Tennessee’s Wild Circuit is a rugged route connecting five iconic outdoor adventures that stretch from the misty ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains to the expansive Cumberland Plateau. Each trail offers a distinct challenge and a chance to engage with Tennessee’s fiercely independent wilderness.

1. Alum Cave Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Distance: 5 miles round-trip Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet Terrain: Rocky paths, forested slopes, and narrow ledges The Alum Cave Trail dares hikers upward through rhododendron thickets where the forest breathes ancient secrets. The Alum Cave Bluffs jut above like cliffs daring you to press on. Expect cool mountain breezes that shift suddenly, urging caution on wet rock faces.

2. Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail Distance: 8 miles round-trip Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet Terrain: Rocky ridge walking, open vistas Charlies Bunion commands the skyline with exposed boulders and panoramic views that stretch far beyond the Smokies. The wind here feels like an invisible challenger, pushing hikers forward but demanding respect. This hike requires steady footing and attention to shifting weather.

3. Fiery Gizzard Trail, South Cumberland State Park Distance: 12 miles one-way Elevation Gain: 500 feet Terrain: Rugged with rock scrambles, waterfalls, and stream crossings Fiery Gizzard crackles with dynamic energy. The creek teases with icy splashes daring you to cross, while rock formations rise sharply, creating tight descents and challenging scrambles. The trail tests stamina but rewards with cascading waterfalls and gorges etched by time.

4. Big South Fork Scenic Loop Distance: 10-15 miles (varies by route) Elevation Gain: 700 feet Terrain: Mixed forest roads, dirt trails, sandstone bluffs As you traverse the Big South Fork, sandstone cliffs watch over you like ancient guardians. The Cumberland River's current pulls at the edges, inviting moments of pause. This loop is a versatile adventure—less technical but demanding endurance and navigation.

5. Cumberland Plateau’s Savage Gulf Gorge Distance: 10 miles loop Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet Terrain: Steep descents, rocky ridges, dense forest Savage Gulf is a powerhouse of the Plateau, with cliffs that fall sharply into deep hollows guarded by hardwood forests. The rugged descent tests both body and resolve, while clear streams chatter a lively soundtrack beneath towering oaks.

Planning Your Wild Circuit Adventure: Hydration and footwear are crucial. Trails range vastly in terrain and difficulty, so waterproof boots with solid tread and layered clothing are recommended. Start early to best navigate changing light and temperatures; sudden weather shifts are common, especially in the Smokies and Plateau. Carry maps and a compass or GPS to manage stretches where cell service falters.

Across the Wild Circuit, nature asserts itself—ancient forests lean close, rivers pulse with restless energy, and ridges dare your every step. This collection of trails offers more than just hikes; they are challenges from a landscape fiercely itself, inviting those prepared to listen, respect, and explore.