Tennessee National Parks with a Map: Major Protected Spaces Highlighted
Tennessee's got a rad mix of ten national parks that'll leave you gobsmacked! Here's a heads-up on the wild, breathtaking spots in the Volunteer State:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - This epic park on the NC-TN border is famous for its misty peaks, diverse critters, and ancient mountains. Labeled the most visited national park in the U.S., it offers loads of scenic drives, hiking trails, and jaw-dropping waterfalls.
Top Entrance Points: Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN; Cherokee, NC
- Andrew Johnson National Historic Site - Chill out in this spot in Greeneville, Tennessee, honoring the 17th U.S. President. Explore his home, tailor shop, and last resting place while learnin' about his presidency during the Reconstruction era.
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area - Spanning Kentucky and Tennessee, this park showcases the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Featuring rugged gorges, sandstone bluffs, and opportunities for hiking, horseback ridin', campin', and whitewater raftin', it's the perfect place for thrill-seekers!
- Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park - The first national military park in the U.S. preserves the history of key Civil War battles. Located in Georgia and Tennessee, it boasts historic monuments, scenic landscapes, and educational exhibits.
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - Cumberland Gap, a natural passageway through the Appalachian Mountains, was a crucial route for westward expansion. Offerin' hikin', cave tours, and panoramic views of the nearby mountains, it's a must-visit!
- Fort Donelson National Battlefield - This Tennessee battlefield commemorates a pivotal Union victory during the Civil War. Explore historic fortifications, a national cemetery, and a museum detailing the battle's significance.
- Manhattan Project National Historical Park - Spans sites in Tennessee, New Mexico, and Washington, preserving the history of the Manhattan Project, which developed the first nuclear weapons. The Tennessee location focuses on Oak Ridge's scientific contributions.
- Obed Wild and Scenic River - This riverside spot offers untouched wilderness, perfect for rock climbin', paddlin', and hikin'. Its dramatic cliffs and pristine waters entice outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
- Shiloh National Military Park - This Tennessee park preserves the site of the Battle of Shiloh, a major Civil War conflict. Visitors can explore battlefields, cemeteries, and a visitor center with exhibits about the war.
- Stones River National Battlefield - Located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, this site commemorates the Battle of Stones River, a significant Union victory during the Civil War. It features walkin' trails, historic monuments, and educational programs.
Hot Tip: To get an overview of Tennessee's national parks, have a peek at this map.
Don't forget to mark your Calendar King for the best adventure of a lifetime in Tennessee, y'all! 🌄☀️🇺🇸
[1] nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/statistics.htm
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the NC-TN border, is renowned for its misty peaks, diverse wildlife, and ancient mountains.
- Plan a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for its scenic drives, hiking trails, and breathtaking waterfalls.
- Gatlinburg, TN, Townsend, TN, and Cherokee, NC are top entrance points to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, located in Greeneville, Tennessee, honors the 17th U.S. President and offers insights into his presidency during the Reconstruction era.
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area spans Kentucky and Tennessee, showcasing the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River.
- This park offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, camping, and whitewater rafting, making it a haven for thrill-seekers.
- Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park preserves the history of key Civil War battles and features historic monuments, scenic landscapes, and educational exhibits.
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park showcases Cumberland Gap, a natural passageway through the Appalachian Mountains, and offers hiking, cave tours, and panoramic views.
- Fort Donelson National Battlefield commemorates a pivotal Union victory during the Civil War, with historic fortifications, a national cemetery, and a museum detailing the battle's significance.
- Manhattan Project National Historical Park spans sites in Tennessee, New Mexico, and Washington, preserving the history of the Manhattan Project, which developed the first nuclear weapons.
- Obed Wild and Scenic River offers untouched wilderness, perfect for rock climbing, paddling, and hiking, with dramatic cliffs and pristine waters delighting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.