Skip to main content
Articles & guides

OutsideAtlas Blog

421 articles — hiking safety primers, beginner guides, camping strategy, and state-by-state ranked lists. Every post is grounded in real trail data.

Browse by state

Tennessee

8 ranked-list guides for hiking and parks in this state.

Open dedicated state blog →
All posts

Complete catalog

8 articles. Newest first.

Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Tennessee, Ranked

Tennessee's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Tennessee's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Tennessee trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

Cascading waterfall through a green moss-covered ravinePhoto: Maddi Bazzocco
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Tennessee

Ten gentle, well-marked Tennessee trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Tennessee

Tennessee's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

Going down the Grand Canyon. Seeing our destination from afar. So worth! If you find this picture useful, consider donating! Venmo: @diegonachoPhoto: Diego Lozano
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Tennessee

Federal parks and recreation areas in Tennessee ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in Tennessee: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

Tennessee's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Tennessee: Leash-Welcome Trails

Hikes in Tennessee where dogs are explicitly welcome — picked for moderate length, manageable terrain, and verified leash access.

Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Best Family-Friendly Hikes in Tennessee: Easy Trails for Kids

Short, gentle Tennessee trails sized for kids, grandparents, and recovery days. The ones we'd take our own families on.