Attractions and Places To See in Blount County - Top 20

Blount County offers a wealth of natural attractions across both its Tennessee and Alabama regions. In Tennessee, you can access the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via the Townsend entrance, explore the impressive Tuckaleechee Caverns with its subterranean waterfall, and discover beautiful waterfalls like Abrams Falls, Spruce Flats Falls, and Lynn Camp Cascades. The region also features mountain summits such as Rocky Top Summit and Thunderhead Mountain Summit. In Alabama, highlights include Rickwood Caverns State Park, Palisades Park atop Ebell Mountain, and the scenic Mardis Mills Falls.

Yes, Blount County is rich in history and culture. In Tennessee, you can visit the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, which spans 7,000 years of history, or the Blount County Historical Museum in Maryville. The Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville hosts various performances, and the Sam Houston Historic Schoolhouse offers a glimpse into the past. In Alabama, explore the Blountsville Historical Park with its Freeman Cabin Museum and original one-room jail, or see the historic covered bridges, earning it the title 'Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama'.

Blount County is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking on numerous trails, including those leading to waterfalls like Abrams Falls or Lynn Camp Cascades. For more hiking ideas, check out the Waterfall hikes in Blount County or Easy hikes in Blount County guides. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the Cades Cove Loop Road. Find more cycling options in the Cycling in Blount County guide. In Alabama, the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River is popular for canoeing and kayaking, and Palisades Park offers walking and hiking trails.

Absolutely! Blount County offers several family-friendly options. In Tennessee, the trail to Lynn Camp Cascades is wide and easy to follow, making it suitable for families. The John Oliver Cabin provides an accessible historical experience. The Maryville-Alcoa Greenway and Bicentennial Greenbelt Park offer playgrounds and picnic areas. In Alabama, Spring Valley Beach Water Park is a major draw for families, and Palisades Park includes a playground and pioneer village.

Blount County is known for its beautiful waterfalls. In Tennessee, you can hike to Abrams Falls, a popular destination via the Cades Cove Loop. Spruce Flats Falls offers an awesome sight after a rocky but well-blazed trail. Lynn Camp Cascades provides continuous overlooks of cascading rapids along the Middle Prong Trail. In Alabama, Mardis Mills Falls is a scenic and peaceful spot, part of the North Alabama Waterfall Trail.

Yes, Blount County is home to some remarkable underground formations. In Blount County, Tennessee, you can visit Tuckaleechee Caverns, known as the 'Greatest Site Under the Smokies,' featuring the 'BigRoom' and 'SilverFalls,' the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern US. In Blount County, Alabama, Rickwood Caverns State Park offers a 'miracle mile' of underground caverns with 260-million-year-old limestone formations.

For those seeking a challenge, Blount County offers several demanding trails. The Upper Bote Mountain Trail and Chestnut Top Trail are known for their intermediate to challenging difficulty. Reaching summits like Thunderhead Mountain Summit and Rocky Top Summit also involves challenging hikes, often along the Appalachian Trail, rewarding adventurers with spectacular views.

The best time to visit Blount County for outdoor activities largely depends on your preferences. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring, with spring bringing wildflowers and fall showcasing vibrant foliage, especially in the Great Smoky Mountains. Summer is ideal for water activities and enjoying the cooler temperatures of the caverns. While some trails may be accessible in winter, conditions can vary, particularly at higher elevations.

Yes, Blount County, Alabama, is famously known as the 'Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama,' home to three of the state's remaining covered bridges: Swann, Horton Mill, and Easley. The Easley Covered Bridge, built in 1927, is the oldest and shortest of the three and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offering a unique historical landmark to visit.

Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and diverse experiences in Blount County. Many enjoy the rewarding cool swim below Abrams Falls after a hike. The continuous overlooks of cascading rapids and waterfalls along the Middle Prong Trail to Lynn Camp Cascades are also highly appreciated. The stunning views from Rocky Top Summit are often cited as among the best in the area, making it a popular spot for scenic appreciation.

To delve into the local history and heritage of Blount County, you have several options. In Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend offers an interactive experience covering 7,000 years of history, from Native Americans to early pioneers. The Blount County Historical Museum in Maryville also provides insights into the region's past, including exhibits on early settlers and the Civil War era. In Alabama, the Blount County Memorial Museum in Oneonta is dedicated to local history and offers genealogical research materials.

Yes, Blount County offers opportunities for water sports, particularly in its Alabama region. The Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking, providing a scenic setting for these activities. While the Tennessee side features rivers and creeks, the Alabama side is specifically highlighted for these types of water sports.