8 Most Breathtaking Towns In Tennessee

Tennessee is home to countless natural marvels, including over 61,000 miles of rivers, 8,500 caves, and the towering Appalachian Mountains. With so much to see, the toughest part of planning a trip here is often figuring out where to start! These eight towns feature some of the most breathtaking attractions, including massive underground lakes, 90-foot waterfalls, and national park hiking trails, all of which promise a truly memorable vacation.

Sweetwater

Home to just about 6,700 residents, Sweetwater holds an unexpected wonder: The Lost Sea, the largest underground lake in the country. While scientists are still unsure about the full size of the lake, the visible portion extends 800 feet long by 220 feet wide. Travelers can experience this marvel on a 75-minute underground tour, which covers three-quarters of the lake, diving into its history. After a morning underground, head up to the surface to tour Sweetwater Valley Farm, a family dairy farm that produces mouthwatering artisan cheeses. If you are looking for a souvenir to remember your time in Sweetwater, make sure to visit 3 Generations Art Studio, a locally owned studio and gallery on Main Street.

Gatlinburg

Travelers planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this year should keep Gatlinburg in mind, as it is one of the state’s most popular gateways. The park offers more than 800 hiking trails, with Laurel Falls Trail near Gatlinburg standing out as a favorite. After a 1.3-mile hike, visitors will reach a gorgeous 75-foot waterfall, one of the most photographed sights in the Smokies. Alum Cave is another well-known trail, winding through an old-growth forest, rocky outcrops, bluffs, and the narrow tunnel of Arch Rock. Heading back into town, travelers can appreciate mountain views aboard Ripley’s Mountain Coaster, a self-operated cart that twists and turns through the beautiful Smokies!

Tracy City

Surrounded by South Cumberland State Park, Tracy City is an excellent basecamp for exploring Tennessee’s backcountry. Covering more than 12,000 acres, the park features highlights near town such as Grundy Lakes, known for swimming, fishing, picnicking, and hiking, as well as the Fiery Gizzard Trail, a 12.5-mile route linking Foster Falls with Grundy Forest. Before heading out for the day, travelers can grab breakfast at the Dutch Maid Bakery, which is the oldest family-owned bakery in the state, serving handmade sandwiches, pancakes, French toast, omelets, cinnamon rolls, and more.

Townsend

Between its lush valleys and giant underground taverns, Townsend offers a diverse range of natural attractions. Although it requires a bit of a drive to get there, visiting Cades Cove is one of Townsend’s most beloved area attractions. This valley, surrounded by an 11-mile hiking loop, is abundant in wildlife and beautiful views. A few of the animals you might be able to spot while in the valley include turkeys, elk, black bears, and groundhogs. Tuckaleechee Caverns is another worthwhile destination for your itinerary, sitting under the Smokies and dating back between 20 and 30 million years. To experience a bit of Townsend’s mountain spirit, stop by the Apple Valley Mountain Village, which has an American-style cafe and a general store where you can browse for a souvenir.

Cumberland Gap

Lying at the base of the Cumberland Mountains, Cumberland Gap is immersed in mountain history. Travelers can explore this history at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, which spans 14,000 acres of wilderness with campsites, trails, historic settlements, and ancient caves. The town is also an excellent representative of the Appalachian Art scene, which visitors can experience at the Cumberland Gap Artists' Co-op. For a laid-back afternoon, stop by Gap Creek Coffee House, where you can sip a hot coffee on the front porch while taking in views of the Pinnacle Overlook.

Dayton

Known for its flower farms and natural biodiversity, Dayton has plenty of scenery to appreciate. Travelers can explore some of Dayton’s local wildlife at the Hiwassee Refuge, a 6,000-acre preserve that houses species like bald eagles, sandhill cranes, Great blue herons, and many other birds. The Laurel Snow State Natural Area is also just outside of town, covering roughly 2,250 acres and home to two waterfalls, creeks, gorges, and a wide variety of plant species. In March, June, and July each year, travelers can pick their own flowers at Lorenzen Flower Farm, which harvests tulips, wildflowers, and sunflowers.

Tellico Plains

Tellico Plains is located less than half an hour away from two of the Cherokee National Forest’s most beautiful falls: Bald River Falls and Conasauga Falls. Travelers can easily reach Bald River Falls from Tellico River Road, where a renowned 90-foot cascade awaits. Conasauga Falls, on the other hand, requires a 1.5-mile round-trip hike, though the trail is still considered fairly easy. After the waterfall hike, you may be feeling a bit thirsty. Consider grabbing a craft beer from the Tellico Brewing Company, a new microbrewery that was established in town this year! Although the brewery just opened, the owners have been making brews for nearly 10 years, winning over 80 awards in beer competitions.

Mountain City

Sitting at an altitude of 2,418 feet, Mountain City is the highest-elevation city in Tennessee. One of the best places to explore the area’s mountainous terrain is at the Doe Mountain Recreation Area, sprawled across 8,600 acres of land with trails for hiking, mountain biking, OHV riding, and more. If you are seeking a more laid-back afternoon, you also might enjoy spending a few hours at Ralph Stout Park, a family-oriented park with a pond, walking trails, and a frisbee golf course. Whether you want to catch a live performance or join an art class, the Johnson County Center for the Arts is the place to explore the local art scene, offering pottery workshops, folk concerts, and other creative events.

Final Thoughts

There is no time like the present. If you have been dreaming of a trip across Tennessee to see some of the state’s most breathtaking marvels, these eight towns are a great place to start. Towns like Mountain City and Gatlinburg will provide you with all sorts of mountain hikes, while other destinations, like Townsend and Sweetwater, dive into Tennessee’s underground realm. There’s no telling what else you might discover on your next trip!