Visiting the Nashville Zoo

The Nashville Zoo is so great! We've been here numerous times for couple of years, just to visit on a typical day. We really enjoyed our experiences here. The zoo is located outside of downtown Nashville. I highly recommend ordering tickets before arriving to the zoo or get the Annual Pass.  Waiting in line wasn't fun and wasted a good amount of time. No discounts for tickets other than if a person is a veteran or member of the zoo. But children under two are free.

 

Walking paths were decently shaded, so not stuck in the hot sun for too long while walking around. This bamboo trail was the coolest part.

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16 comments AdBenture, Aquarium and Zoo, Nashville, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park

Visit the Twin Falls at Rock Island State Park

This scenic and tranquil setting nestled along the Caney Fork River is a wonder of nature.  Rock Island State Park is one of my favorite places to visit in Middle Tennessee.  This state park offers a campground, picnic areas, hiking trails and waterfalls.  There's  few trails in Rock Island:  the area by the Great Falls, the Downstream Trail  and  the Upstream Trail with view of the Twin Falls which is what we did.  Although the upstream trail is an easy walk from the observation area the stream is rocky so you have to be careful getting in.

Planet Earth has countless jaw-dropping landscapes, but of all its stunning scenery, waterfalls are the most impressive.

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32 comments Rock Island, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, United States, Waterfalls

Visit Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park

Obed Wild and Scenic River is a unit of the National Park System.  Located just off of US27 in Wartburg, Tennessee. One of the best things about this park is that it is rarely crowded.  It was awesome to just be enjoying nature with no other people noise.  Great area to explore perfect for outdoor adventurists.

We stopped at the Visitor Center.  Pick up maps, talk to a ranger about available activities he gave us some suggestions of places to be sure to visit. Also we check out the shop in the National Park Bookstore and recreation exhibit.  We took a short walk because it is snowing that day.  But we would like to go back on summer and try some longer hikes, sightseeing and do picnic.

Inside the Welcome Center

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17 comments Bridges and Sights, Historic Landmarks, Knoxville, Museum and Exhibits, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, United States, Wartburg

The 10 Must-See Waterfall Hikes in Tennessee

Welcome to East Tennessee, the home to the nation's most visited national park— the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tennessee is famous for beautiful outdoor scenes. With its beautiful blend of rustic scenery, smoky mountaintops, rolling hills and countryside, it’s pretty clear Mother Nature lay her place in Tennessee. 

As one of the Appalachian Trail’s highlighted states, Tennessee is a paradise for backpackers and hikers,  and the state has plenty of hot spots for black bear sightings. Challenge your self  and your family! Join numerous hikers that have logged over 100+ miles and the park will reward you with mileage pins.

Here are 10 must-see hiking trails and waterfalls in Tennessee, in no particular order. (Click each waterfalls name to view more photos.)

1. Hike to Ozone Falls

Located just off U.S. Highway 70, Crab Orchard, Tennessee. This stunningly grand Ozone Falls is a 110-foot waterfall with a pool below it has been a popular tourist attraction for more than a century. The waterfall was named Ozone, because the mist from the falls was believed to have healthy qualities. Today, the waterfall is protected as part of Ozone Falls State Natural Area and it's just a short hike — less than a mile — and easy, but the trail that takes you to the pool below is strenuous, especially on the way back up.

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34 comments Crossville, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, Travel Tips, Waterfalls

The Smoky Mountain Fall Festival

The muggy summer heat fades into an inviting fall chill.  The greenery on the trees transforms into the vivid colors of the season.  Today is the time where everyone starts to wear a jacket and warmer clothes when they go out.  When you visit the Smokies in the fall, you can be assured you’ll always have something to celebrate, whether it’s a harvest festival, a food tasting or a parade.

My favorite time to visit the Smoky Mountains is fall. Autumn is a special season in the Smoky Mountains with the incredible weather, beautiful scenery of fall foliage, talented craftsmen, delicious treats, mountain music, and everything else that makes fall one of the favorite times of year for both locals and visitors.

Smoky Mountain is your home-away-from-home all year long, but fall is an especially good time visit. 🍁🍂🎃

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5 comments Festival, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Mountain, Shades of Autumn, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, Townsend, United States

A Visit to Norris Dam State Park

📌  Parent's Visit America 

It was the middle of May of this year when we join the Jeep Crew adventure ride to Norris Dam. My parent's first ride on our Jeep Wrangler (exciting!). We went to Norris Dame State Park located on Norris Reservoir (125 Village Green Cir, Rocky Top, TN 37769). It's 40 minutes away from our house which is very nice!

Norris Dam State Park is known for its hiking trails. Over 21 miles of trails provide spectacular views of Norris Lake and the surrounding hills and valleys. The park offers recreational boating, skiing, and fishing. It has a fully equipped marina with boat ramp available to the general public. House boats and pontoon boats are available for rent along with other types of boats.  

This is one great state park. There's also a cabin rentals near the Norris Dam and they are super reasonably priced. Some cabin has a deck overlooking the natural forest scenery.  The park is sort of split up between the two sides of the dam/lake with plenty to do - as long as you like the woods, rivers, and a great big beautiful clean lake. Pack a picnic lunch and plan to spend the day. Very relaxing in the well shaded picnic areas.

When it's a hot day, there is nothing better than going on Norris Dam lake overlooking the beautiful mountain. If you are in Oak Ridge, TN area this park is well worth the visit.

Beautiful clean lake, not crowded, very relaxing if you want to relax, plenty to do if you want to keep busy.

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23 comments Jeep Adventure, Knoxville, Mountain, Outdoor Activities and Adventures, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, United States

The Downstream Trails at Rock Island State Park

If you like waterfalls this is a nice place to stop off we were on our way  home from Nashville. We decided to stop over in Rock Island State Park and do some short hike.  We took the steps down to the falls area and have to say they are moderate, treacherous in both directions - wear proper hiking shoes, its rocky and some part is muddy.  Unfortunately we were on the wrong side of the Twin Giant Falls our GPS is not being helpful either. Instead we are leading to one of the few small waterfalls in the area.  This is our first time in Rock Island and we will go back soon to see the famous Twin Falls. 

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8 comments Hiking Trails, Rock Island, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, United States, Waterfalls

Sunset at Clingman's Dome

📌 Highest Peak of  Great Smoky Mountain National Park

We went to Clingman's Dome to watch sunset for the first time. You have to hike to get there, its a steep and tough hike up but only about 1/2 mile so with frequent stops it can be done. We are both  in decent shape but had to stop several times just to catch our breathe. There are  number of benches , rocks, along the trail for you to rest so it's not that bad. The hike down is a breeze!

Once you get to the top the hike is well worth it. We saw a layer of cloud in front of us, somewhat like cotton candy, with mountain peaks peeking out above the layer. Felt like at the top of the world.

Who doesn't enjoy Smokies sunset? The sight is even more rewarding when you hike to a destination with a spectacular view.

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10 comments Clingman's Dome, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Hiking Trails, Mountain, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park

The Hen Wallow Falls

We hiked up to Hen Wallow Falls on June 18. This was a great two hour hike at least 4.5 miles round trip . Maybe, little over two hours if you take your time.  The entry of the trail is beautiful. It feels like you are walking into a tunnel of beautiful greenery. The trip to the falls is almost all up hill and very uneven (lots of roots) in parts. The elevation gain is just over 550 feet but the total round trip elevation gain is just over 1,100 feet. There are several places along the trail on the way up to stop, take pictures, and catch your breath if needed. 

This isn't an easy hike, and it's not as popular as some of the other waterfall trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The amount of water flows at the fall is depending on the time of year the amount of recent rainfall, still can be a very enjoyable experience.  We brought snacks with so we were able to hang out at the base of the falls for awhile. If you are looking for a short day hike to a waterfall away from the crowds this trail is a good choice.

Here's one of the tree bridges on the trail.

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Leave a Comment Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park, Waterfalls

The Jump Off trail

We hiked this trail on 7th of May 2016, this is a challenging 7-mile round trip hike on the Appalachian Trail. Mostly uphill the first couple miles with a mix of downhill and uphill the rest of way, making the return much easier. Take your time and you'll make it. This is a very popular hike so expect people to be there and on the trail. When you reach the Jump Off the views are spectacular. A little bit chilly that day and I spotted some snow on the ground so always bring a coat when you hike  even on late spring. 

Drive on Newfound Gap Road to Newfound Gap parking lot

The trailhead is to the left of the overlook, at the end of the parking lot near the restrooms. 

Don't see the Smokies from just the seat of your car, you'll never regret it!

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2 comments Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Hiking Trails, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park