Destination Highlights: Classic Destination  Dog Friendly: No  Seasonality: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter While the Smokies are an amazing year-round destination, road closures due to snow and flooding are common; be sure to check the NPS website for current conditions.  Distance: 5.0 miles There is also a 6.5 mile loop (see parking information).  Time To Complete: 3.0 hours2-4 hours is common depending on pace. Difficulty: 3

Virginia’s expansive woodlands, famously blue-tinged mountains, and rambling scenic byways are the place to be when colorful autumn leaves are at their fiery peak. Fortunately for seasonal color seekers, the Old Dominion state is also sprinkled with state parks, national forests, and vast wilderness areas. For those to prefer to do their leaf-peeping on foot, Virginia boasts a staggering 554 miles of the Appalachian Trail—more than any other state. When you are ready to seek out some fall color, take to the state’s wild spaces, and cherish the seasonal transition at these 10 stunning Virginia locations.Southwest Virginia serves as an excellent starting point to explore the foliage. Abingdon is one…

When you live near a city it can be easy to forget just how many stars are in the night sky. But if you take the time to get away from the light pollution, spread out a blanket, and look up, there are more to see than you can imagine. It’s relatively easy to find a dark sky out west—what about in the southeast? Where can you escape the city lights and find a truly dark sky for stargazing? Here are six of the best places in the southeast to take in the majesty of the night sky.Before you head out, read this quick guide so you know what to…

Destination Highlights: Classic Destination, Weekend Trip, Good For Beginners, Great For Families, Waterfalls, and Panoramic Views  Dog Friendly: Yes  Land Website: Fall Creek Falls Seasonality: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter  Each season brings something special to the park, but winter may just be the best time to go, as there are fewer people, and the water is often higher; meaning the waterfalls are plunging with full force. Distance: 35.0 miles There are 14 hiking trails in Fall Creek Falls State Park, which combine to create 35 total trail miles. From two overnight backpacking loops—the Upper Cane Creek Loop (14 miles) and the Lower Cane Creek Loop (13.2 miles)—to moderate 4 mile hiking…

With the heat of summer quickly approaching, everyone is looking for ways to be near water. Luckily, Northeast Tennessee is abounding with beautiful rivers and streams, many of which flow into spectacular waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, from surging cascades to plunging showers. Whether you’re in the mood for an all-day trek, or a short hike, you can experience spectacular falls throughout Northeast Tennessee. To get you started on your journey, we’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite waterfalls in the region. Jones Falls This 100-foot waterfall is situated between Roan Mountain, Tennessee, and Elk Park, North Carolina, and has a couple of different access points. A popular approach is…

There are super humans among us. You know the ones—they climb Mt. Everest, swim the English Channel and run across the Sahara desert. They don’t talk about doing it. They actually do it. But these adventures don’t have to take place in exotic locales. In fact, you don’t even have to leave your own state.

As one of the most visited points along the Appalachian Trail, Clingmans Dome is in the center of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and gives you a 360-degree view of the Smokies from its circular lookout tower. It’s a popular stopping point for park visitors during the peak seasons of spring and fall, and is accessible by car from US-441 to Clingmans Dome Road—a seven-mile drive that leads to the Forney Ridge Parking area and trailhead, just 300 feet below the summit. Though the incline to the tower is paved, it’s still quite steep. For casual to experienced hikers, here are six ways to reach Tennessee’s highest mountain, depending…

In a state as bejeweled with lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks as Tennessee, it’s no surprise that swimming is one of the most popular ways for locals (and visitors) to enjoy the warm weather. With 56 state parks and an abundance of other public and private recreational areas throughout the region, the Volunteer State is a paradise for those wanting to get their hair wet when it’s nice outside. Here’s a roundup of some of the best spots (did someone say waterfalls?) where you can take a plunge in the great state of Tennessee.

Few places in North America look much of anything like they did pre-settlement, but they’re out there—and the Obed Wild and Scenic River is one of them. This 45-mile segment of the Obed drains much of the Cumberland Plateau and is the only designated wild and scenic river in Tennessee, which is crucial—it’s one of the last free-flowing river systems in the eastern United States. The Obed’s rugged cliffs and steep drop-offs make for world-class rock climbing and whitewater paddling, but recreation isn’t the only thing to recommend it—between its rich human history, diverse ecosystems, and unsullied natural beauty, a trip to the Obed is akin to traveling back in…

Everyone who loves hiking knows that one of the perks is the views, but it takes a lot of time and effort to get to the *really *good ones. Or does it? In Tennessee, there are plenty of easy hikes that won’t require hiking into the backcountry for a weekend, but will still give you the vistas you’ve been dreaming of—deep gorges, twisting rivers, tree-covered hills, and mountains as far as the eye can see.Of course, it’s impossible to list them all, but we’ve narrowed it down to nine of our favorite easy hikes (three miles or less, round trip) with spectacular views.