If you live in Tennessee, then you're well aware of the beauty the state presents on a daily basis. Tennessee is simply...gorgeous. The Volunteer State is rife with natural beauty. It's where you'll find the mountains to the east and the waterfalls atop the plateau and the grand Mississippi River to the west. There's so much to see that it can be a bit overwhelming, so we put together a bucket list for Tennesseans who are as obsessed with the state's natural beauty as we are. If we missed your favorite spot, make sure to include it in the comments below! There's always something new to explore, friends.
Cades Cove is a beautiful, isolated valley that's tucked within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It features a driving loop, opportunities for hiking, and a horse riding stable. The valley also has a series of historic homes that have been preserved for educational purposes.
The Ocoee River is perhaps best known for its wild whitewater rafting opportunities. It's a 93-mile river that ambles its way through the Appalachian Mountains and is known as a Class IV river.
This stunning state park is a top hiking, camping, and birding location for locals, and has been featured in a series of Hollywood releases. Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of the largest state parks in Tennessee at 29,800 and remains one of the most visited.
Rock Island State Park is a mere 883 acres, but it's located where the Caney Fork, Collins and Rocky Rivers meet. It's a top spot for folks looking to swim in natural springs or go hiking amidst the craggy hills, and at only 85 miles from Nashville, it's a popular place for city folk to get out of town.
Watauga Lake is a true gem of a natural space, located right at the meeting of North Carolina and Tennessee on the northeastern edge of the state. A majority of the area is made up of preserved forest, and the community is largely made up of vacation homes that fill come the summer season.
Is there any better place to go kayaking or fishing or hiking than the Obed Wild and Scenic River? We think not. There's a whole heap of rock climbing opportunities and stunning overlooks that keep folks coming back, and the pet-friendly area makes it easy to bring Fido along.
Frozen Head State Park has some of the most difficult, rambling terrain in the state within its 24,000 acres of wilderness. It's a prime spot for cheap camping, and with more than 50 miles of backpacking and hiking trails crisscrossing the area, you'll never run out of things to do.
The Sewanee Perimeter Trail comes in at roughly 20-miles long and is a popular destination for folks in the southern United States. The land is maintained by the University of the South, and the moderately trafficked loop is rife with natural beauty.
Natchez Trace State Park is located in western Tennessee and follows the historic Natchez Trace woodland path that was configured during the late 18th century. It features a stunning series of hiking trails and a beautiful driving bridge.
The Tail of the Dragon is located at Deals Gap, and it's known for its 318 curves in 11 miles. It's a famed road, one that folks from all over the world travel to and drive on motorcycles and in sports cars. It's quite the trip!
You can find Burgess Falls State Park in Putnam County, and most folks know of the stunning natural oasis due to its four waterfalls. There are hiking trails throughout the park that range from moderate to strenuous in difficulty, and there's even a butterfly garden for folks looking to meander in a quieter manner.
The Great Smoky Mountains are Tennessee's grandest natural achievement. They draw the most visitors of any national park in the United States and boast a series of tourist towns and hiking trails for the adventurous among us.
Reelfoot Lake was formed by a series of small earthquakes — the New Madrid Earthquakes — in the early 19th century. It's the only naturally-made lake in the state of Tennessee, and the submerged cypress trees make for an unforgettable sight.
The Lost Sea has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the globe's second-largest non-subglacial underground lake. Sounds like a mouthful, doesn't it? It's located in Craighead Caverns, where the extensive cave system lends itself to neat subterranean tours.
Cummins Falls is famed for its gushing waterfall namesake and the swimming hole at its base. At 282 acres, it's big enough to host leagues of tourists that come gather during the warmer seasons. It's only a few hours from Nashville and remains a popular getaway for city folk.
If you're a fan of water sports and experiences, then the fishing, boating, skiing, and swimming opportunities on Center Hill Lake are sure to enthrall you. It's a reservoir in Middle Tennessee that's known for its clear water and family-friendly atmosphere, and it comes highly recommended by locals and tourists alike.
You Might be Surprised to Hear the Predictions About Tennessee’s Chilly and wet Upcoming Winter
Discover the Farmers' Almanac 2024-2025 winter forecast for Tennessee, predicting a mild but wet season with occasional cold snaps. Plan your outdoor adventures accordingly.
Wondering about what the winter weather predictions in Tennessee are? Farmers' Almanac 2024 Winter predictions are getting us ready for a mild but wet season. Part of the fun in traveling and enjoying the great outdoors is being prepared and knowing what to expect when it comes to the weather. We have a motto we live by in our family that no weather is bad weather, which means we won't let what's happening stop us from getting outside and enjoying some Tennessee adventuring. Sure, there are moments when we might have to change our plans, but we have also had some pretty memorable hikes in the rain and cold! However, knowledge is power, so we consulted the trusty Farmers' Almanac winter forecast for Tennessee for 2024-2025. Here's what you can expect this winter.
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As you may know already, living in the South is quite amazing.
We have pretty mild winters for the most part, with hot and balmy summers. We are all familiar with blue skies filled with fluffy white clouds, but we still get to enjoy the changing of seasons here in Tennessee.
Fall in particular is a beautiful time to visit the mountains and see them alight with fiery colors.
On rare occasions, we get to see a bit of snow while the leaves are still turning. The extended forecast this year states that we should expect a fairly mild fall with some rain expected, making for a mixed bag of chilly, rainy days with some light frost -- mostly standard fare when it comes to autumn in Tennessee.
However, the Tennessee winter forecast from the Farmers’ Almanac has proclaimed that it will be wet and mild. Most of the temperatures will remain mostly the same with maybe a slightly warmer-than-normal rise than the average.
So once winter rolls around, expect temperatures to drop periodically, giving us some cooler times in late November, then again in late January into early February. And prepare for a wet season. Most of Tennessee will be experiencing rain and/or sleet, but some of the higher and more northern parts of the state can expect to see snow.
The Farmers' Almanac winter predictions for Tennessee say to expect the temperatures to remain fairly standard for winter with a couple of cold snaps that will bring the temperatures way down.
When we get snow, it can give way to a magical sight but you will have to time it just right. Check the local forecast before going on any hike and you might just catch it after a good snowstorm for an enchanted winter hike or drive.
With the good amount of rain predicted this season, we should see a good flow for our beautiful waterfalls hidden all throughout the state. Then, the cold snaps could give us a great chance to see some frozen waterfalls!
All in all, this winter should be fairly normal for the Volunteer State. The Farmers' Almanac 2024 Winter in TN is calling for a wet season with a couple of cold snaps sprinkled in. For more of an in-depth look at the extended forecast for the 2024-2025 winter season, make sure to visit the Farmers' Almanac website.
So, plan ahead, and don’t let the weather stop you from taking an epic winter road trip. If you are looking for some ideas, be sure to check out these incredible winter places in Tennessee.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
