Spring Hiking in East Tennessee
Whether you’re looking to get a little exercise in, reduce your stress levels, or simply clear your head and enjoy nature, hiking delivers almost immediate rewards. Hiking provides us all with a chance to escape our often over-scheduled daily lives, and to experience the world directly and without a filter, and to rediscover the rhythms of the day and the seasons. Hiking at its best and purest form is is an unscripted experience where spontaneity is the rule. And, better still, most hikes are rewarding not only in the feelings of accomplishment, but in the often beautiful views found at the end of exhausting treks through wilderness. Book your stay with us now, and start exploring the beautiful hiking that awaits you in East Tennessee.
East Tennessee Hiking Destinations
In very few places can you climb cliffs and canyons, plunge into rivers, and wind through breathtaking wilderness, but it’s all possible in East Tennessee. Just a short drive away from our quiet country Inn are the Great Smoky Mountains, a virtual playground filled with hiking trails. Within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, there are five different trails that lead to the historic LeConte Lodge, which is the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States. This beautiful lodge is a popular hiking destination, sitting just below the peak of Mount LaConte, and home to spectacular views of the Smokies. Another popular hike in the area is the 8-mile trip up to Charlies Bunion, located on the popular Appalachian Trail.
As you may have guessed, there is a tremendous amount of hiking opportunities throughout the eastern part of Tennessee. Even onsite at Whitestone Country Inn, we have eight miles of walking trails throughout the grounds. There are also a wonderful variety of trails in nearby Chattanooga, including the Big Daddy Loop on the Bluff Trail, Cloudland Canyon, one of the most beautiful river canyons in the Appalachains, and the must-see Cumberland Trail. Like much of East Tennessee, Knoxville is also a city rich in parks and natural areas that are well suited for hiking. Head up to House Mountain, Knox County’s highest point, on a trail that is fairly steep, and which travels through heavily wooded terrain with impressive rock outcrops. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Cumberland Mountains to the north, the Smoky Mountains to the south, the Clinch Mountain range to the east, and even a glimpse of downtown Knoxville. As you can see, it doesn’t really matter where you decide to head out on a hiking adventure when you’re in East Tennessee. No matter where you go, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views, and a renewed appreciation for the world around you. We look forward to your stay with us as you embark on your spring hiking adventure!
