The Best National Parks In Tennessee To Visit In 2023
What are the national parks in Tennessee that you must visit in the year 2023? If that is the question that you are searching for, then you have come to the best place.
Tennessee is a place that is far away from the sea or ocean. This means that if you are someone who likes to travel to the beaches and shores, this is not the place that you might like. However, if you are someone who likes to spend time in nature, then Tennessee has a number of national parks that you can visit.
Keep reading this article till the end to learn about the best fifteen national parks in Tennessee that you need to visit…
Best National Parks In Tennessee To Visit In 2023: Top 10 Edition!
Searching for the best national parks in Tennessee? Well, I have got you covered. Here are some of the best national parks that you must go to when you are in Tennessee:
1. Great Smoky Mountains
The first on the list is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which is located at the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The park is known for its marvelous views of nature and landscape. It is the most visited national park in the state of Tennessee. This national park is open all year round, but the busiest time for this national park is from May to September.
2. Natchez Trace Parkway
Next on the list is the Natchez Trace Parkway which is a protected area that is roughly 444 miles long. It is a beautiful road that connects Nashville in Tennessee to Natchez in Mississippi. It crosses over the rivers Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland. The scenic road is famous as a spot for hiking, biking, and, of course, for driving.
3. Manhattan Project National Historical Park
The Manhattan Project National Historical Park is known to be a hidden gem in Tennessee. It was one of the most transformational events in the twentieth century. Located in Oak Ridge, this national park is known to be a place that preserves history. The area was involved in the development of a top-secret project under the Government called the Manhattan Project. The park exhibits a number of historical artifacts and tells the story of the time.
4. Shiloh National Military Park
Located in Shiloh, the Shiloh National Military Park is one of the best national parks in Tennessee. If you are someone who knows about the Battle of Shiloh, then you are most likely to like the place. This national park is reminiscent of the two-day battle where more than 100,000 soldiers perished.
5. Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is a gift to those who are lovers of hiking and nature in general. This is a beautiful hiking route that stretches for nearly 97 kilometers or 60 miles. For the hiking enthusiasts, this trail is nothing less than heaven. If you are someone who is visiting Memphis, then this one should be on your list.
6. Andrew Johnson Historic National Park
Located in Greeneville, there is absolutely no other place than Andrew Johnson National Historic Park. Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, is often called the “accidental president.” He was appointed after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. This site is unknown to be the time machine that takes us back to the life of the late Mr. Johnson.
7. Big South Fork
The Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area are one of the most gorgeous places that you will see in the whole of Tennessee. It is an area that is covered with flora and fauna. The place is a treat to nature lovers mainly for the magnificent view of the Cumberland river and the tributaries.
8. Fort Donelson National Battlefield
Another place that is significant during the Civil War is the Fort Donelson National Battlefield. Located in the beautiful city of Dover, this national park is situated on the banks of the Cumberland River. Capturing Fort Donelson was the point which made the North happier, and the South shocked. You can look at the birds, hike the trails, and learn about the history of this place.
9. Chickamauga And Chattanooga National Military Park
Next on the list is the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. It is the place that talks about the history of two events in the American Civil War. They are the Siege of Chattanooga and the Battle of Chickamauga. Again, you can take a guided tour and hike the trails to visit the various exhibits.
10. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Last but definitely not least is the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. This part of the state is considered to be the first gateway to the west. It is a scenic mountain pass that stretches for around 85 miles. While traveling this pass was considered to be challenging, now it is one of the best places for visitors to hike. This national park spans across three states— Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Bonus Mentions: Other Noteworthy National Parks In Tennessee
These are not the only national parks that you can visit in Tennessee. There are some other national parks too. Here is a list of the noteworthy national parks in Tennessee:
1. Appalachian National Park
2. Obed Wild And Scenic National Park
3. Stones River National Battlefield
4. Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
5. Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
As you have almost come to the end of this blog, here are some of the questions that readers frequently ask about the national parks in Tennessee that you must visit at least once in your life. I would advise you to go through them. You might get some additional information related to the same.
Ans: The most visited National Park in Tennessee is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is located on the eastern side of the state and stays open all year round.
Ans: In case you are in the States, you might want to visit the very famous Yellowstone National Park. It is located 1430 miles away from Tennessee. The distance between the park and Tennessee by road is around 1700 miles.
Ans: Some of the most difficult to visit national parks in the world are:
• Death Valley National Park in California
• Isle Royale National Park in Michigan
• Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska
• Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii
• Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida.
Wrapping It Up!
A landlocked state in the United States, Tennessee is a beautiful place that is known for its scenic variety. It is far away from any ocean or sea. However, that does not mean that the state has nothing to see. There are a number of national parks in Tennessee that people visit every year.
In case you were searching for the best national parks in Tennessee, I hope that you found this blog to be of help. However, there might be other questions related to the same. If there are, please feel free to scroll down till the end to comment on the box. Let me know if there are other national parks that you want me to include in this list.
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