Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a quick Tennessee getaway. Just two days spent in nature can reset your mind and body, and with so many great outdoor options available, the hardest part is choosing where to go. We've got you covered with six incredible ideas for two-day getaways at Tennessee State Parks across the state. Plus, we've included some insider tips to help you plan the best trip.
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Are you ready to experience the beauty and majesty of some of the most stunning waterfalls in the state? Look no further than Middle Tennessee, home to a plethora of breathtaking falls just waiting to be explored. While some of the parks with waterfalls may not offer overnight accommodations, you can set up a basecamp at one of the many picturesque parks nearby and take day trips to visit the surrounding falls.
Fall Creek Falls is one of the most iconic and visited state parks in Tennessee, and for good reason. It boasts towering waterfalls, rushing cascades, and incredible overlooks, combined with a stunning lodge and restaurant. The lodge has lakefront rooms, a full-service restaurant, and plenty of cozy locations to sit by the fire with a good book. There are also lakefront cabins where you can fish from the front porch and shady campsites. When not admiring the waterfalls, visitors can enjoy the 18-hole golf course, the village shops, or explore the nature center.
For those interested in a more rugged waterfall chasing experience, backpacking Savage Gulf State Park is a great option. The hikes that are required to reach these campsites are well worth the extra effort, boasting some of the most breathtaking waterfalls and overlooks in the state. Just make sure you're well prepared for your adventure as some of the hikes can be quite challenging.
Located on the stunning Cumberland Plateau, Cumberland Mountain State Park is surrounded by several incredible waterfalls and is home to a cascading "waterfall" created by the historic Byrd Lake dam. Within one hour of the park you can get to Fall Creek Falls State Park, home to the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, Cummins Falls State Park and Burgess Falls State Park. At the park, visitors can explore incredibly rich history, dine at the restaurant, rent a boat to explore the lake, hike over a suspension bridge, hit the mountain bike trails, play a round of golf, and so much more.
Are you looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience without the hassle of preparing and packing lots of gear? If so, you need to check out camping cabins! These cozy cabins offer all the amenities of a higher-end rental, but with the rustic charm of camping. Best of all, they are incredibly affordable and available all year round, making them the perfect option for spontaneous trips.
Located near Land Between the Lakes in upper west Tennessee, Paris Landing is an ideal park for a relaxing getaway by the water. Hiking, fishing, boating, paddling, golfing, and on-site dining allow you to fill your two days with non-stop activities or kick back by the lake with a good book and a craft cocktail.
Surrounded by over 48,000 acres of state park, forestry, and wildlife management land, Natchez Trace is a remote wilderness getaway that will have you in pure bliss. The camping cabins sit on the shores of Pin Oak Lake, offering fishing, boating, and paddling. This park is great for cycling, and the hiking trails are abundant.
Make the most of your 48-hour getaway by experiencing something most of us can’t at home–incredible views of the stars. Gazing up at the night sky from a state park is a unique and rejuvenating experience. Spend the day exploring, the night marveling at the beauty above, and then rest easy in a cozy campsite or cabin.
This beautiful park on the Tennessee River offers RV campsites at the main campground and a primitive campground, Spring Creek, which hosts 21 sites right on the river shore. Explore over 11 miles of hiking trails, get your feet wet in the creek, join a ranger for a guided program, or rent a kayak and explore the river. You can also make a trip to nearby Natchez Trace State Park for even more hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities.
Henry Horton State Park offers camping, cabins, and a lodge one hour south of Nashville near the scenic Duck River. This park is home to incredible hiking trails, refreshing paddling experiences, and a full-service restaurant. You can wade in the river or tube in the river before cooling off indoors at the Duck River Education Room inside the visitor center, where you can learn about and interact with the river's unique features. The park also offers some unique playground opportunities, including natural surfaces and materials that allow kids to dig, create, and explore.
Are you ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure without the stress of packing gear or cooking meals? Look no further than a Tennessee State Park lodge! With comfortable hotel-style rooms and on-site dining, you can focus on the outdoor activities just outside your door. Take advantage of amenities like wifi, pools, fitness rooms, and complimentary continental breakfast. With five lodges to choose from you'll have plenty of options for outdoor fun.
Experience the beauty of Tennessee's natural landscapes while immersing yourself in its rich history. Step into the past and learn about the events and people that shaped Tennessee. You'll also have the opportunity to embark on outdoor adventures such as hiking, paddling, and fishing, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
This park is filled with 2,000 years worth of history, incredible hiking, and a campground! It preserves a prehistoric Native American ceremonial site. The mounds at the park were created by Woodland Native Americans to celebrate events like the Summer Solstice. The park is also home to some beautiful waterfalls and rivers that provide incredible opportunities for hiking and fishing.
Make a home base at one of Chickasaw State Park's cabins or campsites, then venture out to explore nearby Pinson Mounds State Park to explore Native American history. This archeological site contains at least 17 mounds created by Woodland Native Americans, including Saul’s Mound that stands 70 feet tall. You can make the climb to the top of Saul's Mound and explore the park's museum.
Those who live in the Nashville area should make the iconic drive down the Natchez Trace Parkway at some point. This gorgeous parkway winds past points of interest like the Natchez Trace Bridge and other roadside attractions.
From the Nashville area, hop on the parkway and head south towards David Crockett State Park where you can grab a cabin on the lake or campsite tucked in the woods. Enjoy the beautiful drive and stop along the way to check out points of interest. David Crockett offers a lake for fishing and paddling, creeks for exploring, paved bike trails, multiple waterfalls, and a museum depicting Crockett’s life.
Those who are looking to extend their trek down the Natchez Trace Parkway can set their destination for Pickwick Landing State Park. This park offers a lodge and restaurant on the shores of Pickwick Lake. This is an ideal destination for anyone who loves fishing, boating, or water sports. The park also offers an 18-hole golf course, a full-service marina, boat rentals, hiking trails, and a pool (open to cabin and lodge guests).
