Tennessee is full of surprises, but its river towns? Total hidden gems.
We’re talking places where you can kayak past old bridges, hike to secret waterfalls, stroll through downtowns, and eat BBQ that’ll ruin all other BBQ forever.
Some towns feature mountain views and peaceful riverside trails, while others bring the buzz with music festivals, art scenes, and more fried pies than your grandma’s kitchen.
Whether you’re into history, hiking, paddling, or just soaking up small-town charm, there’s a river town in Tennessee with your name on it.
Keep reading to find your new favorite!
1. Savannah
Savannah sits right along the Tennessee River in the southwest part of the state, just over 2 hours east of Memphis.
It’s known for its Civil War history, especially Shiloh National Military Park, where one of the bloodiest battles of the war went down in 1862.
Downtown Savannah has old-school charm with antique shops, local diners like The Hickory Pit, and riverside views that are perfect for a slow stroll or sunset picnic.
If you’re into fishing or boating, you’ll love Pickwick Lake nearby which covers 43,100 acres and is famous for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.
2. Johnson City
Now if you head to the northeast corner of Tennessee, Johnson City is where things start to feel extra lively and outdoorsy.
This town sits in the Appalachian Mountains and is packed with adventure spots like Buffalo Mountain Park and the 9.6-mile Tweetsie Trail, that’s perfect for biking or walking.
It’s got serious small-town-meets-college-town energy thanks to East Tennessee State University, which means great coffee shops, live music, and a big food truck scene.
And if you’re into waterfalls, hop over to nearby Blue Hole Falls, a set of four cascading falls located about 30 minutes from Johnson City, near the edge of Cherokee National Forest.
3. Shelbyville
Swinging back toward Middle Tennessee, Shelbyville brings something totally different—horses and hometown charm.
This is the self-proclaimed “Walking Horse Capital of the World,” and every year it hosts the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, a 11-day event with parades, competitions, and seriously fancy horses.
The Duck River winds right through town, making it a sweet spot for kayaking, fishing, or just hanging out by the water on a sunny afternoon.
And if you love local eats, grab a burger at Pope’s Café which has been serving up classics since the 1940s and still feels like a step back in time.
4. Chattanooga
Next up is Chattanooga, where the Tennessee River slices right through the middle of the city and the views are straight-up epic.
This place is packed with big-name attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, and the 13-mile Riverwalk that’s perfect for biking, scootering, or just cruising on foot.
You can ride the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain to explore Civil War sites or head underground to Ruby Falls, a 145-foot waterfall hidden inside a cave.
It’s also got a cool artsy side, with murals all over downtown and spots like the Bluff View Art District serving up sculpture gardens with river views.
5. Kingston
Now let’s slow things down a bit in Kingston, a quiet river town where the Clinch, Emory, and Tennessee Rivers all meet in one super scenic spot.
This little town is big on lake life, especially at Watts Bar Lake, which stretches over 39,000 acres and is perfect for boating, swimming, and lazy summer days.
There’s a peaceful waterfront park right in town with a walking trail, picnic spots, and even a historic courthouse as Kingston itself once served as the state capital for one day back in 1807.
And if you’re into birdwatching or just chilling by the water, the wildlife around here is nonstop, so keep an eye out for bald eagles, osprey, and herons.
6. Clarksville
From quiet Kingston to buzzing Clarksville, things get a little more fast-paced but still full of riverfront fun.
Clarksville sits right on the Cumberland River and has a ton of old-school history, especially around the Downtown Commons and the Customs House Museum (which has a giant model train setup).
You can stroll the RiverWalk, hit up the trails at Dunbar Cave State Park, or kayak straight through town if you’re feeling adventurous.
And when hunger hits, grab a seat at Strawberry Alley Ale Works for local brews and views upstairs that totally steal the show.
7. Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a lot of fun—think theme parks, mountain views, and way too many pancake houses.
This town sits along the Little Pigeon River and is home to Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s famous amusement park packed with roller coasters, music shows, and southern food that’ll wreck your diet.
Beyond the thrills, you’ve got more than 6 miles of paved Riverwalk Greenway trails, mini golf courses on every corner, and easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just 20 minutes away.
Whether you’re ziplining through the trees or floating down the river in a tube, Pigeon Forge is pure vacation mode all the way.
8. Townsend
Just down the road from all the buzz in Pigeon Forge, Townsend is the chill, nature-loving cousin that’s all about peace, trees, and mountain air.
It’s right on the Little River and calls itself the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” with tubing, fly fishing, and swimming holes that’ll have you kicking back in no time.
This town is also one of the easiest ways into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, especially the scenic Cades Cove loop—an 11-mile drive where you’ll probably spot deer, wild turkeys, and maybe even a black bear.
You can also swing by the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center to learn about Appalachian life or grab a fried apple pie at Apple Valley Café after a morning hike.
9. Columbia
Columbia keeps the good vibes rolling with history, charm, and unique attractions.
It’s located along the Duck River—one of the most biologically rich rivers in the world—and perfect for kayaking or spotting turtles and river otters on a calm float.
Columbia’s also big on personality, with murals all over downtown, vintage shops, and spots like Muletown Coffee that locals swear by.
And yes, it’s the self-proclaimed Mule Capital of the World, with Mule Day every April bringing parades, music, funnel cakes, and way more mules than you’d expect.
10. Knoxville
Last but definitely not least, Knoxville takes river-town charm to a whole new level.
It sits on the Tennessee River and packs in everything from paddleboarding at Volunteer Landing to catching a football game at Neyland Stadium, which holds over 100,000 fans.
Market Square is the heart of downtown, filled with local restaurants, outdoor concerts, and shops that range from funky to fancy.
And if you want nature without leaving the city, check out Ijams Nature Center—it’s got over 14 miles of trails, a river boardwalk, and even a rock quarry you can paddle through.
Related Posts
