The 13 Most Beautiful Places In Tennessee, According To Locals

From waterfalls and mountaintops to small towns and stadiums, the Volunteer State is a scenic wonderland.

From the Mississippi River in the west to the Great Smoky Mountains in the east, Tennessee is rich in scenery. The Volunteer State stretches about 440 miles in length and is dotted with waterfalls, low rolling hills, ancient mountains, wildflowers, small towns, and big spirits. While a trip to Nashville or a Dolly-fueled adventure are always fun, there’s even more to see for those willing to drive the backroads or venture to one of Tennessee’s more than 50 state parks.

If you’re looking to plan your next weekend getaway to the state or curious about destinations off the beaten path, we have you covered. No one knows Tennessee quite like its locals. We turned to a handful of people who call Tennessee home to learn what they think are its most beautiful spots for your next visit.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Arnita Gray from Kingston, Tennessee, shares that Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area can’t be missed: “This place offers solitude and a peaceful atmosphere,” said Gray. “Big South Fork is not only a place for people to see beautiful views of the Cumberland Plateau, but also impressive cliffs, arches, chimneys, and waterfalls. It is a complete package for people who love exploring the beauty of nature but still want to have quiet time to relax.”

When visiting the 125,000-acre park, consider staying at the neighboring town of Rugby, which has a quirky history that combines Appalachian and British Isles charm. From there, you’re walking distance to one of Big South Fork’s hiking trails that goes to Gentleman’s Swimming Hole and the Meeting of the Waters, two scenic spots along the river.

Cumberland Gap

Anthony Maxwell, born in East Tennessee and a resident of the Cumberland Gap area for nearly 35 years, is quick to declare the state’s most beautiful spot: “Cumberland Gap, of course! It’s one of the best views in the state—whether I’m hiking north towards the ‘saddle’ of the Gap and the spot where Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia all meet, or I’m gazing south from Pinnacle Overlook to see the Great Smoky Mountains come alive at sunrise on a clear day,” said Maxwell.

Note that Cumberland Gap refers to both the quaint Tennessee town and the geologic formation along the otherwise continuous ridgeline of Cumberland Mountain, which hugs the town. Consider a stay at the town’s Olde Mill Inn Bed & Breakfast as the perfect basecamp for exploring nearby trails, shops, and restaurants.

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Greeter Falls

Alexa from Knoxville recommends Greeter Falls in Altamont, Tennessee, which has an upper 15-foot fall and a lower 50-foot fall: “The lower waterfall is both electrifying and serene, with a pristine swimming hole nestled in Savage Gulf State Park,” said Alexa. “The cascade against the walls of rock and surrounding forest give this spot a cozy, sequestered vibe.”

You’ll find this waterfall about 45 minutes northwest of Chattanooga. It requires an out-and-back hike of about a mile through a hardwood forest with sandstone cliffs.

Snoopers Rock

Destiny C., born and raised in Rhea County, Tennessee, suggests a visit to Snoopers Rock, northwest of Chattanooga in Prentice Cooper State Forest: “The views from Snoopers Rock are just amazing, being able to see so many of the curves of the Tennessee River, and so far out,” said Destiny. “The gravel road to it is long and peaceful, and you can drive right up, leaving just a short walk to the views, or you can hike a trail.”

The closest parking area to the Snoopers Rock overlook of the Tennessee River Gorge is off Game Reserve Road. You’ll also find a variety of trailheads along that road, including a section of the Cumberland Trail, where you can piece together different hikes ranging from less than a mile in length to about six miles roundtrip that lead to the viewpoint along the way.

Northrup Falls

Ashley Norman, born and raised in Tennessee and currently residing in Crossville, recommends a waterfall in Colditz Cove State Natural Area: “Northrup Falls never ceases to amaze me no matter how many times I’ve seen it and the surrounding area,” said Norman. “I’ve hiked this trail close to 100 times in my life and it will always be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. You get to walk along the top of the bluff above the falls, then you walk directly behind it under the bluffs and up the other side of the small gorge. So many flowers, rock formations, and other plant and animal life to see.”

You can access Northrup Falls by way of a 1.5-mile loop trail. The waterfall plunges more than 60 feet into a narrow gorge on Big Branch Creek.

Mount Le Conte

Frankie Anne Runge, who has lived in Tennessee since she was five, has a soft spot for one of the icons of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: “The top of Mount Le Conte—for just being Mount Le Conte. There are too many reasons to love Mount Le Conte!”

At 6,593 feet in elevation, Mount Le Conte is the third highest peak in the Smokies, with its base beginning down near Gatlinburg. To reach the top of Mount Le Conte, you’ll need to be prepared for a serious hike. The shortest route is an out-and-back hike on Alum Cave Trail, which is about eight miles roundtrip and often quite steep. At the top, you’ll find the LeConte Lodge, which offers simple log cabins for overnight guests and family-style meals in its dining hall. The lodge is open for reservations from late March through mid-November.

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Roan Mountain State Park

Jennifer Stewart, born and raised in Knoxville and now residing in Jefferson County, Tennessee, recommends a visit to Roan Mountain in northeast Tennessee, close to the border with North Carolina: “The views and the rhododendrons in June are beautiful,” said Stewart.

The park encompasses more than 2,000 acres and its namesake mountain towers at 6,285 feet. The top of Roan Mountain is a dense spruce-fir forest. It’s also home to the world’s largest natural rhododendron garden, which puts on a colorful show each summer. You’ll find plenty of hiking trails throughout the park, including easy strolls through the flowers.

Douglas Lake

Cindy Calhoun from Dandridge, Tennessee, is lucky enough to find one of the most beautiful spots in the state—Douglas Lake—in her own backyard: “It is beautiful no matter what season. Sunrises and sunsets, floating or fishing, quiet and fun, at full pool or with empty coves and at lowest depths,” said Calhoun. “It is surrounded by the Smokies, so you get majestic mountain views and the calm emerald green of the lake.”

With more than 500 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of water to play in during a trip to Douglas Lake. Rent a pontoon boat at Mountain Cove Marina, stop by the Douglas Dam Overlook for panoramic views and exhibits on the Tennessee Valley Authority’s history, or take a picnic to the shoreline and do a little birding.

Burgess Falls

Tara Hunt from Smithville, Tennessee, recommends Burgess Falls, but is a fan of the state’s waterfalls and hiking areas in general: “They all define the beauty of Tennessee and all nature has to offer,” said Hunt. “These areas have the most beautiful places to lay your eyes on. Where you can breathe in nature and feel the peace it brings.”

You’ll find Burgess Falls southwest of Cookeville, Tennessee, in a 217-acre natural area. It plunges more than 130 feet into the gorge below. To reach it, plan to hike the 1.5-mile River Trail loop or hop in a kayak. Hunt and her fiancé own a guiding service called Kayaking Adventures of Tennessee, which will lead you on a paddle trip up to the base of the falls.

Clingmans Dome

Lynde B. Davis, born and raised in Tennessee and currently residing in Winchester, offered up a beautiful spot that’s well-known to any visitor of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: “Clingmans Dome is special because it is the tallest peak in Tennessee,” said Davis. “Its steep, half-mile incline can be a bit of a challenge to hike, but it quickly rewards those who successfully reach the top with amazing 360-degree views of Tennessee and North Carolina. When visiting East Tennessee, Clingmans Dome is one of my all-time favorite locations.”

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is not only the highest point in Tennessee, but also the third highest east of the Mississippi River. Clear days can see views as far as 100 miles away. To access Clingmans Dome, drive the seven-mile Clingmans Dome Road from Newfound Gap Road to the large parking area at the end. Note that this road is seasonal, typically closing from early December through late March for ice and snow.

Stone Door

Davis also loves a certain spot in Savage Gulf State Park, especially in the early morning hours: “Sunrise at Stone Door is a must-see, unforgettable experience!” said Davis. “I love watching the world wake up surrounded by jagged cliffs overlooking Laurel Gulf, the birds chirping, and occasionally, the sound of the wind whistling through the trees.”

Stone Door is a 10-foot wide, 100-foot deep crack from the top of a sandstone escarpment down into the gorge below. It resembles a large open door, and was a historical passageway for Native Americans. There are several trails that will take you to Stone Door. The quickest is a two-mile, out-and-back hike that starts behind the park’s ranger station. About a quarter-mile in, you’ll reach Laurel Gulf Overlook, another great spot to pause and take in the view.

Cross Plains

Michael Richards from Knoxville, Tennessee, recommends a stop in Cross Plains: “It’s a small town of around 1,000 surrounded by densely packed forests and tobacco fields that are so numerous that you might be driving down the road engulfed by foliage one minute and the next all you can see is dark-fired tobacco growing knee-high with a background of trees a mile away on all sides,” said Richards. “It was one of the first settlements in Tennessee and the first within Robertson County.”

Consider visiting the town during one of its special events throughout the year. Cross Plains hosts an annual bluegrass festival in May and a “city-wide yard sale” called Trash and Treasures in June.

Neyland Stadium

This wouldn’t be a true locals’ list if the University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium in Knoxville didn’t get a shoutout. Davis highlighted this beauty as a sight worth seeing from a particular vantage point: “Looking at Neyland Stadium from the Tennessee River is a must-do for every Tennessean,” Davis said. “Whether you’re a Vols fan or not, the sheer size of the stadium and architecture is unmatched. The Tennessee River gives it an extra special feeling. Passing by on a boat, you can feel the excitement on gameday and sense the history and nostalgia that is only found within ‘the mecca.’”

You can rent a stand-up paddle board or kayak for the day from Knoxville Adventure Collective, conveniently located just upriver from the stadium. The Knoxville Riverboat Company also offers lunch, dinner, and sightseeing cruises on its paddlewheeler, the “Star of Knoxville,” which boards close to and passes the stadium.

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