11 Of The Most Epic Adventures In Tennessee

Tennessee is rich in natural diversity, boasting everything from towering mountains and rushing rivers to lush forests and fertile valleys. This dynamic terrain has shaped a culture of outdoor reverence, with residents drawn to the great outdoors to push the limits of adventure consistently. Whether you seek modern thrills or time-honored escapades, the Volunteer State has endless options to feed your spirit of daring. Here, towering waterfalls roar availability, single-track sends pulses racing, and swift waters harbor untamed rapids begging to be run.

Exhilarating adventures in Tennessee abound, with each promising lasting memories amidst epic scenery. So gear up for hiking, biking, rafting, and more in this paradise of untouched wilderness in the United States. Surprises await around every picturesque bend on the trail and around every strong rapid in the green rivers.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tennessee's crowning jewel is a must-visit for first-timers and returning travelers. There are valid reasons why this four-season destination attracts the most visitors among all United States national parks. 850 miles of trails traverse its diverse terrain, yet many can't help the thrill of trekking the segment of the Appalachian Trail passing through the reserve. The Smokies boast some of the best views in the state. You can hike to the highest peak, Clingmans Dome, and take in dramatic panoramas of the misty mountains.

Another heart-pounding way to discover the park is from above, courtesy of Smoky Mountain Ziplines. Whizzing through the Smoky Mountain canopy at head-spinning speeds is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Tuckaleechee Caverns

Nicknamed the "Greatest Site Under the Smokies," Tuckaleechee Caverns is rated among the best cave systems east of the Mississippi River. This also promises remarkable underground thrills for those not scared of a bit of darkness. Estimated to be formed millions of years ago, walking through the caves reveals mystic stalactites and stalagmites that will leave you in awe. The "BigRoom" is an interesting section that is large enough to accommodate almost an entire football stadium.

On the other end of the tour, the spectacular “SilverFalls” rewards tourists with an unprecedented sight of a 210-foot cascade, offering the perfect photo op. Finally, you'll listen to enthralling folklore associated with the landmark caves from a resourceful guide.

Ober Mountain

Ober Mountain welcomes tourists for countless mountainside fun in an exciting four-season amusement park. It has something for all ages and is perfect for a family day out. The Ober Mountain Adventure Park and Ski Area promises premier winter pursuits with miles of downhill trails for skiers, snowboarders, and snow tubers.

To get to the mountain's summit, guests ride the aerial tramway, which soars 2.1 miles to the highest point in the region, a whopping 2,800 feet above sea level. This fantastic aerial experience delivers an unforgettable bird's eye perspective of the Gatlinburg backcountry. Meanwhile, the Snow Zone has a more family-friendly flair, where loved ones can play in the snow and make snow angels to spread the winter cheer.

The Island in Pigeon Forge

This popular entertainment hub in downtown Pigeon Forge welcomes families for day-long thrills and spills across a 23-acre world-class amusement venue. Guests choose their poison for a rush, starting with the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Rising 200 feet high, this delightful Ferris wheel with glass gondolas takes you on an absorbing ride, culminating in awe-inspiring vistas of the mountain and water.

The Island Ropes Course presents an excellent alternative that keeps the fun three stories in the air. It comprises two zipline tours and a simulated free fall that tests your inner will. Finally, the Spinning Parrots Coaster has a more kid-friendly experience. Free-spinning vehicles treat vacationers to a unique ride in the air.

The Lost Sea Adventure

A 140-foot journey into the Craighead Cavern system brings you to the largest underground lake in North America, nicknamed the Lost Sea. Guests enjoy a 75-minute guided tour to explore this rare phenomenon, which begins with a brief walk past dramatic geological formations and mystic cave rooms. The resourceful guide constantly drops invaluable information about the caves' history and formation. Later, you can hop on a boat for a sail in a dimly lit atmosphere on the 13-acre, 70-foot-deep lake.

For past visitors, walking through the mysterious cave is an unforgettable experience, but witnessing the actual lake is the highlight of the tour. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes with a good grip for an easygoing encounter.

Fall Creek Falls State Park

An excellent day trip from Nashville and one of the region's most visited parks, Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to some of the most epic adventures in Tennessee. It spreads over 30,000 acres in the Cumberland Plateau and harbors a rich wilderness area dotted with rugged landscapes that present the ultimate platform for immersing oneself in thrilling adventures. 50 miles of hiking trails wind through lush woodlands in the pleasant reserve, urging tourists to carry their cameras and capture exquisite views of the 256-foot Fall Creek Falls.

Meanwhile, Cane Creek provides some class V rapids that rafting enthusiasts will fancy taking on. Finally, Fall Creek Falls State Park grants outdoorsmen the complete experience of sleeping in the heart of nature at its 200 campsites.

Natchez Trace Parkway

The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway invites road trippers to get behind the wheel for a scenic journey along the Old Natchez Trace. Starting in Nashville, Tennessee, and stretching to Natchez, Mississippi, this historic route was once used by Native American tribes, colonists, soldiers, and early European settlers. It boasts endless points of interest and recreational opportunities for hikers, nature viewers, horseback riders, and bikers. If you don't mind a lazy stroll, you can pause the drive to hike the landmark Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail.

Meanwhile, sightseers can bring their binoculars to vividly observe Jackson Falls and Fall Hollow at the 404 and 391-mile markers, respectively. Don't pass on the preserved historic landmarks on the route, including the burial site of American explorer Meriwether Lewis.

Lookout Mountain

A short drive from downtown Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain is a remarkable leeway to discovering some of Tennessee's best-kept secrets. Expect surprises at every turn, including Ruby Falls, which boasts the honor of being the country's deepest and tallest underground waterfall. Adventurers will be intrigued by the falls visit, which allows you to venture underground into an eerily dark cave. But if you want to up the ante, try taking the zipline tour and soar above the wilderness floor.

Alternatively, ride the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway to experience the rugged nature area on an over-century-old funicular. This mile-long climb takes you to the summit of the mountain and observation deck overlooking the lush Tennessee Valley.

Ocoee River

Brace yourself for memorable whitewater rafting adventures on the Ocoee River. This iconic waterway, cutting through the Cherokee National Forest, is a popular stop for aquatic fun. It boasts 10 miles of successive class III and IV rapids, inviting seasoned and intermediate-level rafters to face the choppy waves of the Ocoee River. Multiple local outfitters tailor tours for families and groups for an exhilarating endeavor on the water, surrounded by the dense woodlands of the Cherokee National Forest.

But if you are not trying to get wet, consider soaring into the air for a wild ride courtesy of Ocoee Zipz. The adventure comprises seven ziplines that you whizz through at 45 mph for a 65-foot-long ride.

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

Besides its well-preserved American Civil War and archeological sites, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park beckons mountain bikers and hikers to take advantage of its rugged 50-mile trail network. The Guild-Hardy Trail on Lookout Mountain, which lies just next to the reserve but adjoins its trail network, is a great starting point. However, seasoned bikers will prefer the challenge along the 20-mile Raccoon Mountain Trail System, a single-track option minutes from downtown Chattanooga.

For those who plan to explore the pathways on foot, Stringer's Ridge trail system is a more suitable alternative on Chattanooga's North Shore. Finally, spare some time to visit the Visitor Center and learn about the site's Civil War heritage.

Gatlinburg Space Needle

Face your fear of heights with a trip to the Gatlinburg Space Needle. This iconic city landmark takes guests on a heart-stopping glass elevator ride 400 feet into the air. Luckily, a reward awaits at the observation tower, where you can soak up 360-degree perspectives of the glistening downtown Gatlinburg skyline and the steamy peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains. The experience is best had in the dark of night when the city comes to life with neon lights.

However, for scared children and adults who can't overcome their fears, the site has a 30,000-square-foot amusement center with less intimidating fun opportunities, including retro and modern arcade games.

The Spirit of Adventure in Tennessee

Tennessee consistently delivers adventures to stimulate the adventurous soul, from towering Smokey Mountains to winding rivers cutting through deep forests and valleys. Its diverse terrain and thriving outdoor culture have nurtured diverse pursuits to test all skill levels. While each new conquest is rewarded with memories to last a lifetime, the Volunteer State works its magic by sparking anticipation for what other scenic thrills await around the next bend. Top epic adventures in Tennessee remind first-timers to anticipate even greater fun on their return.