It was a beautiful place to visit. If you are looking for a short day or less adventure this is…read moreyour place to be. Beautiful Inspiring Small challenge Swimming Bring swimmers, water shoes(helps with the rock bottom of the swimming hole) and towel. I personally would like to hike down it in leather hiking boots, I did it in the cheap foam bottom shoes this time.

Awesome, even in winter! First time in Tennessee is fantastic! Slippery down but worth the hike!read more

Wow. I've lived in Tennessee for almost five years, and I've been visiting for a few years before…read morethat. This is maybe the best hike I've done in the state (and definitely makes my list for best hikes anywhere as well). What you need to know: it's a little bit off the beaten path - off Hwy 70 (sort of between Sparta and Crossville). We stopped on our way back from Knoxville, but I would say it's doable from either Nashville or Knoxville and anywhere in between. The 2-mile road to get to the parking lot is rough (I was glad we were in a Subaru and not my Honda Fit). There is a porta potty at the trailhead but no bathrooms. Lots of people camp, and you do have to check in with the ranger in his little tiny hut if you're going to camp overnight. The hike. It's a 4.3-mile hike to Virgin Falls - so about 8.7 miles total out and back if you go all the way to Virgin Falls. You obviously don't have to do the whole hike - one of the great things about Virgin Falls Natural Area is that there are a few very beautiful falls before Virgin Falls; so even if you don't do the whole 8.7, you can still have a really beautiful hike. Big Branch Falls is the first falls on the trail; it's about 1.35 miles from the trailhead. So if you're looking for a shorter hike, you can can still see this falls and do less than 3 miles total. It's probably the least beautiful of the three main falls, but it is really pretty. Around 2.35 miles from the trailhead, you make it to Big Laurel Falls, which is really beautiful. There's a cave behind it and you can walk behind the falls and explore the cave as well. In spring, the area around here is also covered in wildflowers, so it's really beautiful. If you make it to Big Laurel Falls and turn around, you're looking at just under 5 miles total, and a pretty stunning hike. Another option. Around 3.8 miles, there is a junction where you can elect to hike to Sheep Cave and add not too much length to your overall hike. We did this and it was pretty. At 4.4 - you have reached the main Virgin Falls overlook. And let me tell you - Virgin Falls is BEAUTIFUL. It's probably the most stunning waterfall I've seen in the state. It's totally worth the hike if you're into hikes that end in gorgeous sites like this one. And then after enjoying Virgin Falls for as long as you want, you head back the same way you came. It is very important to note that this hike is ranked as strenuous. I agree with that. It was a hard hike. The trail descends about 900 feet in elevation (but it's the going back up that did me in!) and the path is often rocky and covered in tree roots and quite uneven. It took us about 4.5 hours, but it could take much longer than that depending on the pace you choose. We started around 9:00 a.m. and were done around 1:30 p.m. Ideally, I'd start even earlier than that if the weather is going to get warm at all, because you will be tired and hot! We took a lot of water with us and we finished all of it. Take a lot. All in all, this is a beautiful hike. Truly. It's one of my favorites ever. I took a ton of photos (I posted my favorites with this review). It's definitely worth doing. But it is long and hard, so be prepared. I heartily recommend it if you enjoy a hike or like to see out scenic views and waterfalls.

This unassuming park slightly outside of Crossville packs a punch! There's a golf course, swimming…read morepool, camping, cabins, boat rentals, and more, as well as the nearby Homestead Tower Museum. I stayed in the Mill House Cabin, which is now one of my favorite rentals of all time! Sitting on the underside of the bridge, you have no neighbors shy of the ranger residence up a private driveway leading to the visitor center / aviary area. With great access to trails, walking distance to the restaurant, and pretty much central to everything while being secluded and private at the same time. I did one of the ranger-led night floats, for a little history and a night sounds segments, which was also amazing! The park is relatively near to Chattanooga or Fall Creek Falls as well if you are interested in day trips!

We love this TN State Park! Rangers are always super hospitable and the trails are well kept. Make…read moresure to visit the bridge in the Pioneer Loop Trail.

Great location for a walk. The paths are paved, winding along with the Obed River. Towards the…read moremiddle of the walk, there are outdoor gym equipment, so you are able to get a quick full body workout on the walk. Lots of trees, unique rocks, and a dam [only stood for one year in the 1900s] can be spotted. *Dogs are allowed on leash *Closes at/ a little before sunset *Free park/parking

Sweetwater, TN is a town with a population about 5,000+ located in a valley at the foothills of The…read moreGreat Smoky Mountain. From Atlanta, GA it's about 2 hours and 45 minutes or 175 drive. From Chattanooga, TN it's about 1 hours and 10-15 minutes and from Nashville, TN its about 2 hours and 45 minutes or 171 miles give or take...about the same distance from Atlanta, GA. I'm a big fan of these small towns where everyone knows everyone and most of the land is farmland. No big strip malls, no McDonalds, no Mcmansions all over the place. From what I can see from us driving by and stopping for about half an hour or so most of the area is local mom and pop. Lots of antique shops and the downtown area looks like it hasn't changed in years with cool vintage signs...There are a few small chains such as a Hardee's and Days Inn. If you grew up in the south then there is a good chance you had an opportunity to take a field trip in school to the Craighead Caverns which is the largest underground lake in the US that's not under a glacier https://thelostsea.com/ I wouldn't mind coming back again next time I'm in the area to check out the cool antique shops...

Sure, you could spend a few hours here. Not much else to do besides antique shopping though. The…read morekids will probably get bored. It's largely an agricultural community. People are friendly. If you drive into the narrow streets lined with old houses you'll find rather lovely 19th century homes. You might just plan a day to roll around the neighborhood. Beyond that, there's a park with cranky ducks, a gorgeous garden and gazebo adorning the library, and a bandstand near where the old railroad used to be. The imprints of train tracks still run through here. I could easily envision how this as a busy train stop back in it's heyday.

Always great food and service! Beautiful view of the lake, marina and beach area. So nice to be…read moreable to pull up and tie off to the courtesy dock and a short level walk to the restaurant! They also have outdoor or indoor seating and a concession stand for quick service! There's a little store with fishing gear inside and they have gas for your boat! They also service boats at their marine shop up the hill. Nice remodeled campground with full hookups. They have remodeled cabins, a nice big house and the lodge has been remodeled with nice clean rooms and wonderful lakefront view! Lots of activities for the kids also! They have a couple bounce houses, and ice cream at the concession stand! They sometimes have live music outside, so we keep an eye on their calendar and are excited to see what is going on next!

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Arrowhead Resort! The staff was friendly and the food was great!…read moreThey have made many improvements to the Campground, Lodge, Marina and Restaurant! They have also improved their store and gift shop. They even have a consession stand for quick snacks and food! They had live music, with 3 different bands over the Memorial day weekend. It is so nice to sit inside or out on their patio area and enjoy the beautiful view! We will definitely continue to visit and see what new changes they make! Christian and D

On Sept 29, 2013, Tony and I visited this gorgeous overlook for the third time in four years. We…read morekeep getting drawn back to this lovely area. The mountains remind us of our home in West Virginia. This particular lookout is located up the scenic drive. Once you leave the parking lot from the main overlook of the Fall Creek Falls, you go to the right. This is a one way road, so it does complete a loop. There are several overlooks off this scenic drive.. Plaque at the sight overlook; Millikan's Overlook is one of the most inspiring vistas found in Fall Creek Falls State Park. It is named in honor of Dr. Glen Millikan, Vanderbilt physiologist, who fell to his death in a climbing accident in May , 1947. This point faces northward into Cane Creek Gulf. As you look into the deep gulf, and Piney Creek Gulf to your left, let your mind wander. Try to imagine this area thousands of years ago as a tiny stream meandered across the hard sandstone rock, exposed near the top of the gulf, and gradually cut down to the existing stream bed below. If only the majestic hemlock and yellow poplar found in the gulf could talk - what a story they could tell. Just to your right, a short trail leads to Buzzard's Roost. If you're looking for a nice quiet place to "re-create", take the short walk and enjoy the stiff wind in your face. There is a good chance a "buzzard" may fly by to investigate.

Nice after dinner walk here…read more Lots of trees and a nice paved path for my ballet slipper ease. I wish all nature trails had an option for a paved path too. It's a good walk for sure and it's not as treacherous with the paved path for me. Some creeks and sounds of water flowing along the path as we