Tennessee

The Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most visited trails in the Smokies, which is why I recommend going up just before sunset to beat the crowd! During the summer and fall months, it's common to see a hundred people taking in the views on the same trail, but if you scramble on out after hours, you can easily find yourself alone just in time to catch the sunset. Get to the trailhead an hour and...

One of the biggest perks of hiking Abrams Falls is the drive to get there. The trailhead is located approximately 5 miles into the scenic Cades Cove Loop. Cades Cove is an adventure in itself. Keep your eye out for black bears, deer and wild turkey. If you are taking the self guided auto tour, Abrams Falls Trail is located just after stop #10. Turn right on the gravel road and park in the large...

Fall Creek Falls State Park is sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. The 20,000-acre park is one of the most scenic parks in the country and is the largest recreation area in the state of Tennessee. It is home to a 256-foot waterfall, cascades, gorges, 5 other waterfalls, campsites, cabins, and more than 34 miles of hiking trails. You can park right at the Fall Cree...

Catch the trailhead down to the falls at the parking lot. The trail quickly approaches the rim of the river gorge to provide hikers with a great bird's eye view of the falls. After snapping a few photos of the falls from above, follow the clearly marked trail down to the river's edge. From there, hikers have to do a little bit of bushwhacking. Follow the water upstream, skirting the banks of th...

Foster Falls State Park is part of the South Cumberland State Park system. A short 45 minute drive from Chattanooga, Foster Falls boasts a stunning 60 foot waterfall that is worth visiting during any season of the year. The trailhead for this 2 mile hike starts from the Foster Falls parking lot and follows the rim of the gorge on river left. On your way you will pass a viewing platform that pro...

The Alum Cave trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road, 8 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in the Smokies, and this is an extremely popular hike, so arrive early to get a parking spot and beat the crowds. Starting from the parking lot the trail gently winds beside Alum Cave Creek for just over a mile before reaching Arch Rock, where hikers will climb a s...

From the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, drive approximately 13 miles south on Newfound Gap Road to reach the Newfound Gap Parking Area (it'll be on your left). The parking area is free and there are bathrooms. Follow the Appalachian Trail towards Katahdin, Maine (1972 miles away, woah!) At this point, there will not be a sign for Charlies Bunion, don't worry, it's up there! The tr...

Upon entering Rock Island State Park from the east, the parking area for this trail is located right after the old cotton mill (my friend and I actually ended up getting lost because it is tucked away there quite nicely). The trail that leads to Twin Falls actually starts at the westernmost part of the parking lot. The beginning of the trail is comprised of stairs that descend fairly rapidly so...

An easy, yet extremely beautiful and well marked drive leads to a pretty sizable parking lot at the trailhead. There are multiple trails to hike, depending on how much time you have or how long you want to hike. This particular trail makes for a perfect day trip from Nashville, Chattanooga or Knoxville. The trail is nicely marked, well traveled, not too strenuous (could be tricky in places for...