I occasionally afford myself the luxury of visiting places without really knowing what to expect…read more This park just wasn't that clear to me in its purpose, but it became more so after arrival, with a visitor center focused on Native American history and identifying this as a Cherokee Nation headquarters. A spread of recreated buildings outside offers opportunities for perusal. The most aesthetically distinctive site is a large spring of the sort that seem more common in Kentucky than Tennessee, which evinces a robust blue color and empties into a clear stream. The spring itself is off-limits, but the stream is open for wading. All of these sites are within sight of the initial entrance, but a trek uphill reveals picnic areas, an amphitheater, and a couple of mile trail through the woods. Between the different elements of the park, it was easy to spend a couple of hours there, and best of all, it's free, though the gift shop warrants examination.

Red Clay is not the type of state park that I would normally seek out. Why? It's not in the…read moremountains and the trails are tame. Nonetheless, something about it lured me in for a visit and I'm glad I ventured out here (on Indigenous People's Day coincidentally). Historically, it's really interesting that this was the last meeting site for the Cherokee tribe's council. The signs claim it is "where the Trail of Tears really began." I was really intrigued by the natural Spring called "the Blue Hole." I've never seen a spring that appears bright blue in a forest setting. Seeing this cool natural sight was pretty awesome. Also, I could just imagine the Cherokee using this spring water and being here hundreds of years before. Trail wise: Pretty flat and easy trails. It's not very challenging. But, it makes up for it because it's a calm place with beautiful forest. I loved walking around. Also, since this is small and off the beaten path, it's not crowded at all. Overall: highly recommended. Worth a visit!

Beautiful short hike on a rocky hill. The trail was lovely with lots of trees and I enjoyed seeing…read morethe waterfall! Such a beautiful spot in nature! I came during rainy season and the rocks were definitely slippery so please be mindful of that and were your hiking shoes to stay safe. If you come during/after the rain the falls run pretty good.

Nice easy trail. We came at the last week of October so we didn't really see the waterfall, but I…read morebet it looks great in the Spring. The trail was still stunning though with all the fall foliage which is the reason why we came. None of us are particularly fit but we managed just fine took us just so ver an hour each way. Next time I would bring a picnic. Another thing, check the weather before you go. It was quite warm for late October, we were shedding layers like there was no tomorrow. I wish I had worn a tank top. Also the terrain is not difficult but hiking shoes are definitely the best option, but you'd be fine wearing sneakers.

LOL --- this is my first "non-food" review, but this place is so beautiful --- it needs to be…read moreshared! I was looking for somewhere beautiful to get a panorama of Chattanooga (+ more) from an awesome vantage point, and I found this spot on Google. It's a bit of a winding drive to eventually arrive to the site, and when you do, parking is extremely limited. It's either you got luck or God on your side, to park right where the "rock" is, but I was very fortunate. The steps are very large and irregular getting to the actual "site", and if you are not fit --- just go slow. However, once you arrive --- it's like heaven. A view from the heavens overseeing the Tennessee River Gorge, Prentice Cooper State Forest, and valleys. Spending 20-30 minutes after getting up their will clear your mind. A view that you should not pass up!

This trail was a bit more challenging than others we've done. For context, I enjoy long hikes on…read morerelatively flat, well-defined paths--l'm not a hardcore hiker. So, from my perspective, I'd rate this as a moderately difficult hike. The trail is about 3.5 miles round trip and took us around 2 hours, not including the time we spent enjoying the view at the top. The summit is absolutely worth the effort-the view is breathtaking. Be sure to bring plenty of water. Thankfully, the trail has lots of shade, which helped keep us cool and protected from the sun.

Nice Short Hike And Nature Visit…read more Located in a residential neighborhood you park at the 90 degree curve in the road across from a house. There are signs... This is probably just under a mile each way to wiggle through the woods and down to the creek. Follow the water flow maybe 800' and you shall find the waterfall. Almost across from the trail that brings you to the creek is a little hill with a small trail that brings you to a good viewpoint on a rock ledge to see the falls from a better angle than straight down. I am not sure if a different trails brings you to the bottom of the fall, maybe rappelling down is the easier way... What are you waiting for? Take a hike!

Falling water falls trail is an out and back trail that has a trail head that can be found in a…read moresmall neighborhood with just a few parking spots at the trail entrance. This is marked by a small brown sign (in our case, on this day the sign was covered with trash). We came here on a day of outdoor adventures, coming from Prentice Cooper state forest, taking several "scenic" routes and finally finding a parking spot at the entrance. When we walked this trail, which truly is a 0.3 mile slightly downhill to flat trail, there was only one other family on this trail, making it pretty isolated, but also making the views all the more sweeter. Here's the thing...maybe it was the extreme and relentless heat this summer or the lack of rain, but as we continued to walk down the trail, neither of us could hear water! Sadly, we didn't hear any water because on this day, there was none. The falls were dry, being limited to a trickle. There are photos of the falls that look lovely. With this said, even if the falls were running at full capacity, you would be looking at them from the top of the falls, not head on. You would have to come at it from below to see that. If the falls were running, instantly this is a 5 star review for me. Because it was dry,i'm only giving it 4 stars, because it still was pretty to look at, and a nice walk overall. The address listed for Falling Water falls trail puts you right near the parking lot. I don't think this is a residential address, although there are homes directly across from the lot. I'd highly recommend coming here after it has rained a few times or at least one heavy time. I'll have to come back myself when it does!

Such a beautiful nature park! We love coming here to ride our bikes and enjoy the outdoors with our…read moredog. This park is well maintained, with restroom facilities, and offers easy hiking trails, paved paths to jog, walk, cycle, or push strollers. Keep in mind that if you walk on the area where vehicles can drive on, all pedestrians are supposed to be on a certain side of the road. Just follow all the signage and instructions around the park. The park staff are friendly, and it's nice that maps are provided in the welcome center as well as select map stations around the park. A police vehicle is stationed at the front and is occasionally seen patrolling the park. Another neat park feature of the park is the bunkers! We've found at least one open to view inside. Supposedly, the bunkers were used to store TNT. The cherry on top to this park, though, is the newly added dog park, Barks and Tails. Our dog LOVES it, and so do we. Enterprise South Nature Park is really wonderful and an easy place to enjoy a fun filled outing.

After having quite a few people recommend Enterprise O finally made it on my last visit to TN…read more There are 11 different areas some have the option of biking, hiking, walking awhile some are only for pedestrians. Whenever you go the parking lot may be quite full. You definitely won't be the only one there. Poe Run Path is only for pedestrians is the trail I decided to take after seeing the bikers on a different trail. The bikers trails looked liked fun. There is also a business office open to the public. There you can find assistance and restrooms.

I parked here for the start of the Edward's Point trail via Crescent Ridge and found the parking…read morelot pretty empty on a Monday morning around 9:30am. There are maybe 20 spots and the Signal Point overlook is right beside the restrooms and a short paved trail from parking. Worth a stop.

This was a great, easy trail--about 1.6 miles round trip and took us around 65 minutes, including…read moretime spent at the waterfall. The waterfall at the end is beautiful and made a perfect spot to rest. We let Luna take a quick swim to cool off, but were very cautious about her not drinking the water. I had done quite a bit of research beforehand and found mixed reviews about the water quality. Most concerns centered around contamination within 24-48 hours after rainfall. Since it hadn't rained recently, we felt confident it was safe, and thankfully, Luna had no issues after swimming.

Great state park. Excellent camping! Very clean and staff was great. There are some great hiking…read moretrails. If you are hiking to the falls, be aware when you climb down all those stairs, you have to climb up them to get back to the rim. The west Rim trail is great as well, not quite as strenuous as the tail to the falls.

Cottage 18 was a great gathering place for our family reunion. ADA compliant for mobility, spacious…read moreopen living area, large screened back porch and additional 2 table patio area with grill and fire pit. Well furnished for a group. Plenty of hiking for the adventurous while close enough to Chattanooga for other outings.

Great trail! Great hike! The longest part is the gravel 5 mile road leading to trail. Fine in our…read moresuv but it would have been rough on a car or my smaller suv.

Relatively easy hiking trail to a waterfall in the Cherry Log/Blue Ridge area. Kids as young as 3…read morecan walk the trail. It's a pretty short trail to the waterfall approximately 1/2 mile. The cell service is poor getting to the trail so map it out before hand. Along the trail you will see a Glamping camp, which is very cute. Definitely would recommend as a family outing.

It was a great beginner hike not too steep and plenty to see. If you get there early enough you'll…read morebe able to get to the end and back before the crowds.

Such a cool hidden gem about an hour drive from Knoxville. There is dirt parking for maybe 10 cars…read moreat the trailhead. Not many cars when I got there around noon but it was full when I got back on a Saturday around 3pm. Took my dog out for his 10th birthday and he had a blast. Loves outdoors and the water. You can take the full loop and see the smaller falls and the the bigger falls. Or you can see one, come back around and then see the other. The only reason you wouldn't do the full loop is because it does get a little steep and rocky and there is a cable to help get down. Don't let the cable steer you away. I had my dog with me and was a little nervous only using one hand and the other with the leash, but it was pretty simple to get down. Also recommend going right at the split so you can go DOWN the rocks instead of climb up the rocks at the point. Overall gorgeous views. Mostly shaded throughout the hike but be sure to bring water!