If you are planning a trip to Tennessee and deciding on places to visit, we have got you covered. Tennessee is a place that has everything to offer. From rich culture to hospitable people to natural landscapes to amazing food, it has everything one can ask for.
Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover or are looking for diverse cuisine options, you will find something that fulfills your desire in Tennessee. From visiting the Great Smoky Mountains to the Titanic Museum, here are five must-visit spots in Tennessee that need to be on your travel itinerary.
- Smoky Mountains National Park:
There is no way we can talk about traveling or Tennessee or even the US without mentioning the Great Smoky Mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world, let alone in the US. On your trip to Tennessee, you cannot miss going to the Smoky Mountains National Park. The Smoky Mountains National Park attracts almost 10 million visitors or more annually. There are tons of things that this place has to offer. You can hike on more than 850 miles of hiking trails it has to offer, go fishing, horse riding, camping, boating, and much more.
The Smoky Mountains are a wonder of nature, and there is the best natural view you will ever get to see. The trails are all surrounded by trees and high ridges of mountains there. There are hundreds of different tree species and a wide variety of wildlife there. For any nature enthusiast, the Smoky Mountains national park is a must-visit. A fun fact about the Smoky Mountain National Park is that entry there is free. Yes, you don’t have to pay any entry fees to enjoy such a marvelous natural spot.
- Knoxville:
Knoxville is a city in Tennessee, and it is the third-largest city in TN. If you want to enjoy luxurious, chic, or urban amenities, then a getaway to Knoxville will be the best decision you can make. There you can enjoy all the luxuries and experience all modern-day outdoor recreation activities while still not being completely out of touch with nature. In Knoxville’s urban wilderness, there is a 1,000-acre plot of forested land. Thus, you get to experience the natural trails there with a chic touch. There are 50-plus miles of trails that you can explore.
Among all these activities that will give you an adrenaline rush, you can still have experiences that will give you a much-needed dose of nature. You can visit the University of Tennessee gardens. If you want to have somewhat of a different and fulfilling experience, you can head to the Knoxville Museum of Arts, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, and Knoxville Zoo. Also, don’t forget to shop at the independent shops in the famous Knoxville Market Square while you are at it.
- Chattanooga:
Ruby Falls – one of the largest underground waterfalls in the US
Chattanooga is the largest city located in the southeastern corner of the state. Close to the serene Appalachian Mountains is the Tennessee River, on which Chattanooga is located. Chattanooga is famous for one of the largest underground waterfalls in the US, the Ruby Falls. You can visit Ruby Falls, and its beauty will mesmerize you, and you will never forget it once you visit. Another great attraction is the country’s largest and most popular military parks there, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Parks. You will get amazed by just how pretty the views are in Chattanooga, and it looks almost unreal.
Another thing that makes Chattanooga a popular and attractive tourist location is that it is close to the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, which is the world’s steepest inclined railway. Other than these amazing places, you can go to the city’s most beautiful neighborhood, Bluff View Art District. There are also kid-friendly places and attractions there, like the Tennessee Aquarium, which by the way, is the world’s largest freshwater aquarium.
- Cherokee National Forest:
Cherokee National Forest is another must-visit spot that is located near the Appalachian Mountains, in the south of them, to be exact. The Cherokee national forest is located between the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. The Cherokee national forest spans over 655,598 acres of protected forest land that has many hiking trails and beautiful places. It is known for the huge variety of plant and animal life that is living and growing there in the forest. For an idea, there are more than 20,000 species of plants and animals that you can find in the Cherokee national forest.
There are famous tourist-approved activities to do there, like Ocoee River Rafting. It is where the Olympic Games happened in 1996. Thus, this place serves equally for nature lovers and travel enthusiasts. There are all types of fun outdoor activities you can do there, like hiking, rafting, camping, bird watching, etc.
- Sevierville:
Sevierville is the perfect place for those to visit who want to go somewhere where there are fewer crowds, but it still is a place worth visiting. Sevierville is the part of Tennessee that offers the best views, and even though it is a tourist hotspot, it is still less overcrowded compared to other places. It is located on the eastern side of Tennessee.
One of the most famous attractions there is the architectural landmark, the famous 19th Century Courthouse in Sevierville. It is like a work of art, and it shows the visitors how much architectural prowess the people had who lived here. There are also famous city statues there that show the amazing architectural supremacy of the place. Some of the places you don’t want to miss seeing during your visit to Sevierville are the Hatfield and McCoy dinner show, the Titanic Museum, the Upside Down Amusement Park, Wonderworks Pigeon Forge, and so much more.
Conclusion:
If you are touring Tennessee and want an itinerary list, then look no further. Tennessee is the perfect place to travel as it has parks, forests, cities, and attractions that are not only historical but beautiful. You will find everything you wish to visit in Tennessee. In this article, we have rounded up five spots that are a must-visit in Tennessee that are some of the best places not only in the US but in the world.
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