Tennessee and Kentucky are two neighboring states famed for their natural beauty. Both have mountainous terrain, flowing waterfalls and rapids, and thick forests that make for some of the most beautiful natural locations in the U.S. With so many gorgeous sites to explore, narrowing it down to just a few is no easy task. But we’ve compiled a quick look at some of Kentucky and Tennessee’s most incredible outdoor destinations.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the country’s most visited national park, a gorgeous setting in the Great Smoky Mountains that provides an excellent destination for hiking, rock climbing, and outdoor exploration. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a vast space that includes waterfalls, panoramic views of the mountains from incredible vantage points, and gorgeous native wildflowers that bloom throughout the year.
Tuckaleechee Caverns, TN
Underneath the Great Smoky Mountains is the largest cavern east of the Mississippi River. This vast cave network is thought to be between 20 and 30 million years old and includes awe-inspiring geologic formations. There are several parts within the Tuckaleechee Caverns to explore, including an underground waterfall, but the Big Room might be the most incredible sight. This expansive open space is nearly big enough to fit a football stadium.
Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN
The massive Fall Creek Falls State Park comprises over 30 thousand acres of thickly forested areas and several hundred campsites. A highlight of this park is just an easy one-mile hike from the entrance: the monumental Falls Creek Falls. At 256 feet tall, Falls Creek Falls is the largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. There are also several other waterfalls throughout the park and numerous areas for swimming.
South Cumberland State Park, TN
South Cumberland State Park touches four counties in Central Tennessee. This large park stretches over 30,000 acres across nine different areas and includes waterfalls, forests, creeks, and trails that lead to cliffs offering panoramic forest vistas. Visitors typically camp, hike, fish, swim, bike, and more.
Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
Mammoth Cave National Park is the longest-known cave system in the United States and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an extensive network of beautiful caves, with stairs and trails that lead through caverns. Stalactites and stalagmites extend from the floors and walls, and the cool temperatures make exploring the underground caves throughout the year a pleasant experience. Park rangers and guided tours offer insights into the history and uniqueness of this one-of-a-kind natural destination.
Cumberland Falls, KY
Kentucky has many flowing waterfalls, an iconic aspect of the state’s natural beauty. One of the most well-known waterfalls is Cumberland Falls, a 68-foot tall, 125-foot-wide waterfall in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. This area has many cabins, lodges, and campgrounds where visitors can stay to explore everything the sprawling park offers. Cumberland Falls has been dubbed the Niagara of the South and is a must-see for those who want to experience Kentucky’s raw natural appeal.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, KY & TN
The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, often shortened to Big South Fork, is a massive area along the Cumberland Plateau encompassing more than 125,000 acres of unspoiled natural scenery. This diverse landscape includes sandstone bluffs, thick forests, and flowing waters, and it houses incredible native wildlife, including bears, deer, elk, and more. Big South Fork is one of the best outdoor playgrounds in Kentucky and Tennessee, accommodating all kinds of recreation. Popular activities in the area include hiking, kayaking, biking, and camping.
