Top 5 Scenic Overlooks in Southeast Tennessee
With its mountains, valleys, natural rock formations and waterfalls, Southeast Tennessee is one of the most beautiful regions in the country – and there’s something to see in every season. Here’s a list of five scenic overlooks in the Chattanooga region that will take your breath away any time of year:
Great Stone Door Overlook:
South Cumberland State Park | Beersheba Springs, TN
Great Stone Door is a geologic feature located within South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee’s largest state park. The area draws its name from a crack in the cliff that runs from top to bottom, looking like a door left slightly ajar. From the Stone Door Ranger’s Station in Beersheba Springs, take the Stone Door Trail (less than a mile each way) to the cliff that overlooks Savage Gulf.
Sequatchie Valley Overlook:
Dunlap, TN
The Sequatchie Valley is a narrow divide between the Cumberland Plateau and Walden’s Ridge. An overlook area, located along TN-111 North, offers a stunning perspective on this unique geological feature in Southeast Tennessee. Drop down into the valley to enjoy restaurants and shopping in the towns Dunlap, Pikeville and South Pittsburg.
Chilhowee Overlooks
Chilhowee Recreation Area / Cherokee National Forest | Benton, TN
The 7-mile drive up Chilhowee Mountain to Chilhowee Recreation Area features three overlooks with expansive views of the Cherokee National Forest and Parksville Lake (aka Lake Ocoee). Take US-64 E to Forest Service Road #77 and follow signs to Chilhowee Recreation Area. Chilhowee Recreation Area offers hiking, biking, swimming and camping. Stop by Cleveland, Benton and Ocoee for restaurants and shopping.
Point Park
Lookout Mountain, TN
Point Park is a significant Civil War site located on Lookout Mountain overlooking downtown Chattanooga, the Tennessee River and the mountains to the West. The park sits at an elevation of 2,135 feet above the city and includes a paved walking path, overlooks and an interpretive center. Admission to Point Park is $5 per adult aged 16 and over.
Foster Falls Overlook:
South Cumberland State Park | Sequatchie, TN
Foster Falls is a spectacular 60-foot waterfall that plunges into a deep pool of water. The area is part of South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee’s largest state park. Viewing the falls is easy – there is a paved handicapped-accessible trail to an overlook of the falls. For those who want a more difficult hike, a rocky trail leads down to the base of falls. Foster Falls has 26 rustic campsites ideal for tents or small trailers – reservations are required. Stop by Monteagle, Tracy City or Kimball for food and shopping.
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