Spring Break Adventures in Tennessee

Featured in this Article:

Spring Break Destinations in East Tennessee
Spring Break Activities near Nashville and Middle Tennessee
Spring Break Destinations in Memphis and West Tennessee
 

Get an adrenaline rush with your daredevil kids, tweens and teens when you hit the mountain biking trails at Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park conveniently close to Johnson City. Over 40 acres of diverse terrain, the trails in this park are perfect for an exhilarating day outdoors. Riders of all skill levels can enjoy the trails that weave through Northeast Tennessee's forests and be close to the city to freshen up and enjoy the nightlife. 

Tuckaleechee Caverns - Townsend

Known as the “Greatest Site under the Smokies,” Tuckaleechee Caverns is a 20-minute drive from Cades Cove and a great attractions for kids, grandparents and the whole family. One of the interesting features of the caverns is the huge rooms, with the Big Room cavern reaching more than a football field in length. The formations in the caverns are awe-inspiring, and Silver Falls, a spectacular waterfall located inside the caverns, is a must-see. This natural wonder is open March 1-Nov. 30. Tickets are $12 for children 5-11 years old, $24 for adults and children 4 years old or younger are free. 

Deep Creek - Chattanooga

Deep Creek climbing area is one of Chattanooga's premier climbing crags and part of the Cumberland Trail hiking trail system. Sports climbing includes lots of overhanging sandstone and routes range from the mid-5.11s-up. Moderates can be found in the Tea and Crumpets Wall, too.

Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area – Knoxville

If you scroll through Knoxville tagged Instagram posts, chances are you’ve seen people within fields of sunflowers beginning in July at Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. It makes for a magical, aesthetically-pleasing photo-op every time. Before the sunflowers bloom, you can spend time discovering wildlife and other gorgeous views among the 10.6 miles of easy to moderate trails, part of Knoxville’s larger Urban Wilderness program that has 1,000-forested areas along the downtown waterfront. It's a quiet and unique spring break destination for families of all ages. Two trailheads to adventure are accessible from the parking areas, making it as convenient as possible to get out in nature. 

Looking for a spring break without the crowds? Cumberland Mountain State Park has hiking and biking trails for all skill levels. All-terrain Wheelchairs are available for rent that are specially designed to navigate a wide range of terrains. Fourteen miles of hiking trails snake through the state park, including Byrd Lake Trail that is 0.5 miles of porous pavement that leads to a foot bridge at the boat dock. Wheel-chair friendly parking near the trailhead is in the Visitor Center parking lot. For a moderate challenge, the Pioneer Loop Trail is for you. This trail begins just past the swinging bridge and follows a three-mile loop that follows Byrd Creek upstream to a one-lane sandstone arch bridge then returns on the opposite side of the creek. You'll see rock overhangs and rock formations as well as a fat-man squeeze. Head out on the almost 6-mile overnight trail which leads to the overnight campsite among a grove of pink lady's slippers. You'll cross a swinging bridge, several creeks and streams along the loop trail.

SOAR Adventure Tower – Franklin

If the kids need to expel some extra energy, take them to SOAR Adventure Tower, about 30 minutes south near Nashville. A Tower Adventure Pass is $30-50. With four levels and more than 110 climbing elements, kids and adults alike are challenged to overcome their limitations both physically and mentally. Each platform offers three different features so you can change your course whenever you want and create your own experience. Music-themed elements can be found throughout the courses, giving a nod to the rich music found throughout Tennessee. There’s a ground level perfect for little ones to explore their own abilities, ideal for ages 3-8 with 19 elements. Level 1 is 15 feet above ground, Level 2 is approximately 30 feet above ground and Level 3 is more than 45 feet, all filled with challenges to complete. If you want to stay on the ground, mini golf is also offered for $7-13.

Window Cliffs State Natural Area – Baxter

Challenge your mind and body on Go Ape Zipline Memphis located inside Shelby Farms Park. Choose from the treetop adventure, the largest course that includes 36 ft. high tree-to-tree crossings, long ziplines over the lake and Tarzan swings or the treetop journey that includes ziplines, suspended bridges and obstacles. Turn up the fun for adventure after sunset to tackle the obstacles and epic ziplines after dark. Axe Throwing, a Forest EscAPE game and Gorilla Golf can also be experienced. Ticket prices vary by adventure - The Treetop Adventure is $59.95 for adults ages 16 and older and $54.95 for kids 10-15 years old; The Treetop Journey is $34.95 for ages 16 and up and $34.94 for kids 1-15 years old with adult 18+ supervision; Axe Throwing is $19.95; and Gorilla Mini Golf is $7.95 each for ages 2 and older.

Chickasaw State Park - Henderson

Embrace the peace and serenity found in a quiet state park that's a great day trip from Memphis. Saddle up for a horseback riding adventure at Chickasaw State Park in Henderson. The park has five miles of horse trails plus the Chickasaw Riding Stables, a family-owned and operated concessionaire, offers guided tours, horse rentals and stall rentals for visitors staying at the Wrangler Campground. Additional activities offered at the state park include kayaks, canoes, SUPs and pedal boats that can be rented at the boat dock, hiking and intermediate biking trails. All-terrain wheelchairs capable of navigating a wide range of terrains as well as a Colorblind Viewfinder with an EnChroma lens that alleviates red-green colorblindness is also available so that everyone can experience the beauty of Tennessee year-round can also be enjoyed at the state park.

Big Hill Pond State Park - Pocahontas

Spend a day exploring without crowds at the 4,138 acres of Big Hill Pond State Park filled with bottomland forests. Take one of the hiking trails that range from easy paved trails to intermediate challenging trails, go mountain biking, fishing or paddling. There are 30 miles of overnight and day-use trails that house four backpack trail shelters. Clamor up the 70-foot observation tower to see views of the boardwalk that goes through Dismal Swamp and Travis McNatt Lake. However you choose to spend your time, you’ll be glad to have visited Big Hill Pond.

Find even more spring travel inspiration as you plan your spring break to Tennessee.