8 Of The Most Underrated Towns In Tennessee

Most tourists visiting Tennessee often have their minds made up about exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the state's big cities. What they don't realize is that they are missing out on a mother lode of small-town gems brimming with character, charm, and Southern soul. Beyond the neon lights of Nashville and the blues beats of Memphis lie hidden treasures where people appreciate a slower pace of life and neighbors genuinely care about one another.

These underrated towns in Tennessee blend natural beauty, heritage sites, and heartfelt hospitality in a way that feels both refreshing and real. From cozy mountain retreats like Townsend to historic settlements like Greeneville, they offer an authentic feel of the Volunteer State’s true spirit. The following sets the stage to uncover Tennessee’s most delightful secrets in 2025.

McMinnville

Nicknamed the "Nursery Capital of the World," McMinnville doesn't receive enough credit for its pristine natural beauty, which embodies the allure of the Tennessee countryside. The town boasts a rich network of green spaces, offering endless activities for outdoor enthusiasts. You will often find people converging at Pepper Branch Park for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and picnicking in a tranquil setting. McMinnville is also home to Cumberland Caverns, a unique show cave where guests can embark on thrilling underground adventures, take overnight excursions, and even attend a live concert.

Meanwhile, the Park Theater stages premier indoor entertainment in the heart of the city, featuring music performances, poetry readings, musicals, and other similar shows. Additionally, the Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens transports guests back to the 19th century within a stunning Victorian dwelling.

Cookeville

Eighty miles from Nashville, Cookeville is a lovely destination in Putnam County, renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, scenic backcountry trails, and Southern hospitality. It spoils outdoorsy guests with an array of activities, such as chasing waterfalls at Cummins Falls State Park. This 300-acre sanctuary houses a photogenic 75-foot waterfall that tumbles into a natural swimming hole. The Cookeville History Museum preserves the region's history with a permanent collection of artifacts that transports guests back to the early days.

Art lovers can expect engaging live entertainment at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center, which hosts a diverse range of performances, including dance, plays, and musicals, in a welcoming community theater setting. Finally, remember to sample the area's eclectic Southern flavors at Crawdaddy's, where friendly staff serve New Orleans-style dishes with a smile.

Oak Ridge

Established by the United States government to host the Manhattan Project, Oak Ridge maintained an air of mystery for years, but travelers can visit today and explore its covert history. Much of this is explained by the American Museum of Science and Energy, which uses interactive elements to highlight the role played by Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project. Additionally, you can delve deeper into the nuclear heritage at the K-25 History Center, where over 250 artifacts and oral narrations open the lid on the infamous K-25 uranium enrichment plant.

For a change of scenery, the Oak Ridge Playhouse invites tourists for playful stage presentations by local acts, featuring comedies, plays, and musicals. Alternatively, you can experience the great outdoors by swimming, picnicking, or paddling at Clark Center Park.

Townsend

Townsend is probably one of the most underrated towns in Tennessee, given its location in the peaceful side of the Smokies. The town allows travelers to experience the beauty of Tennessee's crowning jewel without the choking crowds. A tour of the mysterious Tuckaleechee Caverns offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where visitors encounter stunning stalactites and a breathtaking waterfall. Meanwhile, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center provides invaluable information about the park using engaging exhibits and informative programs.

Townsend's pastoral beauty is best explored during a leisurely drive along the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, an 11-mile countryside route that cuts through mountain wildernesses and hidden wildlife habitats. When you develop an appetite from the day-long adventure, stop by Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe for a delicious meal.

Hohenwald

This tiny village in Lewis County impresses tourists with its array of interesting points of interest. Hohenwald is home to the famous Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, which offers educational tours showcasing the role of elephants in our world, featuring hands-on ecological exhibits. Also, the Lewis County Museum preserves a mix of human and animal history, with a collection of artifacts highlighting everything from the pre-Native American eras, Swiss settlements, and the Natchez Trace history.

Outdoor explorers will relish discovering Fall Hollow Falls. This stunning 20-foot waterfall invites peaceful hikes in the town's wilderness along the famous Natchez Trace Parkway. Later, they can replenish their energy with a hearty Southern meal at Southern Skillet.

Pulaski

Pulaski is a tiny village near the state's southern border, known for its Civil War heritage. At the Sam Davis Memorial Museum, guests can learn about the sad story of Sam Davis, a Confederate spy captured and executed by Union forces. The site features several vintage buildings, slave quarters, and historical items. Elsewhere, the Trail of Tears Memorial Interpretive Center honors the Native Americans who took the treacherous journey along the infamous Trail of Tears.

Apart from learning critical history, vacationers can enjoy entertaining stage shows at the STAAR Theatre at Antoinette Hall, which hosts various forms of performance art inside the state's oldest surviving opera house. Finally, wine lovers won't mind sampling the region's craft wines at Big Creek Winery.

Greeneville

Named after Nathanael Greene of the Revolutionary War, Greeneville is steeped in history and proves this with a cluster of vintage brick buildings throughout its historic downtown. A journey through time beckons vacationers to explore the Dickson-Williams Mansion for a glimpse of life in the early 1800s. However, those interested in a deeper and broader dive into Greeneville's history can browse an impressive library of resources at the Greeneville Greene County History Museum, featuring around a dozen permanent galleries.

The town demonstrates its appreciation for the arts with multiple theater venues. Enthusiasts will have a blast watching a presentation at the Capitol Theatre of Greeneville, where the atmosphere remains vibrant during a lineup of concerts, comedic shows, movie screenings, and other performances.

Tellico Plains

Tellico Plains is a secluded community in Monroe County, renowned for its pristine natural landscapes. It is a great stop for ardent adventurers and encourages them to explore its vast wilderness spaces to discover treasures like the Bald River Falls. This stunning 90-foot cascade tumbles into the Tellico River and is popular among nature photographers and sightseers. Guests can book a trip with Big Bear Tubing Company for a thrilling downhill cruise in the calm river waters and a unique perspective of the lush countryside.

The Cherohala Skyway offers one of the most stunning scenic drives in the state, winding through dense and quiet Cherokee National Forest and dotted with picturesque overlooks and mesmerizing landscapes. Elsewhere, historians will fancy visiting the Charles Hall Museum to investigate local, Appalachian, and Native American history.

Hidden Gems In Tennessee

Whether driving along deserted countryside highways in Tellico Plains or investigating America’s nuclear history in Oak Ridge, these underrated towns in Tennessee reveal a side of the state that many travelers overlook. They all present a rich taste of local history, untouched beauty, and trademark Southern hospitality in the United States. From mountain retreats to storybook main streets, these hidden gems allow vacationers to escape the pandemonium in the major visitor hubs and experience the Volunteer State in its most authentic and unforgettable form.