Travel+Leisure's Lydia Mansel highlighted the 20 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee for a True Taste of the Volunteer State, and there are several communities in and around South Central Tennessee and Nashville's Big Back Yard highlighted in the piece!

First Day Hikes aren’t about speed or distance. They’re about starting fresh. Kids and adults across the country will be doing the exact same thing on January 1—stepping outside, getting their hearts pumping, and welcoming the New Year with intention. It’s also one of the easiest ways to experience a Tennessee State Park if you’re new to hiking. Rangers lead the way, share stories about the land, and help create an environment that feels welcoming rather than intimidating.

Black Friday does not have to be loud or tiring. Tennessee State Parks hosts free ranger-led hikes the day after Thanksgiving. These walks give you a calm way to spend time with family and friends. You learn about the land. You meet people. You get a break from the holiday rush. Most hikes are gentle. Some take you a little farther into the woods. All of them help you slow down.

Tucked away in Franklin County, Head of the Crow State Park spans more than 4,200 acres of rugged Tennessee beauty. This hidden gem protects the headwaters of Crow Creek and showcases a classic karst landscape filled with caves, sinkholes, springs, and hardwood forests that support rare wildlife.

Spanning over 1,200 acres, this park is a haven for campers, hikers, paddlers, anglers, and cyclists alike.

Henry Horton State Park is located approximately 15 minutes away from Lewisburg in Chapel Hill. Established in the 1960s, this park...