2025's 12 Most Scenic Tennessee Towns
Tennessee is home to America's most visited national park. Naturally, it welcomes millions of tourists annually, but not all come to see the iconic mountains. The Volunteer State is steeped in spell-binding natural beauty that stretches far beyond the Smokies into rolling valleys, river-carved gorges, and misty foothills. Dotted across this diverse landscape are towns that blend small-town charm with awe-inspiring scenery, incorporating nature into everyday life.
Whether you are drawn to cascading waterfalls, vibrant fall foliage, or peaceful lakeside settings, these towns offer more than just postcard views. From Spencer to Cookeville, they represent Tennessee’s best-kept secrets, each with its rhythm, history, and deep-rooted connection to the land. In 2025, plan to skip the buzzing city to discover the charm in these scenic Tennessee towns.
Paris
Paris's claim to fame is the presence of the imposing Eiffel Tower replica in the middle of the Eiffel Tower Park. However, there is more to the little town, especially for those inclined to explore the outdoors. The Tennessee River flows near Paris, providing an opportunity for aquatic adventurers. This was dammed to form Kentucky Lake, whose sprawling waters add to the town's natural allure. Furthermore, it is a recreational hub that fuels fishing, boating, birding, and picnicking.
Townsfolk love to hang around the many parks in Paris, which serve as important gathering spots. This includes McNeill Park, which is only an acre but offers amenities like ball fields, a gentle walking trail, picnic spaces, and a water fountain.
Spencer
This isolated village in central eastern Tennessee is surrounded by raw natural beauty and promises tourists unforgettable adventures across its untamed wilderness. Spencer is the gateway to Fall Creek Falls State Park, awash with stunning waterfalls, breathtaking gorges, winding streams, and unique geological formations. The park's highlight is Fall Creek Falls, one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, boasting a height of 256 feet. Besides that, nature photographers will love documenting Piney Creek Falls and Cane Creek Falls.
Numerous trails snake through the area, inviting guests for remarkable hiking and backpacking excursions. However, you can book a tour with Fall Creek Falls Riding Stables to explore the rugged forest of the Cumberland Plateau on a horse's back.
Mountain City
This alpine village in Johnson County is framed by the jagged peaks of the Iron Mountains to the north, Forge Mountain to the east, and Doe Mountain to the southwest. It is an adventure lover's paradise with boundless opportunities to break a sweat along its rugged trail system. The Doe Mountain Recreation Area offers 8,600 acres of undisturbed mountain terrain with over 60 miles of dirt bike, ATV, and mountain biking routes. Meanwhile, Ralph Stout Park presents a more family-friendly setting, with peaceful picnic areas, walking paths, and a pristine pond with wading birds.
The beautiful Watauga Lake is about 30 minutes outside Mountain City, and a scenic drive along State Highway 67 is the best way to admire it alongside other natural treasures in the countryside.
Dayton
Dayton is a small farming community in Rhea County, set in the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau and traversed by the Tennessee River. It houses a couple of farms and green spaces, culminating in a rich rural environment. Outdoorsy tourists can find exciting hiking opportunities at Pocket Wilderness, which harbors a blend of gorges, creeks, waterfalls, and other geological features. The pedestrian-only Swinging Bridge Park is a delightful recreation area that places visitors at a scenic vantage point to admire the lush backcountry surroundings in Dayton.
World-class bass fishing opportunities await at Fish Dayton, which provides access to the clear waters of Chickamauga Lake. The lake is also a hub for aquatic activities like boating and paddling.
Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains boasts a vibrant outdoor scenery punctuated by winding river courses, spectacular waterfalls, and rugged forestland. Multiple scenic byways serve the town, an invitation to hit the open road for an unforgettable experience. However, the Cherohala Skyway is the most impressive, and cuts through dense Cherokee National Forest, which looks magical when the foliage starts to change. The 90-foot Bald River Falls is an unmissable visual spectacle in Tellico Plains, and looks dramatic as it drops into the Bald River Gorge.
Nature photographers will fancy capturing the multi-tiered Conasauga Falls, accessible via a 1.5-mile trail through the forest. Lastly, Big Bear Tubing Company lets visitors enjoy a calm ride down the Tellico River while soaking in the pleasant scenery.
Cookeville
Cookeville balances its vibrant downtown district with a quiet backcountry area teeming with virgin natural beauty. Stepping outside is an exciting decision for newcomers and an opportunity to discover the magic of Cummins Falls State Park. This 282-acre oasis holds a fine selection of natural treasures, with the 75-foot Cummins Falls as the focal point.
Meanwhile, the City Lake Natural Area is a go-to for fishermen looking to catch catfish and bass. It is also a popular escape for paddlers, offering a unique perspective of the community's scenery from the water. Meanwhile, Cinderella Park is best suited for spending time with family. It has kid-friendly amenities like a playscape, swingset, and a picnic shelter.
Monteagle
Monteagle is a hidden gem in southeastern Tennessee and a lovely outdoor getaway in the Cumberland Plateau region. It is best known for housing South Cumberland State Park, which offers at least 30,000 acres of raw, undisturbed nature. The preserve has some of the best backcountry hiking and camping opportunities in the area, with a chance to discover storybook scenes along its trails. Prominent among them is Foster Falls, a 60-foot cascade that plunges into a deep pool against lush azaleas and hemlocks.
The scenic Foster Falls Road cuts through South Cumberland State Park, presenting a luxurious way of admiring its secluded wilderness. It is dotted with camping sites, hiking trails, and a car park for those looking to view the waterfall.
Kingston Springs
This charming river community in rural Tennessee invites adventurers to immerse themselves in endless outdoor recreation, from fishing and kayaking to hiking and ziplining. It boasts a vast network of parks and natural areas, with the main attraction being Harpeth River State Park. With access to over 40 miles of the scenic waterway, tourists can go all out on exciting river adventures courtesy of Foggy Bottom Canoe and Kayak Rental.
The Burns Park Activity Center unites nature lovers and local families in a serene oasis with beautiful tree cover and a shimmering pond. The area is perfect for fun picnics and lazy walks to commune with nature. Additionally, you can soak up the town's rolling landscapes and horizon views while playing a challenging game at the Golf Club of Tennessee.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains makes it one of the most scenic Tennessee towns, surrounded by lush mountain forests and craggy wilderness of the sprawling park areas. There are numerous ways to experience the region's majesty, including a flight to the top of the Gatlinburg SkyPark for a bird's-eye perspective of the foggy Smoky Mountains. Alternatively, you can ride the heart-stopping Moonshine Mountain Coaster for a behind-the-scenes perspective of the national park scenery as you whizz through its isolated woodlands.
Finally, you can get closer to nature by hiking one of the numerous trails that snake around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Some of the most popular routes for expeditioners include Clingmans Dome and Laurel Falls.
Wartburg
This small village of Morgan County is the headquarters of the Obed National Wild and Scenic River. The river provides guests with some of the most epic scenery in the Cumberland Plateau region, with rugged terrain, 500-foot-deep river gorges, choppy waters, and more. It opens doors to adrenaline-filled adventures like whitewater rafting and paddling.
Wartburg is also home to Frozen Head State Park, which presents unspoiled alpine splendor with terrific vistas of the Cumberland Mountains. The area also houses over a dozen rustic campsites, endless hiking trails, and overlooks for the ultimate outdoor adventure. A trek along the Emory Gap Trailhead culminates in the magical scene of two pristine waterfalls.
Townsend
Townsend sits on the quieter side of the Great Smoky Mountains, which allows vacationers comfort and freedom as they explore the beautiful national park. Its outdoor scenery is full of natural treasures, highlighted by the maple, oak, and hickory trees that dominate the Smoky Mountains wilderness. Some of the best areas to explore include Cades Cove, home to a lush valley landscape with thriving local wildlife, and the Cades Cove Loop. The Townsend River Walk and Arboretum isolates visitors in a tranquil oasis with dozens of native tree species along the banks of the Little River.
Finally, you can't leave Townsend without visiting the Tuckaleechee Caverns. This majestic series of caves under the Great Smoky Mountains takes guests on an unforgettable underground adventure, where they can witness marvellous crystalline formations dating back millions of years.
Erwin
Erwin is surrounded by the sprawling woods of the Cherokee National Forest and traversed by the snaking course of the Nolichucky River, shaping its appealing outdoor scenery. This is an invitation to step into the open areas and indulge in various activities, including hiking along the famous Appalachian Trail. This scenic route stretches between the Indian Grave Gap and the Nolichucky River, spoiling guests with remarkable perspectives of the town's countryside beauty.
Some of the best river views await along the Erwin Linear Trail, which can be explored on foot or by bike. Additionally, the Unaka Bike Park welcomes tourists to test their mountain biking skills on a rugged network of trails.
Whether you want to chase waterfalls in Tellico Plains or explore hidden mountain trails in Gatlinburg, these scenic Tennessee towns charm visitors with their unforgettable natural beauty. They invite you to unwind in the serene surroundings of the United States and indulge in relaxing wilderness adventures, from hiking to nature photography. From dramatic gorges to tranquil lakes, these small towns prove that nature’s best is often found off the beaten path, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities like Nashville.
