The 8 Can't-Miss Towns In Tennessee
There is no doubt that tourism in Tennessee is booming. In fact, in 2024, tourism spending in the state reached a fourth consecutive record, totaling $31.7 billion. 147 million people visited the state as well, which is more than twice the population of France! So where are all of these folks heading? The following eight towns are among the state’s most incredible destinations, located near national parks, world-renowned distilleries, and beloved Southern food restaurants, giving you a true taste of Tennessee.
Gatlinburg
Downtown Gatlinburg sits just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it the perfect base for exploring the park. Once inside, the park offers 150 hiking trails covering 800 miles, leading travelers through green forests, cascading streams, and scenic meadows. There are plenty of other beloved natural attractions nearby as well, such as Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area, which offers ziplining, mountain biking, a mountain coaster, a rock wall, and other outdoor activities. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a great place to admire some marine life, home to sharks, sea turtles, penguins, and many other sea creatures.
Townsend
Townsend, located roughly 45 minutes from Gatlinburg, provides a calmer atmosphere while still offering the same beautiful scenery. Although it requires a bit of a drive to reach it, Cades Cove is a wonderful place to visit, a scenic valley with hiking trails, historic homes, churches, and cemeteries. Travelers wanting to explore the Smokies on horseback can reserve a trail ride with Davy Crockett Riding Stables, which offers rides for all ages and levels. To unwind after a day of hiking or horseback riding, grab a drink and bite at Peaceful Side Social, which has an extensive craft beer menu alongside gorgeous mountain views from the restaurant.
Sweetwater
The magic of Sweetwater lies below ground, home to the nation’s largest underground lake: The Lost Sea. Although the full extent of the lake remains unknown, its visible portion spans 800 feet long by 220 feet wide, with visitors able to explore it on an underground tour. After exploring this natural marvel, check out Sweetwater’s agricultural scene at Sweetwater Valley Farm, a family-owned dairy farm that offers tours of the facilities and a complimentary cheese tasting at the cheese shop. Main Street Marketplace Sweetwater is also a great place to grab a bite, an open-air market filled with food trucks, produce stands, pop-ups, and more.
Jonesborough
Proudly named the “Storytelling Capital of the World,” Jonesborough is a place where unforgettable tales are brought to life by acclaimed storytellers. The International Storytelling Center is at the heart of it all, hosting festivals such as Storytelling Live, which takes place between May and October, featuring performances from 20 nationally known storytellers. To purchase a souvenir, stop by the Old Town Emporium, which has the town’s largest collection of history and children’s books. As the oldest town in Tennessee, travelers can also learn more about Jonesborough’s history at the Jonesborough/Washington County History Museum, which has been exhibiting artifacts, photographs, and documents since its opening in 1982.
Morristown
As the Disc Golf Capital of Tennessee, there are plenty of exciting disc golf courses around Morristown to check out! The Kiwanis Disc Golf Course is a popular one to visit, located at Wayne Hansard Park with a gorgeous, rocky, and wooded landscape. Panther Creek Disc Golf Course is another one to consider if you are up for a more challenging and strenuous course! Morristown is also situated between two lakes: Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake, which are both wonderful places to fish, boat, and picnic. Fish species you might be able to catch in Cherokee Lake include sunfish, crappie, walleye, black bass, and sauger.
Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains is located near some of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls, making it another great destination if you are hoping to connect with nature. Before heading out to see the falls, start the morning with a coffee from Trout Mountain Coffeehouse and Inn, a boutique hotel that also serves handcrafted drinks. Bald River Falls should be the first destination on your itinerary, plunging 90 feet and part of the Cherokee National Forest. These falls are quite popular, so make sure to arrive early if you can! Conasauga Falls is part of the national forest as well, featuring a beautiful cascade that travelers can reach via a 1.5-mile round-trip hike.
Lynchburg
Home to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Lynchburg should be on the itinerary of every whiskey lover. The distillery offers several tour options, including a traditional tour, a barrel-focused tour, and a bonded whiskey tour. If the whiskey tour and tasting have made you hungry, grab lunch at Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant, which has been serving delicious southern-style dishes since 1908. A few of the items on the menu include southern fried chicken, meatloaf, and country-style BBQ ribs. Don’t leave town before grabbing a souvenir at the Honey Bunny Mercantile, which sells handmade crafts, custom embroidery, monogramming, antique and vintage items, and much more.
Cumberland Gap
Sitting at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains, Cumberland Gap is a small and historic town that nature and history lovers alike will enjoy exploring. The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is the best place to do so, spanning 14,000 acres of wilderness with 85 miles of trails, historic settlements, and caves to explore. To learn about the town’s Appalachian art scene, stop by the Cumberland Gap Artists' Co-op, which features work from local Appalachian artists. The Cumberland Gap Small Farmers Market is another lovely example of the town’s local businesses, open once a month seasonally from June through October, with numerous farm stands and local food vendors.
Final Thoughts
While Tennessee’s beauty extends beyond just these eight towns, these destinations serve as a great starting point if you are trying to decide where to travel this year. Destinations like Gatlinburg have earned nationwide recognition for their location near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while other destinations, like Jonesborough, offer you an unbeatable storytelling experience. Regardless of the town you add to your itinerary, you are sure to have a memorable adventure this year!
