I occasionally afford myself the luxury of visiting places without really knowing what to expect…read more This park just wasn't that clear to me in its purpose, but it became more so after arrival, with a visitor center focused on Native American history and identifying this as a Cherokee Nation headquarters. A spread of recreated buildings outside offers opportunities for perusal. The most aesthetically distinctive site is a large spring of the sort that seem more common in Kentucky than Tennessee, which evinces a robust blue color and empties into a clear stream. The spring itself is off-limits, but the stream is open for wading. All of these sites are within sight of the initial entrance, but a trek uphill reveals picnic areas, an amphitheater, and a couple of mile trail through the woods. Between the different elements of the park, it was easy to spend a couple of hours there, and best of all, it's free, though the gift shop warrants examination.

Red Clay is not the type of state park that I would normally seek out. Why? It's not in the…read moremountains and the trails are tame. Nonetheless, something about it lured me in for a visit and I'm glad I ventured out here (on Indigenous People's Day coincidentally). Historically, it's really interesting that this was the last meeting site for the Cherokee tribe's council. The signs claim it is "where the Trail of Tears really began." I was really intrigued by the natural Spring called "the Blue Hole." I've never seen a spring that appears bright blue in a forest setting. Seeing this cool natural sight was pretty awesome. Also, I could just imagine the Cherokee using this spring water and being here hundreds of years before. Trail wise: Pretty flat and easy trails. It's not very challenging. But, it makes up for it because it's a calm place with beautiful forest. I loved walking around. Also, since this is small and off the beaten path, it's not crowded at all. Overall: highly recommended. Worth a visit!

Cool 90' waterfall near the TN end of Cherohala Skyway. After a 2 year long closure, BRF just…read moreopened 3 weeks ago (May 30,2025). It had a great setting with strong cascades after much rain in the Cherokee National Forest. Since August, 2023 much of the roads, parking and the original 1933 Bridge were updated and new observation decks from the Bridge make it enjoyable even for the mobility challenged. The base of the falls and swimming holes can be accessed. I dipped my toes in and the water was warmer than expected on a hot humid (80s) day. There are 2 access roads along the Cherohala Skyway and are easy to miss. River Road is easier and seems to show up on GPS. Turkey run is NOT marked, newly paved but had a big fallen tree blocking much of the road. Parking is limited, about 15 parking spots and a steady stream of cars waiting on a weekDay afternoon. It's worth a stop but be prepared for the crowds and limited parking. No restrooms nor anything else. Leave No Trace!

If you're wanting a nice scenic drive (especially in the fall) and a beautiful waterfall, Bald…read moreRiver Falls is your place!! The waterfall itself is easy to get to as it accessible by car, but note the bridge is CLOSING in August 2023 for repairs! There is parking just past the bridge and a great place to stretch your legs and get a good view. To the left there is a rocky staircase that can take you down to the bottom of the falls. I say staircase, but that's being generous. It's more of a variety of rocks stacked and over time have settled into the earth to allow you a way to get down and up. The water is calm enough to get into on the sides, but I wouldn't recommend going too far in near the falls as the current is quite strong.

What a great park! Hiking trails, a pond, splash pad, playground, baseball fields, picnic…read morepavilions, ample parking, and the grounds are always immaculate. What's not to love? We have enjoyed impromptu trips to the playground and splash pad, planned events with community groups, and there's a modest convention center. I feel like I'm forgetting some great amenities, but it's totally worth checking out.

Really enjoyable course with a lot of elevation change. Nice balance of woods and open fields.read more

Unable to access park as it had construction fence all around. False advertising as the park is not…read moreopen.

Nice local little park for my grand daughter. Excellent design to stir up the imagination of a…read more3&1/2 year old. She has so much fun that she didn't want to leave. We'll definitely be going back for more play time in a well layed out design for children's safe experience.

Quick excursion but still worth the stop! Short trek down a fairly easy path to a beautiful…read morewaterfall.

This is a beautiful place to visit and enjoy nature. One of Southeast Tennessee's hidden gems. The…read moreHike to the bottom is very strenuous, lots of slick rocks and steep inclines over rocks. All the work is well worth the hazards.

Amazing views, and worth the drive up, but... oh, that road. Took my Jeep Gladiator and drove up to…read morethe top. For the last mile, in first gear the whole way. One close call: someone in a giant GMC SUV had trouble maintaining lane in a curve. Not for the leaden footed drivers. We parked at the first parking lot, which was pretty full, but after the steep, short walk up the remainder, found 3 more spots up top. It's worth checking. The views were spectacular. Our 16 year old dog had some trouble with all the steps, but managed it. Also, more graffiti than you're likely to see in any one place, but climb those stairs, get above the graffiti, and it's worth every step!

The views from the top of Bell Mountain are spectacular! The drive up the mountain is not for the…read moreweak either. My husband and I took some great photos, but at the very top deck I could barely stand still due to all of the gnats flying around!! (Nov 1)

I never met a waterfall that I didn't like. We did a driving tour along Little River in Great Smoky…read moreMountains National Park to see if we could spot some wildlife. The Sinks is a lovely waterfall along the river. There is a small parking lot with about a dozen spaces where we found parking. An observation area is a short walk from parking. A sign describes the area and that the falls were manmade. During the late 1800's the river was used to transport logs/timber to the nearby town of Elkmont. After a storm, flood waters caused a jam in the river. Dynamite was used to restore water flow. The blast resulted in a twist in the river and creation of the waterfall. A set of stone steps leads up a hill, offering lovey views of the falls. There are dozens of waterfalls in the Park. Sinks is one of the few that is drivable, which is great for people that cannot hike. I picked up a Waterfalls map at the visitor center that I found interesting and informative. Parking passes are required to park in the lot. There are no amenities at the falls. Plan 15-30 minutes for a stop and photos.

We found a prime parking spot at The Sinks and looked at the area from above the bridge. People…read morewere cliff jumping from the cliffs using ropes, and just free jumping into the water below. Saw the waterfall, but we did not venture into the water. Very small parking lot, but worth a quick stop if you can find a spot to park the car.

Oh these ducks will get you. You better bring them some treats because they KNOW why you came…read more Well, after you escape the quacking you'll find this place is truly a lovely green spot There's an expansive field with a raised stage perfect for all the town's fairs and festivals and shows. That's cool. I think the cute little homecomng bridge is perfect. No wonder it's a picture perfect spot for snapping photos. I didn't pass through to the walking trail but I'm curious to try it out. If only there were more picnic tables around here.

The experience is bland. Many things like the sidewalks, and throughout the walking trail need to…read morebe fixed. The only thing to look at in the park is the ducks. All in all, it is an ok experience just not my cup of tea.

WOW!!!! Little slice of chocolate cake for the kiddos! It is out of the way for us, but when we…read morewent our toddler had a blast. Played all over the playground and loved the splash pad! Always wonderful to see a smile on his face! One day tho... I hope when other moms are with groups and solo moms try to join in and meet new people that the groups will be more excepting and make others feel invited. Unfortunately I have yet to experience that at all in Knoxville at any of the parks... ( personal feeling aside from the park itself )

This is one of our grandson's favorite parks. It has a water feature for little children, and a…read moregreat playground, picnic shelter. They have added on so many new things including fields for team sports.

I got there a little early, I was first person there. Had great chat with the flag man, 88 years…read moreold, retired from the railroad in 1999 snd been volunteering here since then. Started railroad on this and other lines when they were working railroads at 28 years of age. He had a lot of stories and railroad history about this area and others. I took the Hiwassee Loop trip. Most of the workers on the train, conductors and hosts were all retired railroad workers. The engineer was retired United Airlines pilot who got his train engineer license after he retired. Excellent historic narration along the way. I cannot recommend this trip enough. 4.5 hours up Bald Mountain along the Hiwassee River. But, again, best part was my 45 minute conversation with the 88 year old flagman.

The Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park is a state park that covers the land that is accessible…read moreto the Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers. There's a visitor's center, many miles of hiking, picnic areas, primitive camping, fishing, boating, and canoeing. We arrived and went white water rafting with a third party on the rapids. These rivers were the site of the Olympic water sports in 1996. We then went to the visitors' center, and then drove around the campground, then the scenic byway to some gorgeous overlooks. Definitely stunning and worth the visit. I wanted to do a little hike while I dried off from the rafting, but there wasn't really a clear map of the trails in the area with the mileage and difficulty like at every other park we've been to. Other than that, we really enjoyed out time here.