Planning to relocate to Tennessee this year? This magnetic state is geographically diverse with mountains like the Blue Ridge Mountains, lush forests, and fertile plains. The western border of the state is along the Mississippi River, making the Volunteer State an impressive place to explore (especially since Lookout Mountain has views of seven—yes, seven!—states). That being said, this state is a picturesque place to unwind and explore the bounty of nature.
Check out the best state and national parks in Tennessee:
1. Roan Mountain State Park
Google Rating: 4.9
The first order of business in Tennessee explorations? Roan Mountain State Park, an impressive—and immersive—state park in Carter County (and it’s about 125 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina if you’re planning a trip). Its 2,006 acres encompass green and vibrant forests, rugged ridges, wildflowers, and a variety of wildlife that populate the area and gather near the Doe River which runs through the center of the state park. During your trip, long or short, make time to camp or stay in a cabin, hike, bike, fish (there’s a large population of trout), swim, or immerse yourself in an interpretative program that provides a look back in time at the lives of Appalachian settlers.
2. Radnor Lake State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Next up, Radnor Lake State Park. Spot gorgeous owls, herons, waterfowl, white-tailed deer, and foxes in the park, among other mammals that call Radnor Lake home. The day-use park—open from 6 am to just after sunset—has a myriad of activities including canoe floating, hiking, and birding. There is an education center in the park as well.
3. Fall Creek Falls State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
If you’re living in Nashville, plan a 100-mile trip from the city and enter a world of natural beauty at Fall Creek Falls State Park. One of the state’s largest state parks, Fall Creek Falls State Park is immense at just under 30,000 acres. Fall into an oasis bursting with waterfalls, gorges, forests, and cascades. Kick off a trip to this park with a visit to Fall Creek Falls, which is one of the highest waterfalls in the country. Rest your head in the lodge, cabin, or campsite. As your explorations take shape, use the time to enjoy rock climbing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, and birding. You can also participate in a canopy challenge obstacle course and environmental education programs.
4. Harpeth River State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Harpeth River State Park is a quick half-hour ride away from the Nashville city center. Come to this state park for river access and waterfront views, as the park has nine river access points. From activities like kayaking and canoeing to visiting historical and archaeological sites, Harpeth River State Park includes a wide range of activities.
5. Panther Creek State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
River adventures are never ending at Panther Creek State Park. The state park in Morristown, Tennessee is a go-to spot for hiking enthusiasts (there are 17 trails). Additional activities include boating, fishing, and swimming by the river. Looking for more fun? Kids can enjoy the playground and educational programs, and everyone can bike, bird watch, or ride a horse.
6. Hiwassee Ocoee State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Beautiful river views, easy hiking trails, and scenic wooded areas make up Hiwassee Ocoee State Park. The park includes a main 1.2-mile loop trail and lots of water activities including fishing, rafting, canoeing, and floating. Explore other trails for walking or horseback riding too!
7. Warriors Path State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Welcome to Warriors Path State Park, an attraction for outdoor lovers both new and seasoned. Sitting on 950 acres, the state park includes the Patrick Henry Reservoir and another must-see spot, the Holston River. Known for its extensive trails—hiking, biking, and horseback riding—that weave through wow-worthy forests and riversides. Visitors can paddle boat, canoe, and fish to their hearts’ content. Campgrounds and a golf course are also available to round out the blissful experience.
8. Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Plan a trip to the southwestern shore of the Kentucky Lake at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park. Whether the time spent in the state park is long or short—overnight camping and rental cabins are available—there’s so much to uncover. Visit the Tennessee River Folklife Museum, paddle board, play disc golf, swim, hike, fish, and more. Many visitors come to the park to engage in bird watching, as eagles, herons, egrets, and gulls can be spotted.
9. Reelfoot Lake State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
If you’re near Memphis, an excursion to Reelfoot Lake State Park is in order. Known as a hub for a marvelous bird population—particularly bald eagles—the state park is a sight to behold for birders and beyond. The park most notably includes Reelfoot Lake, which originally came to be through a series of earthquakes. Throughout the year, the park is open for boating, bird watching and other wildlife viewings (turtles, snakes, and frogs), hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Plan an overnight stay via camping or cabins.
10. Tims Ford State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Take in the Cumberland Plateau and the hilly Highland Rim in Franklin County at Tims Ford State Park. The picture-perfect Tims Ford Lake is famous for bass fishing and momentous outdoorsy activities. Enjoy the state park year-round to experience activities like hiking (there are over 10 trails), exploring the marina, golfing, and hunting. Campgrounds and cabins are available as well.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Google Rating: 4.9
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located a mile outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This expansive park lies between the borders of North Carolina and Tennessee, that’s painted with magnificent and astounding ancient mountains. From hiking, biking, wildlife watching (birds and black bears), camping, and exploring Cades Cove, there are plenty of all-year-round seasonal activities to enjoy.
The Volunteer State
Considering a move to Tennessee? Check out our other articles on the most affordable places to live, the best modular home builders, and notable safe cities to call your next home. And when you’re ready to find your new home, you can find new listings every day at NewHomeSource.com.
All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from the closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of google reviews.
Stephanie Valente is a Content Director and Editor in Brooklyn, NY. She’s previously held writing and social media positions at Barkbox, Men’s Journal, and currently works at a full-service advertising agency. She’s a self-confessed home and design enthusiast. Stephanie is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. When she’s offline, you can find her taking a yoga class, running, hanging out with her rescue dog Pepper. Find her on stephanievalente.com.
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