Central Tennessee

The Cumberland Plateau, the world’s largest hardwood-forested plateau, lies in Central Tennessee. Many plants and animals found nowhere else in the world call it home. Rising more than 1,000 feet above the Tennessee River Valley, carved over time by flowing water, the Cumberland Plateau is a network of rocky ridges and colorful ravines filled with waterfalls, caves, fern, and rhododendrons. The rivers and streams sustain some of the country’s greatest variety of fish, while steep ravines and deep hollows are among the richest wildflower areas in southern Appalachia.

You can hike to Tennessee’s tallest waterfall at Fall Creek Falls, backpack the rugged and scenic Cumberland Trail, rock climb at Foster Falls, cool off at Rock Island, go underground at Cumberland Caverns, free fall with Chattanooga Skydiving Company or enjoy the gentle thrills of paddling the Sequatchie River. Camping opportunities and activities for all ages and skill levels can be found in the area’s state parks – Fall Creek Falls, South Cumberland, and Rock Island State Parks.