Tennessee showcases some of the most outlandish and awe-inspiring rock formations in the South, each worth the hike or drive for geologic marvels and stunning scenery. Here are 12 rock formations that stand out across the state.
Cumberland Plateau Wonders
Twin Arches (Big South Fork): The state’s largest natural sandstone bridge complex features two soaring arches, with the South Arch towering at 103 feet high—extraordinarily dramatic and accessible via a scenic trail.
Great Stone Door (Savage Gulf): A massive crack resembling a doorway leads to panoramic bluff views and fascinating geological features along an easy hike.
Fiery Gizzard Trail: Known for bizarre rock gardens, towering bluffs, and dramatic formations, this challenging hike is consistently celebrated for unique stone landscapes.
Smoky Mountain Marvels
Alum Cave Bluffs (Great Smoky Mountains): This dramatic concave bluff features rare mineral deposits and rugged icicle displays in winter.
Chimney Tops: Twin rocky pinnacles accessible via a tough hike offer incredible views and a spectacular stone formation at the summit.
Rainbow Falls Trail: Along this route, discover quartzite boulders and dramatic stone walls framing Tennessee’s iconic waterfall.
Eastern Tennessee Oddities
Backbone Rock (Shady Valley): Known as “the shortest tunnel in the world,” this unusual vertical rock was blasted for railroad passage and offers adventurous hiking atop and underneath the formation.
Face-Paint Rock (Cherokee National Forest): Distinctive streaks and colors from ground siltstone make this formation standout amid forest trails.
Caverns and Underground Giants
Ruby Falls (Lookout Mountain): A cavern adorned with fantastically-named formations such as Angel Wings and Tobacco Leaves, plus an underground waterfall, makes this a truly outlandish hike.
Lost Sea Cave (Sweetwater): Beyond unique rock structures, the cave is home to America’s largest underground lake, adding a surreal twist to subterranean exploration.
Middle and Western Tennessee Formations
Pinson Mounds (Jackson): Though more archaeological, the ancient earthen mounds made by prehistoric cultures add a unique landform dynamic worth a walk.
Virgin Falls (Sparta): Here, an underground river surges out of a cave, tumbles over a towering cliff, and disappears underground again, offering dramatically sculpted rock landscapes on the hike.
Each destination combines natural spectacle with a sense of discovery that rewards every step and mile.
SOURCES
(https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/na-natural-areas/natural-areas-east-region/east-region-/na-na-twin-arches.html)
(https://mississippirivercountry.com/outdoors-recreation/6-hikes-in-tennessee-you-have-to-see-to-believe/)(https://bcbstnews.com/bluehealthsolutions/15-tennessee-hikes-with-amazing-views/)(https://tnlandforms.us/landforms/rocks.php)
(https://www.tennessee-glamping.com/hiking-the-great-stone-door-trail-in-tennessee/)
