation gain: 241m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Try out this short but moderately demanding route near Townsend, Tennessee. Despite the short length certain rocky parts that may require climbing make it a bit of a difficult route. This is a beautiful popular hiking area that is great to enjoy any time of the year.

While you don’t have to pay entry charges you may need to pay for the parking. Conditions might also be slippery and muddy depending on the weather. Wildlife, forest, wildflowers, and waterfall are the major attractions here. Less crowded trail and you will not have to face difficulty for bathrooms.

• Length: 2.6km
• Elevation gain: 132m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 45 minutes
• Dog-friendly: No

Gabes Mountain Trail to Hen Wallow Falls lies near Cosby, Tennessee which is a moderately challenging route. This place is a popular hiking area and offers the majestic forest, wildlife, wildflowers, and river views along with the around 90-foot-high waterfall which is a prime attraction of this trail.

An entry fee is not required d but you have to pay for the parking and need the parking permit. Except for weekends or holidays, you may not get to see the crowd here but you will have to leave your pets at home as this place does not permit.

• Length: 7.2km
• Elevation gain: 294m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 18 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: No

Enjoy this yet another beautiful and easy trail with your whole family to create lifelong memories. This is a perfect place to hang out for all ages and have some fresh air being in the lap of the nature itself. It has a lot to offer from natural scenic beauty to wildlife and waterfalls.

• Length: 6.1k
• Elevation gain: 50m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

This is a short and easy trail near Baxter, Tennessee. Its shady conditions provide you with an ideal hiking environment but still carrying enough water is recommended to the visitors. Throughout the trail, it offers some great scenic views along with wildlife and wildflowers.

Good parking and bathroom facilities are available, but coming early is always recommended to avoid the possible crowd and enjoy nature at its best, usually, it's a peaceful trail.

• Length: 1.9km
• Elevation gain: 52m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Estimated time: 30 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

The short easy and beautiful trail that leads you through lush green forests along with several small waterfalls and scenic views,  lies among the best hiking trails in Tennessee with waterfalls. It includes some rocky areas which is the reason it is considered a moderately challenging trail, visitors are recommended appropriate footwear.

Less crowded with easy-to-park conditions but has a small parking lot which might get full early during the weekends. Dogs on leash are permitted.

• Length: 1.9km
• Elevation gain: 93m
• Route type: Out and back
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: 45 minutes
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

The moderately challenging route lies near Tullahoma, Tennessee. The route is mostly surrounded by dense green forest. This route includes some rocky sections and may also be muddy and slippery depending on the weather conditions.

It has narrow parking which is why getting there early is recommended. You will need to pay a certain entry fee. Dogs are allowed as well but don’t forget to put them on a leash every time.

• Length: 3.1km
• Elevation gain: 87m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: Around 1 hour
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Because of the rocky scrambles and steep stairs in some sections, this is rated as a moderately challenging route but, is doable. It lies near Tracy City, Tennessee, and is a popular area for hiking running, and rocking climbing as well.

It offers free parking in a medium-sized parking lot and isn’t usually crowded. You will not face the bathroom difficulty here. On the whole, it has rewarding conditions and is a dog-friendly route.

• Length: 2.7km
• Elevation gain: 103m
• Route type: Loop
• Difficulty level: Moderately challenging
• Estimated time: Around 1 hour
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes