In Tennessee, cool water streams down from the mountains, and summits can reach 5,000 and 6,000 ft. above sea level, naturally offering places to cool off during the warm spring and summer months. That means even on the hottest of days, you can find a place to swim, a hike to conquer, or a waterfall to explore for a little relief from the Tennessee heat. If you want to plan a water-filled weekend, keep these caverns, caves with waterfalls, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and water activities on your radar.
Caves
Underground Adventure Awaits
There are approximately more than 8,500 Tennessee caves, offering plenty of chances to escape the heat above for the coolness below.
Take a tour of Forbidden Caverns in Sevierville to see cool rock formations, natural chimneys, grottos and even a stream.
The famous Ruby Falls in Chattanooga is America's largest underground waterfall topping at 145 ft. high.
You can explore the cave during a daytime tour or, for a more special perspective, book a lantern tour offered Friday nights January to November.
Craighead Caverns in Sweetwater is where you can find the largest underground lake in North America, the Lost Sea.
Walk through the caverns and then glide on the lake in a glass-bottom boat.
In Townsend, travel below the earth's surface to tour the Tuckaleechee Caverns, located under the Great Smoky Mountains and estimated to be 20-30 million years old.
Inside, you'll see the Big Room that can fit a football field and Silver Falls, a cave waterfall, cascading 210 ft. from top to bottom.
From May to November, venture on a ranger-led tour of Lost Cove Cave, also known as "Buggytop," part of the Carter State Natural Area and South Cumberland State Park near Sewanee and Sherwood.
If you're wanting a music experience but want to stay cool while doing so, head to The Caverns Sessions at the Caverns in Pelham.
Here, you can enjoy Americana, bluegrass and country music from some of the industry's top artists while enjoying the cave formations located all around you.
Lakes
Tennessee Lakes are Calling
From the deep, clear waters of Cherokee and Douglas lakes in East Tennessee to Center Hill, Dale Hollow, Cordell Hull, Old Hickory and Tims Ford midstate and farther west to the sprawling Pickwick, Kentucky and Barkley impoundments, lakes are accessible to you for all types of recreation.
Norris Lake
Norris Lake has more than 34,000 acres of water and more than 20 marinas that offer hotel, condo, home or campground accommodations.
Explore 809 miles of shoreline or rent a ski boats, fishing, pontoon boats or jet ski.
Watauga Lake
Watauga Lake is the highest-elevated reservoir in Tennessee and, because of this, it's usually a few degrees cooler than similar locations.
The lake covers 6,430 acres and has depths of 305 ft. at most. It's perfect for families or individuals who want to leisurely float down its 50 miles of slow-moving Class I water with occasional Class II spots.
Reelfoot Lake
Among the most scenic, Reelfoot Lake, nestled in the northwest corner of the state, is famous for its year-round fishing, wildlife watching (including eagle-viewing excursions) and lakeside dining.
Rivers
Go With the Flow
You may like a peaceful, easy feeling when you’re on the flowing water. The Caney Fork, Little Pigeon, Barren Fork and Buffalo rivers provide more tranquil canoeing, kayaking, tubing and stand-up paddle boarding if you want a slower pace.
For a day of non-stop river adventure, head to the Ocoee River where you'll find some of the best whitewater in the country with more than 20 continuous rapids in a gorge that flows through the Cherokee National Forest.
Duck River
The Duck River is the longest river located entirely within the state of Tennessee. The 269-mile river flows through Middle Tennessee and is a great spot for paddling and fishing for smallmouth bass.
A challenging kayak or canoe trip can be found at the Wolf River, right outside of Memphis. The sunken cypress trees and conservation efforts to keep the river as natural as possible will make the twists and turns of your expedition an adventurous one.
Holston River
The Holston River runs 274 miles and is home to 47 species of fish, perfect for a leisurely afternoon waiting on a bite. With a large amount of rainbow trout, redline darter and smallmouth bass, you won't be waiting long.
On most of the rivers, such as the scenic Harpeth, canoes and kayaks can be rented for short or long trips with local outfitters providing drop-off and pick-up services.
Waterfalls
Fall For the Views
Towering, tumbling, mist-spraying – words used to describe some of the magnificent waterfalls that grace the state. From the calming Crockett Falls in David Crockett State Park, the state has numerous beauties for you to discover including Foster Falls, Ozone Falls, Carmac Falls, Greeter Falls, Elrod Falls, Twin Falls, Jackson Falls and Fall Creek Falls. Hiking trails lead to scenic overlooks or to swimming/wading pools at the foot of the falls, but take care – some of the paths can be challenging. Hike to these additional waterfalls that dot the scenic, lush beauty of Tennessee:
Upper Boardtree Falls, Grundy County
- Part of Savage Gulf State Natural Area, which is part of South Cumberland State Park (one of Tennessee's most scenic wilderness areas), these falls can be found just passed Greeter Falls.
- Boardtree Falls' waters tumble over a tiered rock hill. Be careful when you climb as steep inclines and narrow pathways weave to this natural wonder.
Boating and Fishing
Jump In To Fun
One of the best ways to see the waterways and cool off is by boat. Boats ranging from houseboats, pontoons and paddleboats to kayaks, jon boats and sailboats can be rented on most of the lakes and used for fishing, swimming and on-board cookouts.
State Park lakes such as Montgomery Bell, Fall Creek Falls and Cumberland Mountain offer great fishing for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Tennessee has 320 species of fish, making it a diverse destination for anglers of all kinds.
Try wrestling in monster catfish from the Tennessee River or battling tackle-busting stripers on Percy Priest Lake outside Nashville.
Field & Stream magazine named the Cumberland River as having some of the best catfishing waters in the world.
Enjoy the tranquility of East Tennessee mountain brooks in the Great Smoky Mountains and Tellico Plains, where rainbow trout dart through icy ripples.
In Gatlinburg, special trout-fishing packages are available for visiting anglers.
On Dale Hollow Lake, guided fishing trips can be booked year-round.
Chickamauga Reservoir near Chattanooga holds the state record for largemouth bass and is gaining a national reputation for producing lunkers.
Don’t miss out on fishing in one of the Bill Dance Signature Lakes located throughout the state — an essential addition to any angler’s bucket list.
Other Water Activities
Riverbanks and Shorelines
Photo Credit: Designsensory/TN Tourism
You can opt to be on, in or alongside the water. In addition to boating, skiing, fishing and cruising, most lakes have designated swimming, camping and picnic areas. Most state parks located along lakes and rivers have trails carved along the scenic riverbanks and shimmering shorelines. In Tennessee, the water – and the fun – is usually just a smooth stone’s throw away.
