Tennessee is a state blessed with a stunning variety of natural landscapes. From the rolling hills and lush forests of the west to the towering mountains and cascading waterfalls in the east, there’s no shortage of breathtaking scenery.
Tennessee’s beauty is on full display at every turn. No matter where you’re based, the state offers countless opportunities to escape into nature, so here’s a roundup of 12 fun nature activities you can enjoy in Tennessee:
1. Shelby Farms Park – Memphis
- Activities: Hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, horseback riding.
- One of the largest urban parks in the country, Shelby Farms offers 40 miles of trails with several lakes where you can kayak or paddleboard.
2. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park – 30 mins from Memphis
- Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, canoeing.
- Located along the Mississippi River, this park has beautiful hardwood forests, two lakes for paddling, and great hiking trails. Poplar Tree Lake is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing.
3. Chickasaw State Park – 1.5 hours from Memphis
- Activities: Swimming, horseback riding, hiking, fishing.
- Nestled around Lake Placid, this park is great for outdoor activities. There’s a designated swimming beach, trails for horseback riding, and hiking.
4. Reelfoot Lake State Park – 2 hours from Memphis
- Activities: Kayaking, birdwatching, fishing.
- Known for its flooded cypress trees, Reelfoot Lake is a great place to kayak or fish, and it’s a prime spot for birdwatching, especially bald eagles.
5. Natchez Trace State Park – 2 hours from Memphis
- Activities: Hiking, swimming, boating, camping.
- With four lakes, this park offers many water activities, including swimming at Pin Oak Lake, boating, and fishing. The park also has hiking trails through serene forests.
6. Percy Priest Lake – 3 hours from Memphis
- Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking.
- Description: Located in Nashville, this lake offers sandy swimming areas like Anderson Road Recreation Area and plenty of space for kayaking and boating.
7. Radnor Lake State Park – 3 hours from Memphis
- Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing.
- Known for its serene beauty, Radnor Lake is a haven for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park doesn’t allow boating or swimming but is perfect for tranquil nature walks.
8. Fall Creek Falls State Park – 5.5 hours from Memphis
- Activities: Hiking, swimming, kayaking, waterfalls.
- One of the most popular state parks in Tennessee, Fall Creek Falls features the tallest waterfall in the eastern U.S. The park offers swimming at the lake beach, waterfalls to explore, and plenty of trails.
9. Cummins Falls State Park – 5.5 hours from Memphis
- Activities: Swimming, hiking.
- Home to Cummins Falls, this park is a favorite for swimming holes. After a hike to the base of the waterfall, you can cool off in the natural pool below.
10. Chattanooga – 5.5 hours from Memphis
- Activities: Kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, waterfalls.
- Coolidge Park: Offers riverfront kayaking opportunities on the Tennessee River.
- Lookout Mountain: Provides stunning views, hiking trails, and the famous Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall.
- Cloudland Canyon: About 30 minutes from Chattanooga, known for breathtaking trails and waterfalls.
11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 6.5 hours from Memphis
- Activities: Hiking, camping, waterfall exploration, fishing.
- This UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site is filled with lush forests, beautiful mountain views, and waterfalls. There are numerous hiking trails like Alum Cave, Laurel Falls, and Abrams Falls. It’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
12. Norris Lake – 6.5 hours from Memphis
- Activities: Swimming, boating, fishing.
- Located near Knoxville, this lake offers over 800 miles of shoreline with crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Tennessee’s natural beauty is truly something special, offering a wide variety of outdoor adventures no matter where you are in the state. From Memphis to the Great Smoky Mountains, there’s always something new to discover in the Volunteer State’s great outdoors.
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