10 Best Natural Wonders in Tennessee

The Tuckaleechee Caverns is home to all the stalagmites and stalactites you could ever hope to see. Not for the claustrophobic, the tour will make most feel like entering another world, especially into a massive area known as “The Big Room.”

It’s the biggest cavern in the Eastern United States and being there is a surreal experience; an entire soccer stadium could fit inside. On top of that, you'll also catch sight of Silver Falls, the tallest underground waterfall in the region. 

Fall Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in the region, and the state park surrounding it is worth a solid weekend of hiking. Accommodations in the park includes cabins, campgrounds, and lodges, making this the perfect place to get away whether you want to rough it or enjoy the outdoors in style.

You can walk for miles on various trails and encounter several varieties of gorges and streams, all while breathing in the fresh air in the Tennessee wilderness. Bring your bathing suit as the urge to take a dip will surely come up. This incredible park is just 2 hours from Nashville and is open 24/7, but the road to the waterfalls is locked at dark.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more wildlife than you can think of, including black bears. You'll also see more flowers than you ever thought existed, and what's even more exciting is that the display changes depending on the time of year.

There are loads of trails to choose from, but head to Cades Cove if you want to see old pioneer homes and churches in addition to landscapes that look like they’ve been painted on the horizon.

Roaring Fork is the name of a river winding through Tennessee that’s also home to some gorgeous scenery. Go on foot to take your time and spend an entire day passing beautiful waterfalls and foliage.

You can also drive the narrow 1-way road and see the sights from the comfort of your car. Walking is better, though, as that's the only way you can explore the old pioneer homesteads in the area. Photographers won’t want to miss the great photo opportunities here. Remember to put on your sturdiest pair of hiking boots.

Lookout Mountain offers one of the most amazing vistas in the region, and you won't need to hike far to take it in. It’s also the site of 2 famous battles in American history.

Another great view is that of Lover's Leap, a fjord-like rock which juts out from the mountain, complete with a waterfall. You can also walk across a treacherous-looking (but completely safe) suspension bridge called the Swing-a-Long Bridge. If that weren't enough, you can visit Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall surrounded by rock walls naturally chiseled by time.

Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park is home to an abandoned Native American stone mound. Learn all about it at the archeological museum on the premises, and after, enjoy hiking several trails of varying levels of difficulty.

Some of the trails go in a loop and offer sights of several gorgeous waterfalls. Something special here is that the waterfalls are safe for all ages, making it an ideal stop for families. Bring a bagged lunch and spend the day in the great outdoors.

South Cumberland State Park is a sprawling landscape suitable for beginner and expert hikers. Be sure to visit the main building to get recommendations. You’ll find a trail for a short hike, a longer one, or even an overnight stay.

Be surrounded by splendid nature no matter what. Sewanee Natural Bridge is one of many highlights that’s also easily accessible. The erosion of a sinkhole formed this bridge of stone, and visitors are allowed to walk across the 50-foot-long (15-meter-long) structure at their discretion.

Craighead Caverns is a huge cave system where you can explore the largest underground lake in America, also called the Lost Sea. The boat tour is given by knowledgeable and friendly locals who, you can tell, feel very privileged to work among such natural beauty.

The captivating stillness of the underground lake, with its cool, dewy air, is only one of the reasons to visit. You'll learn all kinds of interesting history during the 90-minute tour, from the geological formation of the cave to the cultural significance of the caves for the Cherokees. 

The Cherohala Skyway may well take the cake for the most gorgeous drive in the USA, especially in the fall. As you pass through 2 national parks across 2 states, the reds, oranges, and yellows of the trees scatter around and above in a picturesque display unique to Middle America's countryside.

The elevation climbs up to 5,000 ft (1,524 meters), making the name “skyway” very fitting. You'll feel like you can touch the clouds. The best way to do this 43-mile (69-km) drive is with a full tank and wicker basket of food, as you'll pass several excellent picnicking spots along the way. The Cheroala Skyway is one of the best sights in the area, and you don't even have to leave your car.

Virgin Falls is the cherry on top of the end of a long, strenuous hike called the Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness. It’s one of 4 waterfalls in the area that are formed by the cave systems. The water emerges from several openings at once, and the cascading effect is breathtaking.

After heavy rainfall, the Virgin Falls come down in such a torrent that the nearby grounds often shake from the force. Yes, these are serious waterfalls, and the hike isn't for beginners, either. Set off early and plan to spend the entire day on your feet. Prepare for lots of uneven, rocky footing here. If you can manage it, though, the rewards are immense.