Five Great Family Escapes

John Muir Trail, Tennessee/Kentucky

By Steve Jermanok

The Why of Big South Fork: Discover kid-sized adventures in these woods (courtesy, NPS)

Named for the beloved naturalist, the 50-mile-long John Muir Trail (no, not the West Coast version—sure to scare any self-respecting teeny hiker!) lines the Kentucky-Tennessee border, alongside the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. The bluffs provide scenic overlooks or you can head down to the water and fish for bass and catfish. A fine spot to camp is in Fall Branch. Set high on Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau and a world away from the big-name (and big crowd) Great Smokies, you and the gang will all be glad you've discovered this place together.

Read More: Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (GORP.com)

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Last Updated: 15 Sep 2010
Published: 21 Sep 2005
The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.