No matter your experience level—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, a day-tripper or an overnight adventurer—Anderson County, Tennessee, has the perfect trail for you. Explore heart-pounding hikes with breathtaking views or take a leisurely stroll along flower-lined paths. There’s a trail for everyone!

With mild year-round temperatures, comfortable lodging, and plenty of nearby attractions, Anderson County is the ideal destination for a hiking getaway.

We’ve rounded up some of the best hiking spots in Anderson County, plus a few must-visit trails just outside the area. Let’s start planning your next adventure!

Where to Hike 

Norris Dam State Park spans over 4,000 scenic acres along the shores of Norris Lake, surrounding the historic Norris Dam. With 15 diverse trails varying in length and difficulty, there’s a perfect hike for everyone—from seasoned adventurers to families looking for a relaxed outdoor experience.

The park provides clear trail ratings, from easy to challenging, making it simple to find the right hike for your skill level. Before you hit the trails, we recommend visiting the Norris Dam State Park website to explore your options and plan the perfect adventure. You can find everything you need here. 

The park is bordered by the Norris Watershed that has an additional 30 miles of trails to hike, so you can spend an entire weekend exploring. The area is home to diverse wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, and many species of birds. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching, especially in the early mornings and evenings.

One advantage to hiking Norris Dam State Park and Norris Watershed is you can stay right at the park! Norris Dam State Park has two campgrounds and a variety of cabins that will give you direct access to many of the trails.

We also recommend the Aspire Recreation Area. Opened in 2024, this park features beautiful hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Clinch River, making it a top spot for outdoor exploration. Trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, all surrounded by stunning natural scenery. After a day on the trails, The Pearl offers a delicious dining experience with scenic river views. With its combination of adventure and relaxation, Aspire Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for hikers looking to explore Anderson County. 

While not in Anderson County, Loyston Point Trails and Big Ridge State Park are both located just a short drive and offer incredible hiking options. 

Haw Ridge Park is a 780 acre park located in Oak Ridge that lies on the shores of Melton Hill Lake. The park has over 33 miles of wooded multi-use dirt trails. The trails accommodate all levels of hikers and provide many picturesque views. An easy trail to consider at Haw Ridge is the West Shore Loop Trail. This is a 1.2 mile loop that offers beautiful views of the Clinch River. A more difficult and longer trail to check out is the Haw Ridge Lake Trail. This is an 8.3 mile loop that is very popular among bird watchers and mountain bikers, so you’ll most likely encounter some other people on the trail.Haw Ridge also connects with the Melton Lake Greenway, which is a 5.7 mile paved trail that runs parallel with the lake, so if you’re looking for a relaxed walk with breathtaking views, this is the place for you.

While not in Anderson County, Frozen Head State Park, located within a short drive of Oak Ridge, offers great hiking. The park features over 50 miles of foot trails that meander by waterfalls, rock shelters and giant mountaintop cap rocks. A portion of the Cumberland Trail passes through the park.