2024's 11 Most Scenic Tennessee Towns

From the Cherokee word “Tanasi,” meaning “meeting place," "wind river," or "river of the great bend," the Volunteer State of Tennessee is a land of winding riverways, awesome mountains, and scenic Tennessee towns for you to visit this 2024. From the woodland slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains all the way down to vales and hills replete with magnificent bodies of water, you will not be disappointed by the abundance of sceneries and splendors worth seeing in 2024’s most scenic Tennessee towns. Consider yourself an adventurer and a trailblazer as you seek out the best spots to take memorable mementos of Tennessee’s small towns.

Morristown

As the former hometown of Davy Crockett, the King of the Wild Frontier, Morristown is a jumping-off point to some of the most scenic landmarks that characterized the early pioneers’ Westward expansion. One can admire the scenic views of the Ridge and Valley region, which Morristown is a part of within the Appalachian Mountains. There are also striking views and vistas from the top of the Smokies or the Great Smoky Mountains. Those of you enthusiastic about fishing ought to head out towards Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake. Afterward, take leisurely strolls through Panther Creek Park and Grainger County Park. You might also wish to see the many exotic and native animals of Tennessee at the Briarwood Ranch Safari Park. Only about 50 minutes from the city of Knoxville, savor all your experiences from the hometown of the King of the Wild Frontier.

Dayton

Approximately 36 miles from Chattanooga, travelers can give themselves a nice break of day at Dayton. Whether you are lounging about in Richland Creek or the Tennessee River or gallivanting through the floral paradises of the Laurel Snow National Area, Dayton has a number of stunning features and landscapes beneath the sun or even in the cool airs of night. The serpentine body of Lake Chickamauga has plenty of bass for you to catch, or you can always pick and purchase flowers from the Lorenzen Flower Farm. Set up camp at Armstrong Ferry Campground to witness Dayton’s spectacular sunsets and starlit skies, or visit the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge to observe migratory birds and explore serene marshlands. However you want to go about in Dayton, always cherish every moment with gusto and aplomb.

Jonesborough

Jonesborough may be “Tennessee’s Oldest Town,” but that does not make it one of the most scenic small towns in the state. Only seven miles from Johnson City, Jonesborough is surrounded by the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, and in those peaks lies the Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower, which provides an advantageous vantage point over much of the region. The Nolichucky River meanders through the Smokies and out into the valley near Jonesborough. Elsewhere, Buffalo Mountain Park entreats dog walkers and regularly walks people to magnificent panoramas of Jonesborough and Johnson City. One of the best scenic spots in town is the Nolichucky River, which meanders through the area, offering peaceful riverside views and opportunities for kayaking or canoeing.

Pigeon Forge

Although Pigeon Forge may not have pigeons or forges, it offers plenty of natural splendor with easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where visitors can enjoy lush hiking trails and picturesque picnic spots. If you want to see the Smoky Mountains from a bird’s eye view, then either stand atop the Bluff Mountain Fire Tower or use one of the many zipline operations like Smoky Mountain Ziplines, Legacy Mountain Ziplines, and Wears Valley Zipline Adventures to go zooming through the Smokies’ forests and slopes. Those who prefer exploring on foot can hike the Laurel Falls Trail in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains, where cascading waterfalls and vibrant greenery create a tranquil setting. For breathtaking views, visit Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains, where an observation tower offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

Tellico Plains

Tellico Plains, about 60 miles away from Dayton, is a vintage mountain town close to the Great Smoky Mountains. It serves as a gateway to the Cherohala Skyway and the Cherokee National Forest, and several communities compose and connect this quaint small town, such as Coker Creek, Belltown, Rafter, Mount Vernon, Rural Vale, and many more. One can take scenic trails through the Smokies, like the Conasauga Falls Trail, and reach remote and surprising destinations like the Indian Boundary Recreation Area, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Cheoah Ranger District, and Nantahala National Forest. New memories and experiences await in the beautiful small town of Tellico Plains.

Columbia

The amusing small town of Columbia has thrived as “mule capital of the world” or more succinctly called “Muletown.” An annual celebration called Mule Day every April sees hundreds of people—from locals and outsiders alike—participating in Appalachian folk dances and music. Following the winding and weaving route of the Duck River, one can come across several bucolic parks such as Riverwalk Park, Maury County Park, Yanahli Park, and Chickasaw Trace Park. In Chickasaw Trace Park, visitors can hike along the wooded trails, which offer beautiful views of the Duck River and abundant opportunities for birdwatching. Let the amusing Muletown of Columbia unburden your trepidations and exhaustion with its many spectacular sites and sights.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater found midway between the big cities of Knoxville and Chattanooga, will certainly give you a sweet time on your journey through Tennessee. The Lost Sea Adventure, located within Craighead Caverns, is the largest underground lake in America and offers guided boat tours through its subterranean waters. The Tsali Notch Vineyard, Tennessee’s largest muscadine vineyard and one of the first producers of grapes in the state, is just across the Lost Sea. For more surface-based bodies of water, consider seeking the lively waters of Watts Bar Lake and Little Tennessee River, the latter containing an 18^th-century replica of a British fortress at Fort Loudoun State Historic Park.

Lynchburg

Lynchburg may be small, but its surrounding woodlands, rolling hills, and tranquil riverways offer a rich tapestry of natural beauty to explore. Wander through the lush woodlands and peaceful riverways of Tims Ford State Park and Pleasant Grove Public Use Area, where hiking trails and scenic lake views create the perfect backdrop for a day outdoors. Pennington Cave features underground rivers, though they are not accessible for kayaking. Some of you might be invested in the cute trickles of the Short Springs Natural Area, or the huge body of water known as Normandy Lake. Probably the best time to visit Lynchburg is on April when the Lynchburg Music Fest gets everyone excited. Only about 74 miles from Nashville and so close to the border of Alabama, those of you who can stomach a Jack Daniels can certainly stomach long trips and tours through Lynchburg’s scenic areas.

Gatlinburg

More opportunities to explore the Great Smoky Mountains can be found in the small mountain town of Gatlinburg. Travelers can explore the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a one-way loop road that winds through lush woodlands and past historic cabins, providing a glimpse into the area’s natural and cultural heritage. Afterwards, venture into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and climb the Space Needle observation tower for a better survey of the landscape. Take a scenic drive along the Newfound Gap Road, which traverses the Smoky Mountains and offers breathtaking views at multiple overlooks. Hike the Chimney Tops Trail for a challenging trek that rewards you with sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains’ rugged peaks and valleys. Ascend to the top of Mount Le Conte and admire the silver rushes of Grotto Falls. Only a few miles south of Pigeon Forge, you get to fulfill your desire to explore the mountains from the bustling avenues of Gatlinburg.

Townsend

About 50 minutes from Gatlinburg lies another resort mountain town in the Great Smoky Mountains—Townsend, a place teeming with flora and fauna in Tennessee’s mountain wilderness. From the Cades Coves to the Tuckaleechee Caverns, there is no shortage of panoramic places—be it above ground or under—that you will definitely be captivated by. Whether you are admiring underground waterfalls in the Tuckaleechee Caverns or journeying to other locations such as the Townsend Wye, The Sinks, and Meigs Creek Cascade, you will not grow bored or exhausted from all the trekking in the Smokies. Come and uncover more secrets and delights from the mountainous small town of Townsend.

Cumberland Gap

Cumberland Gap, close to the state borders of Kentucky and Virginia, is a convenient stopover to a handful of arboreal and majestic attractions in three different states. Individuals from all over can traverse the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park or stand atop Pinnacle Overlook for an unspoiled view of three different states in America. Visit Fern Lake for a peaceful experience, or explore the Powell River by boat and pitch a camp at the Mountain Pass Campground. If you have a pet dog with you, you should definitely take them walking through the Kaitlyn DeVries Memorial Dog Park. Afterward, immerse yourself in both history and natural sceneries at the Civil Earthworks and Overlook and Gap Cave. At the point where three states meet, Cumberland Gap welcomes everyone from everywhere with everything you will ever need.

Discover the most Scenic Towns in Tennessee

From the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and all the way to the American Civil War, Tennessee’s people have volunteered themselves for military service, hence why it is called the Volunteer State. And however majestic and magical the big cities of Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville are, the most scenic Tennessee towns worth visiting this 2024 are just as beautiful and grand as Tennessee’s biggest metropolises. Venture into the tri-state area of Cumberland Gap or dive into the underground in Townsend and Sweetwater. Ascend to the highest of heights at Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and more. And once you have completed your odyssey through Tennessee, look back fondly at all the memories gained and photographs captured of 2024’s most scenic Tennessee towns.