These 13 Towns In Tennessee Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2025
Between the inviting Southern charm, beautiful scenery, and rich cultural heritage, Tennessee has played a central role in tourism for quite some time. In fact, it's those very same elements that created a recipe for one of Tennessee's best year in tourism thus far. Breaking 2023's record, 2024 marked a total tourism spending of 31.7 billion dollars and 147 million people visiting the state during that period.
No doubt many will think of the larger cities as being the biggest pulls for tourism, but in actuality, a lot of small towns across Tennessee can be just as compelling to visit, if not even more so. Avoiding all the hustle and bustle, be sure to visit any of the following Tennessee favorites.
Gatlinburg
Out of all the towns on this list, one of the most uniquely positioned towns is Gatlinburg, and it's easy to see why. Within the downtown area, you are but minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—the most visited national park in the United States, with 150 hiking trails covering 800 miles. Serving as the default base to explore the park, Gatlinburg provides a convenient alternative to those who don't want to camp within the park itself.
Beyond the park, Gatlinburg can also be ideal in the wintertime thanks to Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area. Alternatively, Anakeesta is another adventure park with ample attractions. It has everything from dining with friends or family, visiting a quaint shopping district, a connected bridge, and amazing views of the town and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Cookeville
Stunning natural vistas, an inviting atmosphere, and an educational appeal are all reasons why Cookeville is just a "natural fit" for people to create memories here. The handful of state and local parks have an immense amount of natural beauty that you don't want to pass up on, and there are plenty of activities within town that can strike interest among a wide group of people.
Biggest tourist spots include the Burgess Falls State Park, by far one of the most breathtaking natural sites, joined with dramatic waterfalls that make for the perfect backdrop for a picture or two. Another popular spot to travel to is the Ozone Falls Natural Area. It is 43 acres large and features, as you'd expect, Ozone Falls. It's a waterfall that plunges 110 feet over a sandstone cap rock into a deep, rock-strewn pool. The scenery is so enthralling that Ozone Falls was selected as a filming scene for the movie "The Jungle Book." Finally, visiting Dogwood Park is a great place to unwind and soak in the scenery. The park includes a rose garden, a seasonal concession stand when you get hungry, an interactive fountain, a performance pavilion for event hosting, and the famous Heart of the City Playground, the region's only fully accessible, all-inclusive playground.
Townsend
Similar to Gatlinburg, Townsend is not too far away from a natural area that can take your breath away. In the case of Townsend, it would be Cades Cove, one of the most popular and historic natural resources anywhere in the world. Townsend, like Gatlinburg, serves as a stopping point to stock up and explore Cades Cove, but there is plenty to do within town, too. If you visit around August, you'll be able to see Townsend's Annual Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival and witness a spectrum of colors rising into the air. Looking to relax and unwind? Well, thanks to the Little River that runs through town, tubing is one of the most popular activities to do, with the lower part of the river being relatively calm. Alternatively, the Townsend Y swimming hole is one of the most popular spots to go for a swim once the weather gets warm.
Jonesborough
Worldly recognized for bringing stories to life by acclaimed storytellers, Jonesborough lives up to the title of "Storytelling Capital of the World." The International Storytelling Center is the source of that fame, with the center hosting various festivals like Storytelling Live, a May through October event featuring performances from 20 nationally known storytellers. For more creative expressions, visiting the McKinney Center is a good idea. The center provides an area for residents to practice drawing, painting, theater, dancing, and ceramics, and these works are frequently displayed through concerts, plays, or art displays. And if that's not enough, then the town's own Main Street is sure to impress with the 18th- and 19th-century buildings, all beautifully preserved to hold local shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Sweetwater
The biggest draw for Sweetwater rests in what is underneath rather than above ground. The town sits on the nation's largest underground lake: The Lost Sea. To this day, we don't know how big this lake really is, but the visible portions stretch for 800 feet long and 220 feet wide. It's more than enough for tourists and residents to explore the natural marvel that this town has to offer. Above ground, Sweetwater's downtown district has plenty of shops, restaurants, and boutiques. Grab a coffee and a nice pastry from Cup Runneth Over, and explore the various stores. For more creatives, the 3 Generations Art Studio is a great place to express your creative side with workshops on how to paint and make pottery.
Tullahoma
With about 20,000 people living in Tullahoma, don't let its small population or rural feel fool you. The rural feel of the town is thematic with the town, as the town has a rich history that's tied to the Civil War and World War II. There was even a point where it was the headquarters for General Braxton Bragg of the Army of Tennessee. You can capture a glimpse of Tullahoma's aviation history in the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, which has a large collection of Beechcraft and related aircraft. For something a little different, the Hands on Science Center is a hybrid building of three things—a museum, visitor attraction, and education-based center. And if you're around during the warmer months, the weekly Farmers Market of Tullahoma from April to September has plenty of fresh produce and homemade goods to browse through.
Morristown
Being the Disc Golf Capital of Tennessee, Morristown is filled to the brim with disc golf courses all across town. The Kiwanis Disc Golf Course is the most visited one, located at Wayne Hansard Park. It's the natural pick, considering the rocky and wooded landscape is the perfect setting for the sport. The Cherokee Park Disc Golf Course in Cherokee Park is another that can't be missed. The elevation changes of this course and the mixture of open and wooded holes make for different challenges for players. Morristown is also situated between two lakes: Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake. Because of that, these provide perfect spots for fishing, boating, or relaxing and having a nice picnic.
Bell Buckle
Another highly rated destination among Americans is Bell Buckle. The charming small-town atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant community events throughout the year have become staples for residents and visitors alike. Some of the top attractions at Bell Buckle include places like the Bell Buckle Cafe, a culinary gem that provides nothing but Southern comfort food.
But as mentioned, the big draw is the events Bell Buckle hosts. The RC Cola-MoonPie Festival held in June is a wacky and fun family event that celebrates the South's original fast food. It's an internationally attended event, as the event even hosts a "who travelled the furthest contest." There's no shortage of weird but fun contests and MoonPie games, and it also has a colorful parade. Another great event is the Webb Craft Show in October. It's a perennial crowd favorite where vendors of handmade arts and crafts lining Maple Street have something even for the pickiest shoppers. With over 100 booths of the finest crafts in town, you're bound to find something you like. Not to mention, there are all-world food trucks stationed around to offer cuisine from all around the world.
Lynchburg
Despite its small population and focus on classic values, what brought Lynchburg's name to the map is that it's home to the Jack Daniel's Distillery. It's the oldest registered distillery in the US, and it attracts well over 250,000 people every year. You're able to tour the plant as well as have opportunities to taste some of the brews of this iconic brand.
That same distillery is also host to an immensely popular competition in October: the World Championship Barbecue competition. It's equivalent to the showing of the Super Bowl, which brings in the finest BBQ chefs from all over the world. The only way to be a chef there requires you to win a state championship or a premier barbecue competition, ensuring that nothing but the best of the best will be allowed for you to taste. But aside from Jack Daniels, Lynchburg also has a rich history beyond the man. The Moore County Old Jail Museum is an attraction that exhibits artifacts from decades ago and was a functional jail until the early 1990s.
Tellico Plains
If you ever find yourself in Eastern Tennessee, visiting Tellico Plains should be on the list. With just under 1,000 residents, Tellico Plains is a mountain town that is close to the most beautiful waterfalls around. If you want to connect with nature, there is really no better place.
Before travelling anywhere, you might as well get your fill of food first. The Tellico Grains Bakery is perfect for pastries, and the Trout Mountain Coffeehouse & Inn has some excellent coffee. In terms of natural beauty, you have a lot to pick from, too. The Cherohala Skyway is an unforgettable drive with scenic views of mountains and forests along a long and winding road. Alternatively, you could also enjoy the Cherokee National Forest, as it contains several beautiful landmarks like the Indian Boundary Lake and Bald River Falls. Camp or spend the day exploring the vast area however you like. Regardless, you're bound to make some great memories.
Rogersville
Highly regarded as the second-oldest town in the state, Rogersville has a rich history that's connected to its multiple buildings. To start, it was the place for the state's first newspaper, The Knoxville Gazette, and it has the second-oldest courthouse. To get the full picture of The Knoxville Gazette, visit the Tennessee Newspaper and Printing Museum, where you'll see one-of-a-kind historical artifacts on display.
If you want to get a taste of the natural beauty, the Crockett Springs Park is perfect. The 281-acre property serves as a centerpiece for the downtown Rogersville area and makes for a great spot for picnicking or casual strolls. It's also great for weddings and general photography, too, especially at the park's iconic gazebo. And if you're down for some shopping, the Salt & Light Boutique has some unique offerings. It's got the latest trends in women's and children's clothes and accessories, but also has home decor and other unique gifts. Or if you want to get that hit of nostalgia, the Olde Town Emporium has you covered with antiques, retro, vintage, and new items alike. Look through clothing, or browse the selection between furniture, home decor, collectables, accessories, and other gift items.
Tiptonville
Resting near Reelfoot Lake, Tiptonville is a getaway destination for those looking to escape and take in natural sights. Tiptonville has a bevy of historical attractions as well to attract even the most ardent of history buffs. After all, Tiptonville is the area where several pivotal events took place.
As for what to check out, the aforementioned Reelfoot Lake is incredibly noteworthy as the lake was formed by a series of earthquakes that spanned between 1811 and 1812. The majestic cypress trees are also a big draw and make for great birdwatching opportunities. If you still want more, the Reelfoot Lake State Park provides more of that same experience with boat tours and hiking trails where you can envelop yourself in peace and quiet beauty. Because each small town has its own big events, Tiptonville is no exception, with the Reelfoot Arts & Crafts Festival bringing in over 40,000 people every year. It takes place over three days starting at the end of September and extending into early October. Exhibitors showcase everything from pottery to Native American crafts, wood crafts, and more. It's been called one of the best arts and crafts festivals in the state, according to The Tennessee Magazine.
Waverly
From stellar natural playgrounds down to iconic historical landmarks, Waverly has a lot to offer tourists in the area. One of the prominent features is the Waverly Train Explosion Memorial Park, commemorating an awful but iconic event that has shaped the town's history. Another historically significant attraction is the Humphreys County Museum and Civil War Fort. The Museum displays an extensive collection of Indian artifacts alongside existing rifle pits. The fort itself is significant, too, as it protected and kept an open supply railroad to the Union army in Tennessee during the Civil War. To capture some of the natural beauty of the area, a visit to The Buffalo River is a prime spot for scenic canoeing that even a beginner can navigate through. The river also has some challenges for veteran canoeists. Alternatively, the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge is over 50,000 acres on three locations where you can observe winter waterfowl and migrating shorebirds.
With so many iconic events, rich history, and incredible natural beauty, it makes sense that Tennessee is such a popular tourist spot. Whether you want to explore Sweetwater's underground lake, learn about Waverly's rich history, or do something crazy at one of Bell Buckle's events, you'll find plenty of things to do in the 15th most populous state in the country. So pack your things and head out to explore what Tennessee has to offer. Regardless of where you go, the natural beauty, warm hospitality, and energy are bound to give you a much-deserved retreat from the hustle and bustle.
