As Christmas approaches, many people are looking for the perfect winter getaway, and what better way to do so than visiting some of Tennessee’s most beautiful national parks? Tennessee is home to stunning sights that can be visited all year long, including the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The healthiest break in this tech-dependent age is the one that takes you outside of these digital shells. So, it would help if you organized a nature-related vacation today by taking your children to some of the greenest parks in America. Walking around these pretty historic sites won’t just improve a person’s mental health but also makes a person know more about the history of our beautiful nation. So, here are ten must-visit national parks in Tennessee for you:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
With over 12 million yearly visitors, this park outperforms other destinations in your itinerary. It lies between North Carolina and eastern Tennessee while allowing visitors to observe thousands of plant and animal species (50,000, to be exact) along with 800 miles of trails.
Try also booking your accommodations in advance to ensure you experience the cabin rentals near the park. There, you’ll be able to stay close to the action and take in all the sights and sounds of nature. You can look up online reviews from past visitors to get an idea of what to expect from the park and its surrounding areas.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate and romantic honeymoon or anniversary getaway, a fun-filled family vacation, or the perfect space to host your company retreats or class reunions – Smoky Mountain cabins and chalets offer something magical for everyone. You can look up the keyword TN cabin rentals to get the best deals for your trip. Find some comfy cabins before starting your journey into the mysteries of this amazing park.
Obed Wild and Scenic River Park
Lying 45 miles from Knoxville, this beautiful destination provides a year-round tourist experience to visitors. Who doesn’t love whitewater rafting and doesn’t know about the Obed River?! Just arrive at Wartburg to engage in daring activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater paddling. This river has always remained popular among rafters and paddlers. So, don’t forget to include a visit to this scenic river while backpacking across the national parks located in the “Volunteer State.”
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Next, there’s a park located 80 miles northwest of the famous city of Nashville, where General Grant ensured the surrender of 12,000 Confederate soldiers in 1862. This victory was followed by the army taking over Nashville and turning the city into a base of operations for Union soldiers. That’s why the historical battlefield of Ford Donelson has become a well-known tourist destination today. You may stay nearby in the city of Dover while visiting this fort and try boating in the Cumberland River.
Stones River National Battlefield
Travel 30 miles southeast of Nashville, and you’ll reach Murfreesboro, where this park is located. The Stones River National Battlefield is a great destination to learn about the Civil War and enjoy more of Tennessee’s natural beauty. You can explore over 1200 acres of land, including historic structures, monuments, and interpretive exhibits.
Cumberland Gap NHP
Considered the first “western gateway,” Cumberland Gap NHP is also shared by Kentucky and Virginia. It’s named after a gap in the Cumberland Mountains in the Appalachian grounds. A tourist can walk along its 80-mile-long trail and observe several species, including the endangered Indiana bat and blackside dace. In 2017, some 700,000+ people visited this park. However, you may try visiting it in the off-season, i.e., winter. So, save some time to pay homage to this huge park.
Big South Fork National River
Statistics indicate that 38 million people visited Tennessee’s national parks in 2021. Sadly, travelers don’t normally pay any attention to this amazing landmark. While traveling across Tennessee, don’t forget to tour the eye-soothing Big South Fork National River in the Cumberland Plateau. Its arches, gorges, and bridges are an amazing collection for tourists, along with hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding opportunities. So, don’t miss an opportunity to create some memories here!
Andrew Johnson NHS
Andrew Johnson became the President after Lincoln’s assassination, and a national park in Greeneville is dedicated to his memory. It’s open throughout the year and allows folks to peek into the early youth of the post-Civil War POTUS, including his tailor shop and the final resting place. Fun Facts: John’s daughter Martha wanted this location to become a park, and Greeneville is the only “Greenville” in the United States with four Es. Also, it’s located just 50+ miles east of Knoxville!
Chickamauga & Chattanooga NMP
You’ve read about the “western gateway,” but now buckle yourself to learn about the “gateway to the deep south,” i.e., Chickamauga & Chattanooga. If you’re planning a visit, exploring the captivating history and natural beauty of this ancient park, there’s a wealth of options for accommodation. From charming bed-and-breakfasts to modern hotels in Chattanooga, there’s something to suit every traveler’s preference.
You can participate in self-guided tours of this place and even engage in some volunteer activities in this ancient park. Moreover, you can observe the beautiful curves of the amazing River Tennessee from the visitor’s area.
Manhattan Project NHP
Tourists shouldn’t forget to organize a rendezvous at Oak Ridge to gather more information about this historical WWII-era park. The Oak Ridge Reservation was one of the secretive headquarters for the well-known Manhattan Project that turned the USA into the world’s first nuclear power.
Tourists can participate in a tour of this reservation that will begin from the American Museum of Science and Energy. A National Park Service ranger guides visitors through the history of this historic location.
Shiloh NMP
Lastly, we should talk about the solemn Shiloh National Military Park. It’s dedicated to the memory of the legendary Battle of Shiloh, where 23,000+ Union and Confederate soldiers perished. Now, you can witness the final resting place of these soldiers in this national park. It also borders the somber Tennessee River while hosting remnants of 800-year-old Native American communities. These great Mississippian people formed an amazing civilization that died in the middle of the 15th century.
Conclusion
Tennessee’s national parks aren’t just this state’s pride but an essential source of income. Some reports suggest that these locations bring $870 million to the government of Tennessee annually. That’s why the “Volunteer State” stands seventh in the states with the most park visitor spending. We’ve discussed some must-visit national parks and included the Great Smokys as the most sought-after tourist destination in the United States. Some other parks include Andrew Johnson NHS, Cumberland Gap NHP, Big South Fork National Park, Stones River National Battlefield, and Obed Wild and Scenic River, among many other destinations. Now, add all these locations to your itinerary once you are in Tennessee.
