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- East Tennessee is located within three major geological divisions of the Appalachian Mountains: the Blue Ridge Mountains on the border with North Carolina in the east; the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians (usually called the "Great Appalachian Valley" or "Tennessee Valley" [a]) in the center; and the Cumberland Plateau in the west, part of which is in Middle Tennessee.
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- Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Let’s start with the iconic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, this park is a paradise for hikers, with over 850 miles of trails.
- Gatlinburg. Nestled at the doorstep of the national park, Gatlinburg is a bustling mountain town with endless things to do. It’s one of the best places to visit in East Tennessee for families, with an abundance of large cabins, as well as delicious restaurants and fun attractions.
- Johnson City. You may have heard of it from the popular song “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show where everyone belts out at the top of their lungs “Johnson City, Tennessee!”
- Townsend. A stark contrast to Gatlinburg’s hustle and bustle, Townsend is known as the “peaceful side of the Smokies.” This laid-back small town is known for its welcoming atmosphere, quiet park entrance, and proximity to Cades Cove.
East Tennessee is entirely located within the Appalachian Mountains, although the landforms range from densely forested 6,000-foot (1,800 m) mountains to broad river valleys.
- Townsend. There won’t be a shortage of outdoor activities in Townsend, one of the gateway towns to the Great Smokies. Not as busy as Gatlinburg nearby, the town positions itself as a more low-key, relaxed destination to experience the wonders of the spectacular Tennessee mountains.
- Gatlinburg. If you’re looking for the best mountain town for a first-time visit to the Great Smokies, that’s Gatlinburg. Hugged by gentle forested peaks, it is literally in the mountains, so you will get a first-hand nature experience in an urban setting.
- Pigeon Forge. Nevada has Las Vegas for all things entertainment, and Tennessee has Pigeon Forge. Amusement here takes a very Appalachian, Southern, and Dolly Parton-revering form.
- Johnson City. Set in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains, Johnson City is a great place to base yourself in East Tennessee and one of the state’s best vacation spots.
- Take a Scenic Drive Through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains with a drive along the Foothills Parkway.
- Visit Cades Cove. Taking a scenic drive around the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop is a given, but don’t stop there. Hike or bike through the picturesque valley surrounded by mountains (& wildlife!)
- Hike to Laurel Falls. Also located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, another of the best things to do in East Tennessee is to hike to Laurel Falls.
- Explore the Historic Town of Jonesborough. Step way back in time while wandering the charming streets of Jonesborough — Tennessee’s oldest town. The storytelling capital of the world boasts beautiful historic architecture, quaint shops, and a vibrant arts community.
- Best Trails in The Smoky Mountains For Families
- More of The Best Smoky Mountain Hikes For Families
- Wildlife Safety Tips For Family Hikes in The Smoky Mountains
- More East TN Family Fun
These first hiking trails are the easiest ones on our list. They are all fairly level trails without many difficult terrain features. Some are even paved. If you are looking for a little bit more of a challenge, scroll down to our list of moderate hikes below. Each family has its own unique needs. You know your family best and are ultimately respon...
Though far from strenuous, these trails are for families who want a little more of a challenge. They are classified as moderate hikes and may feature more changes in elevation and/or rockier terrain.
While hiking, please keep a safe distance from bears, elk, and other wildlife. This ensures not only your safety but the animals’ safety as well. Many people don’t realize that when these wild animals become accustomed to humans, they are euthanized by the park service, in an attempt to protect park visitors. For your safety, it’s also a good idea ...
Apr 5, 2014 · East Tennessee is obviously the eastern third of the state of Tennessee in the United States – consisting of 33 counties located within the Appalachian Mountains. While I was born in middle Tennessee [Nashville], I’ve spent a lot of time in East Tennessee as well.
Nov 24, 2019 · 1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Wild mountain streams, thick forests, waterfalls and historic communities draw millions of people to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park making it one of the most visited National Parks in the United States. The park encompasses 244,000 acres in Tennessee and North Carolina.
