8 Best National Parks Tennessee [ Award Hikers 2024]

I loved this part of USA . Great state and a nice experience . The parks are really green and you can see wildlife ! Perfect spot if you want to relax and chill, and enjoy life with your family ! You will find great hikes with unique landscape and some beautiful tress and incredible camp sites . My favorite was the great smoky mountains national park

Tennessee proudly celebrates a wealth of natural wonders, with different national parks among those premier destinations where one can go on an adventure and learn. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park are two of the pearls of America’s park system, which are lauded and flocked by visitors, promising to be overshadowed by scenic vistas and texture-rich tales of the past. On the one hand, there are these famous parks, but there is also the enormous passage of unknown natural treasures, which is part of the unchecked territory.

From the green forests and waterfalls of the Cumberland Plateau to the historical battlefields that live history through that moment, in every national park, each person has a chance to see something special. Being a valid smiling symbol of Tennessee, landscape diversity is great—here, it is possible to see features such as mountains, rivers and plains by a short drive. Moving forward, we adjourn into the Tennessee National Parks along the full features line they provide, whether it is a hiking trip, an encounter with the wildlife in the environment, beautiful waterfalls, or merely the wandering eyes travelling around Civil War sites. Put yourself in a pleasant frame of mind—here, you will experience a new world of enchanting stories hidden in every part of Tennessee.

Discover the most visited national parks, enjoy the animal life environment, try horseback riding and many other popular activities !

Top 8 National Parks Tennessee

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nestled along the eastern border of Tennessee and western North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a crown jewel of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage Site captivates over 14 million visitors annually with its breathtaking mountain vistas, diverse wildlife, and rich history. With more than 800 miles of trails, including sections of the iconic Appalachian Trail, the park beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore its scenic wonders on foot. Visitors can fish in crystal-clear mountain streams, embark on a scenic drive along Newfound Gap Road, or immerse themselves in the park’s storied past through its historic structures like grist mills, churches, and log cabins.

One of the park’s most beloved attractions is Cades Cove, a picturesque valley enveloped by majestic peaks. This historic enclave offers a step back, showcasing preserved churches, log cabins, and barns along an 11-mile loop road. Wildlife enthusiasts delight in spotting white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys amid the lush surroundings. Cades Cove is a gateway to a world of natural and cultural wonders within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in this cherished national treasure’s diverse plant life, scenic beauty, and fascinating history.

2. Stones River National Battlefield

Neighboring Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is home to Stones River National Battlefield, which retains the heritage memory of a pivotal battle in 1862 during the Civil War. This historic site provides opportunities for all types of visitors to experience what the past had to offer and discover the battleground, the historical structures, and, especially, the memorials that combine and collectively tell the story of this milestone moment in American history.

The park which the National Park Service runs can be both an educational resource and a relaxing reconciliation. While trails wind through the battlefield’s majestic surroundings, various benches invite you to detach and connect with nature. These tracks are linked, enabling people to trace their journey through the different parts of the area. Picnic tables in the park offer tranquil spots for visitors to reflect and take their minds off the bustle and turmoil of this historic site.

Not only is this place endowed with its historical flavor, but it also meets the needs and interests of diverse visitors with various interpretative programs designed for any age. The monuments tell the stories or the events that shaped the country. In the process, visitors understand how the past impacts the nation. Through continuous participation in the learning, the visitors are knowledgeable about historical events. The park expresses an atmosphere of resilience and remembrance, where the past is painted in the same beautiful colors as the environment, creating a blissful journey for any enthusiast of history and nature. Stones River National Battlefield represents one of the places where this memory recall takes place as it sheds light on the crucial moment in US history that once played itself out amid the calm lands of central Tennessee.

3. Andrew Johnson National Historic Site

Nestling in the old town of Greeneville, eastern Tennessee, with the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, the public can travel inspiringly through the life and historical importance of Andrew Johnson. Here is the modern-day part of the story: Johnson’s former dwelling, the tailor shop, and other landmark structures he had contact with. A visitor can tour our facilities, where rigorous walking is involved, to go through Jefferson’s extraordinary voyage from rags to riches and learn our history there. This link between the historic buildings on site and Johnson’s era is made very tangible. Visitors are, therefore, able to immerse themselves in authentic surroundings that resemble those of 19th-century America.

Surrounding this site of national importance, situated in the eastern part of the Tennessee territory, are the majestic rolling mountains harboring winding rivers, which still echo the time when the great leader and the 17th President of the United States, Andrew Johnson, identified this site. However, beyond simply being a site of presidential connection, this place creates a colorful cultural fabric, a small extension of the natural scenery of the place. Right on the eve of the national park and the Appalachian National Scenic Path, the distant mountains and unblemished landscape can show their grandeur just like this region itself. As a child, I either loved the history or got replaced by it. If you did not have a connection to ancient history, how could you see your future?

4. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

In northeast Tennessee and southeast Kentucky, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area’s bouldering cliffs and rushing waters call every thrill seeker to experience the wild natural beauty and diverse recreational activities. This national park site, uniquely located among the Appalachian Mountains, has become a favorite destination for nature and adventure lovers who want to marvel at the beauty of nature of sandstone bluffs, tap-shaped towering rocks and crystal water of the streams. Tennessee is famous for over 160 miles of hiking trails scattered in deep gorges and up on the highest peaks of mountains. They let people enjoy the true freedom of the wilderness in the Volunteer State.

Whether you are looking for a relaxed ride or the adrenaline rush from seeing the beautiful scenery, the Big South Fork offers the drive along the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, a 127-mile route with spectacular views of the park. Visitors can particularly enjoy being in the company of wildlife, shining the possibility of observing black bears, deer, and elks in their natural environments. In addition to its natural beauty, the region also represents an important historical site with various trails of native Americans’ and early American history still visible, making the area an outdoor playground that can be explored beyond what meets the eye. In either case, whether you are a hardcore rock climber among the sandstone cliffs or simply one who takes in the serene beauty, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area throw a memorable adventure right inside the Appalachian Mountains, depending on your viewpoint.

5. Shiloh National Military Park

Consecrated in April of 1862, the Battle of Shiloh had become one of the Civil War’s most significant pitched battles, effectively putting the North in charge of the State of Tennessee. This historic park includes the battlefields of Shiloh and Corinth. It features the area of the conflict that resulted in nearly 24,000 causalities reasonably and issued a challenge to the Union addressed to Corinth. Just as much as a victory at the junction of the two armies eventually served in the myriad of structural aspects that progressed throughout the war, Shiloh’s victory highlighted the strategic nature of this junction to the heart of the South.

If you arrive at the Shiloh National Military Park, you can do walking tours, which is a good way of getting to know more deeply what is happening, not only in the battle of Shiloh but also in the entire war in the region. The ample grounds punctuated by monuments and historical markers provide a somber setting for contemplating the price tag American civil rights pairs paid during that turbulent period in American history. Concealed behind a mature forest and alongside the serene riverbanks, Shiloh National Military Park leads into a landscape that compels you to think and reflect with a chance to be active outdoors amidst the preserved wilderness area. Located only a few miles from towns like Pigeon Forge and other attractions sites like Little River Road, the park offers visitors a combination of history and nature, making it an alluring tourist destination for history buffs and trekking buffs.

6. Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail is the same one the Overmountain Men used to trail during the American Revolution. It is 330 miles across 5 states. This pretty trail traverses Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia to pass by many historic sites and within the premises of museums and battlefields. People may be history’s part and trace the way by walking the trail, taking guided tours, or watching the events come to happen as America became an independent nation.

Tennessee, the Eastern part especially, is a basket of inviting naturthatrks. First, the Great Smoky Mountains, the most often visited national park, is in line. Last, the Mingus Mill exemplifies the Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Don’t forget Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, which should be at the top of the list of places to visit; you will see kingfish, salmon, and other animals in their habitat. The Tennessee Parks are full-blown with the charm of adventure and history, contributing irreplaceable entertainment to whoever goes out to explore them.

7. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, based on northeastern Tennessee-southeastern Kentucky borderline and southwestern Virginia, represents a perfect combination of natural beauty and historical interest for the local community and visitors. Among the most beautiful national parks, it has a great diversity of routes, which measure about 80 miles, passing through lush forests and high canyon walls. Take a walking tour of the old buildings and museums that tell the story about the park as an essential channel to American history, including its theme of westward expansion.

This park is among the most visited regional recreation areas. It provides travelers and visitors excellent recreation opportunities, such as viewing wildlife, where you can spot black bears, deer, and elks while enjoying the fantastic scenery. Note that you may buy parking tags to avoid hassles, and enough of this fee supports the park’s upkeep systems. The park’s enticement, whether you want to tackle the trails’ challenges or follow the Cumberland Gap Parkway to experience nature’s serenity, is unprecedented.

8. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

A National Battlefield that preserves the historical area of Stone’s River in Tennessee is the memorial to an important Civil War battle in 1862. This historic home welcomes the visitor to travel to the battlefields, landmark structures, and monuments that create real-life memories of this crucial history of America. Go through the fields where the conflict was contained and disclose the courage and the sacrifices made by the soldiers. These were made during times of turmoil.

In addition, the park supplies nature trails and interpretation programs that are usable for all ages, gratifying the purpose of interacting with the past. Among all the nature present, watch out for white-tailed deer, which make the park even more exciting. Stones River National Battlefield shows how the events of such a tragic historical moment as the one depicted at Stones River shaped our nation. Such legacy makes it a must-visit place for history fans and nature admirers.

I wrote many interesting articles about U.S.A , check them out ! : National parks Tennessee , Longest bridges USA,  Camping sites in New Jersey, Where to stay in New York, Most beautiful blue water white sand beaches in USA, San Diego lake camping, List of aquarium  in the US, Camping on Oregon beaches, Things to do near flamingo Las Vegas, Restaurants near riverwalk San Antonio

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tennessee has multiple national parks with many activities that range from fun to learning. From the world-renowned Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the less-known Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and other similar places, these places present picturesque nature and a rich area history. National treasures are conserved using these parks, and the storytelling is carried out through the Civil War battle sites to the trails of westward expansion. Visitors will experience the changing of sceneries, encounter animals such as black bears and deer, explore historic sites that shaped the country, and put into action their efforts in managing national resources. Tennessee’s national parks have a unique way of blending recreation, entertainment, and nature into a great experience that encourages all to visit and discover the secrets and stories that any of these natural investments can offer.

WHO AM I ?

Hello !

I am Eric, a French Australian citizen based between Australia, Asia and Bali and I love to travel and experience the world. I generally like outdoor activities, wellness, great food and venues , party and real local adventures ! I am a Yoga practitioner and fitness lover

I created this blog because I love to travel and I want to share my experiences with others. I’ve been traveling since I was a child, and I’ve been to over 50 countries. I’ve seen some amazing things and met some amazing people, and I want to help others experience the same things.

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