Tennessee Travel Guide For Adventure Lovers
Looking for the perfect spot to plan your next adventure-packed vacation? Consider a trip to Tennessee. This southeastern state is packed with plenty of options for adventure lovers of all kinds, but outdoor lovers are especially in luck. And the best part? You can enjoy some of the best adventures the state has to offer from some of the state’s most well-loved and easy-to-reach cities.
Tennessee has something to offer for families, couples and the ultimate girls trip. The most frequently visited U.S. national park, Great Smoky Mountains, will take your breath away. The cities, Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Gatlinburg, are home to a wealth of outdoor activities along with plenty of great restaurants.
Ready to plan your Tennessee adventure? Here are some ways to take advantage of opportunities for an adventure near some of Tennessee’s most popular destinations and here are some of my best things to do in Tennessee.
Amazing Tennessee Outdoor Adventures:
Things To Do In Chattanooga
Chattanooga is an outdoor lover’s dream. Visitors will find more than 75 parks, three nearby rivers, multiple mountains within easy access, and plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking. Staying in Chattanooga will give you a solid variety of hotels to choose from, as well as easy access to dining and nightlife when you’re done exploring for the day.
Explore the top Chattanooga Summertime adventures. ... Get out on the Tennessee River and relax on a lunch, dinner or sightseeing cruise. Chattanooga's outdoor opportunities will amaze you. Whitewater raft along the Ocoee River. For a real adrenaline rush, sign up for a whitewater rafting adventure with Ocoee River Rafting. There are a number of companies that offer excursions along the Ocoee River, and most can be found roughly an hour away from Chattanooga. You’ll encounter Class III and IV rapids here, which aren’t for the faint of heart. Fortunately, you don’t need the experience to take on white water rafting – just a little confidence and bravery! This trip is 5 1/2 to 6 hours long (from outpost to outpost) and you will be on the water about 4 1/2 total hours and the cost is approximately $85.00. Explore Rock City. This beautiful park is situated atop Lookout Mountain, only a short drive away from Chattanooga. Embrace your sense of adventure as you walk along the Enchanted Trail, exploring caves and admiring waterfalls along the way. Stand-up paddleboard on the Tennessee River. Unlike the rapid waters of the Ocoee River, the Tennessee River offers a much stiller surface, making it a great spot to stand-up paddleboard. Sign up for a lesson or rent some equipment and strike out on your own. As long as you can find your balance, you’ll be fine!Outdoor Adventure In Chattanooga
Ocoee River Rafting | Whitewater Rafting Adventure with OAR
Rock City
Stand Up Paddleboarding on the Ocoee River
Where To Stay In Chattanooga, Tennessee
Click here to discover the best hotels available in the Chattanooga area. ... historic landmarks, you're sure to find somewhere to stay that will pique your interest!
Restaurants
Experience total comfort in Southeastern Tennessee during your stay at our hotel in Chattanooga's downtown district. The Westin Chattanooga prioritizes your well-being with our well-appointed suites that feature floor-to-ceiling windows, plus our exclusive Westin Heavenly® Bed and Westin Heavenly® Bath
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Enjoy a unique blend of spacious accommodations and Southern hospitality at the all-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Chattanooga Hamilton Place hotel. Our hotel, set in the Village at Waterside with REI, Haverty's, Publix, CycleBar, Tropical Smoothie Café, Drake's, and near Hamilton Place Mall, is only minutes from Enterprise South Industrial Park and 4 miles from Chattanooga Airport.
Our Chattanooga, TN location provides easy access to the Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City, Ruby Falls, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and downtown.
Where To Stay In Chattanooga
The Westin In Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN 37402
The Embassy Suites
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Things To Do In Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is the perfect vacation destination for adventurers looking to hike and explore the Great Smoky Mountains, National Park. There are plenty of things to see and do here regardless of the season you choose to visit, and you can always take advantage of the city’s unique shops and eateries. Book a room at Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort, or opt for a more intimate experience at a local bed and breakfast.
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When it comes to fun and family-friendly things to do, there is no beating a trip to the Smoky Mountains. From hiking trails to amusement parks to daring adventures, there is something for everyone found in these hills.
It’s no secret the Smoky Mountain black bears are the most popular animal living in the national park. In fact, the National Park Service dubbed it the park’s official mascot thanks in part to the popularity of the animal.
Now, it is important to remember it is very unlikely you will see a bear near your vacation rental but my daughter and I ran into a momma bear along with her cubs while exploring the Smoky Mountains. The most popular area to spot Smoky Mountain black bears is Cades Cove at sunrise.
Please remember, you do need to exercise extreme caution if and when you do encounter a Smoky Mountain black bear. These are wild animals after all so please do not forget that!
It doesn’t cost much money to have fun when you visit Gatlinburg, TN! Previously I discussed things to do in Chattanooga and now it's time to follow up with a guide to some of the best family attractions in Gatlinburg. Although they might not be free, these activities are definitely light on the wallet. Here are four of the most popular cheap things to do in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Book a helicopter tour over the Great Smoky Mountains. For a thrill unlike any other and a view of the majestic Smoky Mountains, you won’t soon forget, book a helicopter tour. One popular option, the aptly-named Scenic Helicopter Tours, departs from nearby Sevierville and offers custom tours over the park. Check out a local zip line park. Choose from one of several companies that offer zip line tours near Gatlinburg and get ready for an hour or two of adventure. You’ll love soaring between the treetops, soaking up the incredible views – as long as you aren’t too afraid of heights! Some zip lines, like those at Legacy Mountain Premier Ziplines, send you soaring 450 feet off the ground! Enjoy the snow at Ober Gatlinburg. Open during the winter months, Ober Gatlinburg is a fun ski resort that offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. Sign up for ski or snowboard lessons or hit the slopes if you already know what you’re doing. Prefer not to ski? You’ll have a blast snow tubing and taking advantage of the local shops and dining. The Most Spectacular Experience In The Smokies. The new SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and the most spectacular and awe-inspiring experience in the Smokies. From the top of the Gatlinburg SkyLift, the SkyBridge quite literally crosses the sky as it stretches 680 feet across a deep valley. Guests will be able to walk across at their own pace, taking in the views and enjoying the spectacular setting before walking back when they're ready. With a height of 140 feet at its midpoint, the SkyBridge is an absolutely spectacular but easily attainable experience you'll remember for a lifetime The iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407′ observation tower that overlooks downtown Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Ride our glass elevators to our observation deck for a 360° view of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.Top Things To Do In Gatlinburg, Tennessee
scenichelicopters
Legacy Mountain Premier Ziplines
Ober Gatlinburg
The Longest Pedestian Suspension Bridge in North America
Gatlinburg Attractions | Gatlinburg Space Needle | Ride to the Top
Gatlinburg's Best Accommodations
From secluded chalets tucked into the mountainside to kid-friendly hotels complete with lazy rivers, there’s something for everyone. So whether you’re seeking an intimate respite from city life or a full-on immersion into touristy fun, we’ve got you covered.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa | Smoky Mountain Resort
Family time comes naturally at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa™. Surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains yet only minutes away from excitement, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort offers everything to make your family's trip memorable.
Buckberry Lodge
The Lodge at Buckberry Creek recaptures the rustic elegance of retreats from the era and combines it with the pristine beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Whether it is a romantic weekend for two, a family gathering or a corporate retreat, we are eager to exceed your expectations by offering an unrivaled experience in the Smokies. Nestled in the majestic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains atop 26 forested mountain acres, Buckberry Lodge offers the perfect blend of natural landscape and impeccable accommodations.
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg, TN
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg is everything a mountain resort should be. The casual-luxe atmosphere and gracious service transport you to an island state of mind, nature's backdrop renews your mind and spirit, and breath-taking adventures call you to try something new and push your boundaries. A great home base for outdoor adventures, the resort is minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, across from Anakeesta, an outdoor theme park and within walking distance to the attractions, shops and, restaurants in the village.
Where To Stay In Gatlinburg
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Things To Do In Memphis
Want to experience great BBQ and excellent access to outdoor adventure? Memphis is your place! As one of the most affordable cities in Tennessee, it’s a great spot for anyone looking for a good deal, as well as anyone looking for an authentic taste of southern hospitality.
Get outdoors in Memphis and experience activities you don't typically find in a city in the South. Ride bikes around the city, taking advantage of the Shelby Farms Greenline and traveling through neighborhoods like the Broad Avenue Arts District. Visit Mud Island River Park, a replica of the nearby mighty Mississippi, or take a riverboat ride. Outdoor enthusiasts won't want to miss Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, a mega-store selling fishing, boating and hunting gear that brings the outdoors in. More of a sports fan? Watch the Memphis Grizzles grit and grind on the court, take in a Redbirds baseball game at AutoZone Park, or check out a University of Memphis football game. Overton Park’s Old Forest is one of Memphis’ finest treasures. An ecosystem dating back more than 10,000 years, it is a rare peek into what our area would have looked like before humans began developing it. Some trees in the forest are hundreds of years old, and the extremely diverse plant community supports a wide range of wildlife. Go up in a hot air balloon. Incorporate a little altitude into your trip with a hot air balloon experience. Reserve spots through a trusted local vendor like Bluff City Balloons, show up on time and be ready to appreciate the views from above. Channel your inner cowboy (or cowgirl) on a trail ride. Shelby Park Stables offers horseback riding tours throughout its expansive property. Sign up for horseback riding lessons or set off on your own for a trail ride lasting anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours. Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid in Memphis is one of the most dynamic and immersive retail experiences in the world. It’s more than a store; it’s an adventure! In addition to an incredible assortment of fishing, boating, hunting and outdoor gear, the mega store includes a 103-room hotel with treehouse cabins (see Big Cypress Lodge below); 600,000 gallons of water teeming with over 1,800 fish; a cypress swamp with alligator pools and duck aviaries; and a breathtaking observation deck at the top of the 32-story steel pyramid. Big River Crossing is also the country’s longest active rail/bicycle/pedestrian bridge. It serves as the connection point of Main Street to Main Street, a 10-mile, multi-modal corridor that also features the Big River Trail System, creating ties to attractions throughout the Memphis, West Memphis, and delta region.Outdoor Adventure In Memphis
BLUFF CITY BALLOONS Locally owned and operated since 2012
Shelby Farm Stables
Bass Pro Shops | 1 Bass Pro Dr Memphis, TN | Sporting Goods & Outdoor Stores
Big River Crossing
Memphis Best Accommodations
Find your perfect place to stay in Memphis. Here you will find budget accommodations to luxury hotels in Downtown Memphis.
Lodging in Memphis TN | Big Cypress Lodge | Tennessee
OUTDOOR PARADISE LODGING IN DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS
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Located within the new Bass Pro Shops Pyramid in downtown Memphis, TN.
Memphis’ Newest Boutique Hotel
Nestled in the heart of downtown, our historic Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience just blocks from Beale Street, the Memphis Rock 'n Soul Museum, the Gibson Guitar Factory, Fed-Ex Forum, Sun Studio, the Orpheum Theatre and the Memphis Cook Convention Center.
Peabody Memphis Hotels
Nestled in the heart of downtown, our historic Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience just blocks from Beale Street, the Memphis Rock 'n Soul Museum, the Gibson Guitar Factory, Fed-Ex Forum, Sun Studio, the Orpheum Theatre and the Memphis Cook Convention Center.
Home - Hu. Hotel
We took the spirit of Memphis and one of its legendary citizens, Hugh “Hu.” Lawson White Brinkley, and channeled it into a thoughtfully designed hotel experience. Beautiful rooms feature everything you need and want for a restful, wonderful stay, and it’s all done with style and substance the Hu. way.
Where To Stay In Memphis
Big Cypress Lodge
Memphis, TN 38105
Things To Do In Nashville
Known for its rich musical history, Nashville doesn’t always come to mind as a great spot for adventure travel, but you might be surprised to see how many options you can find in the area. Add in the fact you’ll be able to visit some American institutions, like the Country Music Hall of Fame, and you’ll find plenty of reasons to plan a trip ASAP!
Within minutes of downtown Nashville, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether your outdoor sport of choice is biking, hiking or horseback riding, the rolling hills, long trails and majestic lakes of the Nashville area will not disappoint. Fish in a calm, beautiful lake, canoe on a lazy river, or get your thrills in a state-of-the-art wave action pool. Check out our picks for the Nashville area’s top outdoor attractions. Just 9 miles from downtown Nashville, you’ll find Tennessee’s largest municipal park. Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, known as “The Warner Parks,” span 2,684 acres. Get your bearings at the Warner Park Nature Center, which offers public nature programs tailored for all ages. Then explore away. The parks offer hiking trails with abundant wildlife and natural conservation areas, as well as equestrian trails, 2 golf courses, a dog park and an 11-mile winding road that’s popular with cyclists. Another popular attraction is the “Full Moon Pickin’ Parties.” Held from May to October, these family-friendly fundraisers feature bluegrass music under the light of the moon. Book a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Nashville FlyBoard. How would you like to fly above the water, propelled by a jetpack? Sounds fun, right? You can do precisely that with Nashville FlyBoard, a local company that offers FlyBoard experiences. It’s fun, it’s safe, and it’s easy to learn, with most catching on within five minutes. Put your physical strength to the test at Treetop Adventure Park. Just east of Nashville, the Treetop Adventure Park isn’t for those afraid of heights. You’ll find obstacle courses of various difficulties high above the ground, and you’ll need to use both physical and mental strength to overcome each challenge. This venue requires 24-hour advance registration, so you’ll need to plan your visit in advance. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states. It roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace" a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, "Kaintucks," European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. Today, people can enjoy not only a scenic drive but also hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the parkway.Outdoor Adventure In Nashville
Preservation. Protection. Stewardship.
Nashville FlyBoard FAQ
Treetop Adventure Park
Natchez Trace Parkway (U.S. National Park Service)
Nashville's Best Accommodations
Whether you are exploring this music-centric city for a family vacation or business trip, or an outdoor adventure in Nashville. Here are my top places to stay in Nashville.
Noelle, Nashville, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Designed with a curator's touch, Noelle, Nashville, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel offers historic luxury within steps of Printer's Alley. Immerse yourself in refined elegance amid intuitively designed rooms and sumptuous suites with 5-star amenities, fine appointments, floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of the cityscape. Discover a dazzling collection of downtown attractions, including 5th and Broadway, Bridgestone Arena and the Music City Center.
Bobby Hotel – Boutique Nashville Hotel
Bobby is a vibrant lifestyle hotel unlike any other in the heart of Music City. Residing on historic Printers Alley in Downtown Nashville, Bobby Hotel is just steps away from the bustle of the downtown music scene yet far enough away to get some shut eye. Housing an eclectic mix of treasures and collections from Bobby’s travels, it’s also home to an inherently creative experience that will solidify you as a lifelong friend of Bobby’s.
Luxury Boutique Nashville Hotels | Thompson Nashville | Boutique Hotels in The Gulch
Sharing the block with beloved bluegrass and roots music icon The Station Inn, Thompson Hotels celebrates this city’s creative spirit, with Nashville’s own Hastings Architecture Associates and Executive Chef Nathan Duensing weaving an energetic new neighborhood luxury hotel destination into the local fabric.
Where To Stay In Nashville
The Noelle Hotel
Nashville, TN 37219
With so many museums, outdoor activities, restaurants to choose from and festivals to attend your family will be planning your return trip to Tennessee before you leave.
Tennessee is as diverse a landscape as it gets. From the Appalachian Mountains to the low lying river plains of the west to the Mississippi Delta there isn’t much you can’t do when venturing out in Tennessee. A culture of awesome food and music pair with waterfalls and green mountains to make for an amazing overall experience, and one that includes a plate of southern barbecue at the end of a long adventure.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation in Pigeon Forge or a girls weekend in Nashville I want you to explore Tennessee with your friends and family.
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Take advantage of some of the greatest adventures Tennessee has to offer with these prime vacation spots! If your favorite Tennessee adventure destination didn’t make my list, leave a comment and let me know what I missed!
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