Day Trips from Knoxville
← All Knoxville day tripsDay Trips from Knoxville: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Knoxville, TN. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Knoxville
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Just 51 min from Knoxville, rated 4.9 stars by 50,117 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Dupont State Recreational Forest
Hendersonville, NC 28739
Just 2 hrs 37 min from Knoxville, rated 4.9 stars by 103 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Pisgah National Forest, Rocky Bluff recreation area
Hot Springs, NC 28743
Just 1 hr 26 min from Knoxville, rated 4.9 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Just 2 hrs 40 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 2,420 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area
Jamestown, TN 38556
Just 1 hr 43 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 141 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Table Rock State Park
Pickens, SC 29671
Just 2 hrs 50 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 2,181 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Rising Fawn, GA 30738
Just 2 hrs 10 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 7,225 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Cherokee National Forest
TN 37312, USA
Just 55 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 7,822 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Spencer, TN 38585
Just 1 hr 50 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 8,623 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Colditz Cove State Natural Area
Jamestown, TN 38556
Just 1 hr 33 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 334 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Oneida, TN 37841
Just 1 hr 48 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 1,796 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Duffield, VA 24244
Just 1 hr 58 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 1,824 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Knoxville
What are the best state parks near Knoxville, TN?
The best state parks near Knoxville offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Knoxville?
Most state parks near Knoxville charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Knoxville are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Knoxville offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Knoxville?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Knoxville. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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