Hiking trails are a great way to get out and explore the beauty of Tennessee. With its rolling hills, lush forests, and plenty of rivers and streams, there is no shortage of places to explore in the Volunteer State. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the state’s popular hiking trails have been closed or had their access restricted.
Tennessee’s Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has been working with local government officials to ensure that hiking trails are safe for people who wish to use them. In response to the pandemic, TDEC has implemented safety protocols such as trail closures, social distancing measures, and mask requirements for hikers. TDEC has also requested that hikers follow all safety protocols while using trails in order to protect themselves from potential exposure to COVID-19.
Many of Tennessee’s state parks have either closed or restricted access to their trails due to the pandemic. However, some parks have remained open and are allowing visitors on their trails as long as they adhere to all safety protocols. These parks include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Fall Creek Falls State Park, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Natchez Trace Parkway, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, and Cherokee National Forest.
In addition to state parks being open for hiking activities, several public land management agencies have opened their land for recreational purposes. These include the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.
Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). All three agencies are allowing recreation activities on their land as long as visitors follow all safety protocols such as social distancing guidelines and wearing a face mask.
Overall, there are still plenty of options for hikers looking to explore Tennessee’s beautiful outdoors during the pandemic. While some hikes may be restricted or closed off due to health concerns surrounding COVID-19, there are still many trails that remain open for those willing to adhere to all safety protocols put in place by TDEC and other public land management agencies.Are Hiking Trails Open in TN? Yes! While some hikes may be restricted or closed off due to health concerns surrounding COVID-19, there are still many trails that remain open for those willing to adhere to all safety protocols put in place by TDEC and other public land management agencies.
