The summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Exploring these Tennessee Trails is a great way to spend time with your significant other and your family, while also getting a big dose of Vitamin D.
1. Rock Island Loop Trail (Easy)
The Rock Island Loop Trail is located in Rock Island, Tennessee between McMinnville and Sparta. The trail is slightly sloped, but easy for all skill levels and accessible year-round. There are also several activities available from swimming to camping and fishing. Along the 2.1 mile trail, you’ll see beautiful flowers, unique plants, and interesting insects. It also includes a series of cascading falls going into Caney Fork including an 80 ft high twin falls and a 30 ft great falls dam. At the end of the trail, is a small beach. Make sure to pack your camera for all the sights and unique things you will see.
2. Grotto Falls Trail (Easy)
The Grotto Falls Trail is a popular trail destination near Gatlinburg that is part of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. While it is an easy trail, it is best used from April to November. People who frequent the trail enjoy the walking and hiking for nature trips, bird viewing, and even for horse riding. Following the Trillium Gap, the route goes under the Grotto Falls with gentle elevation gains and is well-shaded throughout. The 3 mile round trip takes just over two hours to complete. Enjoy the forest of Hemlock trees and trillium while keeping an eye out for salamanders on the trail. Those who choose can continue onto a more strenuous hike. As one of the 5 trails that leads to Mt. LeConte, this would make a great trip for those that love time in nature.
3. Abrams Falls Trail (Moderate)
One of the several moderate trails located here in Tennessee, it is a popular destination that features a waterfall with a 25 foot drop along the 8.4 mile trail. Rated as moderate, the trail is well maintained with access year round. Like many of the trails, it has several activities for those who visit. This fall is part of the Cades Cove section of the Great Smokey National Park located near Townsend, TN. It takes roughly 4 hours to finish beginning with a trek across a wooden bridge over Abrams Creek and continuing into a pine and rhododendron forest. Because of the slippery rocks and strong currents, swimming is not available.
4. Pilot Knob Ridge and Hallmark Hollow Loop Trail (Moderate)
Part of the Nathan Bedford Forest State Park, Pilot Knob Ridge and Hallmark Hollow Loop Trail is a 4.8 mile loop trail located near Eva, Tennessee and features the highest point in Western Tennessee. Known for its beautiful wildflowers, the trail (rated moderate) offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. This trail is one of several trails in the national park, which features cabins and other lodging as well as tons of rich history for those interested in the civil war.
5. Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte (Hard)
Located near Gatlinburg, the 10.3 mile trail is a popular but more difficult trail. Starting off the gentle climb follows the Alum Cave Creek for the first mile before following the smaller Styx Branch. In early summer, the trail features beautiful rhododendron blooms. There are several landmarks along the trail including the Arch Rock, which the trail goes under, the Inspiration Point, which looks over the Little Duck Hawk Ridge, The Eye of the Needle, and Myrtle Point, and finally the LeConte lodge which features 10 rustic cabins for a stay if you wish. This includes a full day of activities and more if you wish, making a great trip or short vacation.
These are just 5 of several trails available here in Tennessee. There is so much more to visit and enjoy throughout the year.
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