Best Trails in Tennessee

Part of trail unknowingly closed "until September" after I read it supposedly opened around August 1st. Arrived at 5pm from 4 hrs travelling, and a citation issued on the windshield of our car the following morning for camping d/t campsite being closed, but too far in to hike out after arrival. Embarrassed to be escorted out (on our way out) by Park Rangers (eldest with 3 months experience after telling us we would be cleared of citation for not actually having been 'found camping.') Beautiful sights, however. Do your research more in depth than I did, apparently, before staying here or hiking past 5pm.

Breaktaking experiences of caves, patterned rocks, and mountain views.

Anyone have directions to the falls. I took the service road until I got to a shin high stream crossing and wasn't prepared for that did I miss the trail or do you need to cross the stream?

Great hike! The trail is black top and is very easy. We hiked on a Sunday early afternoon and it was very crowded. The falls are beautiful but there were at least 75-100 people there. We continued past the falls. The black top ended and so did the crowds. On the way back we saw a very young black bear cub. Beautiful day and views.

Easy walk paved trail with great sunset views.

A really nice trail. The waterfalls at the end are excellent but the trail makes you work for it. Trail is a mix of flat walking and quite rocky. There are 4 water crossings which were manageable even with the wet summer.

This was one of the most beautiful hikes to date.. I highly recommend it but be ready, We did it in 4 hrs but well worth it!!!

Love driving this motor trail. There’s so much scenery and places to pull over to walk around and see the waterfalls and a few old historical buildings. Also Ely’s Mill at the end is a must visit.

Very pleasant, easy walk. Temperature was in the High 70’s and clear sky. Trail is very easy and only had a total elevation gain of about 700’. Half of the hike is along a beautiful creek. The highlight of our hike was a swim where a small stream cascades into river. Hannah saw a baby snake....

Overall, good hike. Only thing like it in the Boro. The main trail - Marshall Knobbs - is less than 3 miles... you have to take BOTH side trails; Valley View and Rocky Path - to get it over 4- close to 5.

Beautiful sight! Very steep, rocky terrain.

Gorgeous Waterfall at the end

My friends and I were camping in Hot Springs NC, and decided to take a 45 min drive over to hike this trail. The hike to the falls is beautiful. From the trail head to the waterfall is about a 400 ft incline in elevation. Because of this, going to the falls is mostly uphill. There are parts of the trail that is just made up of piles of medium size rocks. Great place for snakes to hide. We saw two along this stretch of the trail. Overall, I would totally recommend this hike!

Very strenuous hike! The first part of the hike is very deceiving and leads u to believe that its not gonna be that bad. After about 1/4 a mile it is absolutely straight up the mountain for the rest of the hike. There are lots of trees to lean on the way up. If u do make it to the top, you will see one of the neatest habitats around here and some of the most unique wildflowers. Its totally worth the effort!

We just hiked this trail on Tuesday. We went through the animal exhibits and took the Lakeside trail until we reached the Fire Tower Trail. The fire tower loop is pretty strenuous. I carried my 1 year old on my back and my mom and 8 year old hiked with me. It took us a hour to get up there, but we finally made it. The view is covered by trees, so if you can climb the tower, DO IT. It is beautiful. Most of the steps are in good shape. There might have been 2 that had some wood missing. I would recommend this trail, but be prepared for the uphill hike and take plenty to drink!

Did this trail last year. Trail is eroding from not being maintained. Waterfall is spectacular.

This is a great trail and a nice morning wake up. The best part is all of the beautiful homes on the river that showcase many architectural styles. The trail is a bit crowded though so go early so you can have a bit more privacy.

I’ve done this paddle ride twice this year. Views and scenery are amazing. Seeing the Bald Eagles fly over was breathtaking. Is definitely one of my favorite ways to spend a day.

I’ve been there so many times, there’s a waterfall too.

Good time

my family and I had a magnificent time. wonderful views at the bridge. take plenty of water it gets hot. I wouldn't call the trail easy either. would love to do it again sometime but I want to try some other trails in the area first.

Okay hike. Completely paved, which can be nice but also less exciting. There were tons of people there when we went but understandably so: the falls were gorgeous! There is even a little path to talk to get a lower vantage point of the falls.

AWESOME TRAIL! The Alum Cave makes a great, scenic half-way point to sit and rest or eat. The second half is way more strenuous, but SO MUCH FUN! Even though it was foggy at the top, the lodge was a joy and the hot chocolate was pleasant. Looking forward to doing this one again.

very pretty. slippery rocks of course so make sure your shoes have tread on them before going. the trail winds from the land into the water to the rocks to get to the waterfall.

Interesting trail to hike. Has 2 rope bridges which are fun. also a mossy waterfall. also the main waterfall which is pretty has 2 shoot offs the ridge. Saw a copperhead snake. well marked path. It was shady. also lead to rattlesnake point which is a great overlook.

Harder than I thought it would be. The trail is as steep as described and is definitely hard. The road to get there has more potholes than actual road so drive with caution. Worth the view!

Made it there this weekend, very pretty and private. Once you reach the falls the trail head goes up a hill to the left that is the trail to continue onto kiner hollow which there is another falls about .5 miles.

Not many other hikers. Good time with my family. Wasn’t what I would consider “easy” but it wasn’t extremely difficult.

This is a short hike with a great, refreshing reward at the end. Beautiful! We will hike this one again.

Worth every step!