Tennessee, with its rolling hills and lively music scene, also has some breathtaking rock formations. Below is a list of 12 one-of-a-kind rock marvels in Tennessee that provide awe-inspiring scenery and history:
1. Chimney Tops in the Smoky Mountains
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Features: These twin rock spires have an ethereal quality and provide panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Hike: The 3.6-mile round-trip Chimney Tops Trail is steep but worth it.
2. The Stone Door, Savage Gulf State Park
Location: Beersheba Springs
Features: A huge fissure in the cliffs that creates a natural “door,” with spectacular views of the gulf below.
Hike: This famous landmark is just off the easy 2-mile Stone Door Trail.
3. Twin Arches, Big South Fork
Location: Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Features: These sandstone arches are among the largest of their type in the eastern United States.
Hike: The Twin Arches Loop is a 4.6-mile moderate hike.
4. The Sinks
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Features: A scenic waterfall surrounded by interesting rock formations sculpted by fast-moving water.
Hike: A brief walk from the parking lot takes you to this entrancing area.
5. Rock Island Gorge
Location: Rock Island State Park
Features: Towering cliffs and dramatic rock outcroppings frame the Caney Fork River.
Hike: The Gorge Overlook Trail is a gentle 0.5-mile stroll to absorb it all.
6. Sunset Rock at Lookout Mountain
Location: Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga
Features: A flat rock outcropping with panoramic views of the Tennessee River Valley—particularly beautiful at sunset.
Hike: A brief 0.6-mile path from the parking area leads to this breathtaking view.
7. The Alum Cave Bluffs
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Features: Towering rock overhangs dripping with history and stunning views.
Hike: The 4.4-mile round-trip Alum Cave Trail hike is moderately strenuous but well worth it.
8. Buzzard’s Roost
Location: Fall Creek Falls State Park
Features: A rough outcropping overlooking Cane Creek Gorge, ideal for viewing a sunrise.
Hike: A short 1-mile trail leads to this scenic lookout.
9. The Devil’s Courthouse
Location: Appalachian Trail, near the Tennessee-North Carolina border
Features: A rocky summit with folklore connections to ghost stories and devil legends.
Hike: A portion of the Appalachian Trail will lead you to this spooky landmark.
10. Roan Mountain’s Rock Gardens
Location: Roan Mountain State Park
Features: Unusual craggy rock outcroppings dotted throughout the Appalachian balds.
Hike: The Cloudland Trail provides a 1.5-mile round-trip hike through these otherworldly landscapes.
11. The Great Stone House
Location: Frozen Head State Park
Features: A historic Native American and early settler rock shelter.
Hike: Reached by a short hike from the park visitor center.
12. The Obed Boulder Fields
Location: Obed Wild and Scenic River
Features: Rock climber’s playground, with enormous boulders and panoramic views down to the river below.
Hike: The 2-mile round-trip Boulder Field Trail is moderately easy.
From towering arches to rugged bluffs, Tennessee’s rock wonders are more than just geological marvels—they’re pieces of history and nature waiting to be explored. Which of these will you visit first?
