Known for green rolling hills and the magical Smoky Mountains, the great outdoors of Tennessee is something to behold. With mild winters and bright, cheerful summers, there’s always something to explore outside in Tennessee. Mountains, meadows, farms and lush forests mean every nature enthusiast has an array of terrain to choose from. And whether a group prefers a brisk walk or a rugged mountain hike, the beautiful parks and urban oases across Tennessee are perfect escapes.
Great Smoky Mountains
hese mountains have inspired countless songs, poems and stories, and there’s a reason why. With their beautiful blue mist and sunlight-dappled forests, they can inspire awe in anyone. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an expansive, mountain-filled park that stretches from Tennessee to North Carolina. The park is home to dense forests, year-round wildflowers, waterfalls and abundant rivers, as well as a segment of the Appalachian Trail. One of the best ways to get to know the park is by visiting Cades Cove, a stunning valley with sprawling green grass, access to hiking trails, big open skies, and maybe even a black bear or two.
After seeing the park up close, consider viewing the mountains from above at one of several theme parks and higher-altitude attractions in the Smokies. Gatlinburg’s Anakeesta is an outdoor adventure park with shops, restaurants, attractions and lookout points — all on a 70-acre mountain high above the city.
Next, groups can walk through the mountains at Gatlinburg SkyPark or ride a chairlift to the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. The bridge spans 680 feet at an altitude of 1,800 feet above sea level. SkyPark also features other lookout options like a hiking trail, an observation tower and firepits for relaxing at night.
Another great place to see the mountains from above is SkyLand Ranch, a hotspot in Sevierville that offers rides, restaurants, shops and live performances. Hop aboard the SkyLand chairlift for a panoramic view of the Smokies on your way up to the ranch. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more, as well as special performance, education and meal offerings.
Lookout Mountain Attractions
Located just a few miles from downtown Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain is an enchanting window into the natural world, with incredible views of the Tennessee River and Appalachian Mountains, as well as some of the region’s most iconic photo-ops. To start the journey on a scenic note, board the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway funicular — one of the steepest passenger railways in the world — as it ascends above Chattanooga.
Head to Rock City to explore incredible ancient rock formations and a gorgeous garden featuring native plants, local birds and more. Follow the nature trail to uncover beauty at every turn. Finish your Lookout Mountain tour with Ruby Falls, the tallest underground cave waterfall open to the public in the U.S. Take a ride in a glass-front elevator that descends 260 feet into the cavern. From there, the falls are accessed via a one-mile walk through the cave. Several tours are available to groups, from a leisurely, lantern-lit walk with extra time at the falls ideal for smaller groups to traditional cave walks. Groups of 15 or more receive a group rate, and free bus parking is available.
After exploring Rock City’s natural landmarks, head to the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a historic train station campus and entertainment complex featuring restaurants, shopping, an arcade, bars and the historic 127-room Hotel Chalet. Twenty-five of the hotel’s rooms are located in refurbished train carriages.
Urban Parks
Creating great urban parks is a unique art, and the Memphis area has some of the finest in the state. Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Just a short drive from downtown, the park offers 4,500 acres of natural beauty and more than 40 miles of walking, biking, hiking and jogging trails. One of the park’s greatest claims to fame is Shelby Farms Greenline, a paved trail that stretches over 10 miles and connects Memphis to the nearby city of Cordova through the park. With over 20 bodies of water, horseback riding and even a herd of buffalo (yes, really), there are plenty of ways to enjoy a day outside. Shelby Farms Park also has an on-site restaurant as well as both indoor and outdoor spaces that are available for group events.
Another great Memphis outdoor space is Tom Lee Park, which is located just west of downtown Memphis. The park is named after river worker Tom Lee, who saved the lives of 32 people when a steamboat sank on the Mississippi River in 1925. The park overlooks the Mississippi and offers views of Arkansas across the water. This urban oasis expands across 30 acres and offers all kinds of outdoor activities. Groups have the opportunity to take a private walking tour with a member of the Memphis River Parks Partnership staff, who can share the story of the park’s founding.
Zoos and Aquariums
To really get acquainted with Tennessee’s nature scene, get to know its most striking wildlife. Tennessee is home to several fantastic aquariums and zoos that can reignite travelers’ curiosity for nature.
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is just a few minutes from downtown Nashville and one of the most popular attractions in central Tennessee. With over 6,000 animals and hundreds of species, there’s plenty to explore. The zoo also features a zip line experience and offers tours and behind-the-scenes interactions with animals, including rhinos, giraffes and red pandas.
In western Tennessee, Memphis Zoo is located in the heart of Overton Park and is also home to thousands of animals, with over 500 different species. The zoo has been around for more than 100 years. Guests can experience close encounters with elephants, sloths and other wildlife. There’s also a Dino Park, which boasts an interactive dinosaur exhibit.
To see wildlife of the aquatic variety, groups can head to the eastern part of the state to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. The massive aquarium is home to macaroni penguins, otters, sharks, turtles and more. It also offers immersive IMAX films, behind-the-scenes experiences and group discounts.
Another marine life go-to is Gatlinburg’s Ripley’s Aquarium, where sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, penguins and more are housed. The aquarium offers mermaid shows, glass-bottom boat rides, hands-on experiences and other immersive activities.
