These Tennessee towns are listed as the most underrated in the state. Here's why

From the blues and rock ’n’ roll of Memphis to Nashville’s neon‑lit honky‑tonks and the Great Smoky Mountains near Knoxville, Tennessee offers a wealth of attractions and local charm across the state.

But beyond its famous landmarks, Tennessee is also home to many lesser‑known gems tucked away in small towns, each with its own unique character.

According to WorldAtlas, Tennessee boasts eight underrated towns that "blend natural beauty, heritage sites, and heartfelt hospitality in a way that feels both refreshing and real."

"They all present a rich taste of local history, untouched beauty, and trademark Southern hospitality in the United States," wrote WorldAtlas.

"From mountain retreats to storybook main streets, these hidden gems allow vacationers to escape the pandemonium in the major visitor hubs and experience the Volunteer State in its most authentic and unforgettable form."

Here's what to know.

McMinnville

According to the geography website, McMinnville doesn't receive enough credit for its "pristine natural beauty, which embodies the allure of the Tennessee countryside."

The Middle Tennessee town features extensive green spaces that provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. For example, Pepper Branch Park where visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and picnics.

McMinnville also hosts Cumberland Caverns, a cave offering underground adventures, overnight stays and live concerts.

The foyer of the Falcon Manor, a bed-and-breakfast nestled in a pastoral setting outside the city limits of McMinnville, Tenn., waits for visitors July 12, 1995.

The Park Theater showcases music, poetry, musicals, and stage productions. Furthermore, Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens invites guests into the 19th century within a preserved Victorian estate.

Cookeville

Cookeville is another prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The town is home to Cummins Falls State Park, a popular 306‑acre natural park featuring Tennessee’s eighth‑largest waterfall by water volume, making it a favorite spot for adventure seekers.

Located about eighty miles from Nashville, Cookeville also highlights culture and art. The Cookeville History Museum preserves regional artifacts, and the Cookeville Performing Arts Center stages a variety of performances including dance, plays and musicals.

Oak Ridge

Once shrouded in mystery as a hub for the Manhattan Project — a top-secret World War 2 program — Oak Ridge now welcomes visitors eager to uncover its nuclear history.

Top Secret Trail: American Museum of Science and Energy & Manhattan Project National Historic Park. Here, the sun rises over the Friendship Bell as the public takes part in a solemn sunrise ceremony commemorating the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing at the A.K. Bissell Park in Oak Ridge, Tenn., Aug. 6, 2020.

The American Museum of Science and Energy offers interactive exhibits on the city’s wartime role, while the K‑25 History Center showcases more than 250 artifacts and oral histories from the uranium enrichment plant.

Beyond its historical sites, the Oak Ridge Playhouse hosts stage presentations by local acts, featuring comedies, plays and musicals. Visitors can also experience the Oak Ridge's outdoors by swimming, picnicking or paddling at Clark Center Park.

Townsend

The Little Arrow Outdoor Resort has camping, RV sites, cabins and tiny homes and sits on the Little River just outside the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park entrance in Townsend, Tenn.

"Townsend is probably one of the most underrated towns in Tennessee, given its location in the peaceful side of the Smokies," wrote WorldAtlas of the Blount County town, which allows travelers to enjoy the state’s crown jewel without the heavy crowds.

A visit to the Tuckaleechee Caverns provides a rare adventure, where guests can marvel at dramatic stalactites and a breathtaking waterfall.

The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center adds to the experience, with exhibits and programs that highlight the park’s history.

According to WorldAtlas, Townsend’s pastoral charm is best discovered on a leisurely drive along the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, an 11‑mile route winding through mountain landscapes and wildlife habitats.

Hohenwald

Four elephants are enjoying themselves at the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tenn., on Feb. 17, 2097. They are free to be themselves and live free in the hundreds of acres the sanctuary provides for them.

Hohenwald offers unique attractions, including the renowned Elephant Sanctuary, a refuge for Asian and African elephants, and the Lewis County Museum, which showcases artifacts spanning pre-Native American times, Swiss settlements and Natchez Trace history.

Nature lovers can also enjoy Fall Hollow Falls, a picturesque 20‑foot waterfall along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Pulaski

Pulaski, a small town near Tennessee’s southern border, is steeped in Civil War history.

At the Sam Davis Memorial Museum, visitors can learn about Sam Davis, a Confederate spy captured and executed by Union forces. The museum includes vintage buildings, slave quarters and historical artifacts.

The Trail of Tears Memorial Interpretive Center pays tribute to the Native Americans who endured the painful journey along the Trail of Tears.

Pulaski also offers cultural and leisure experiences, such as the STAAR Theatre at Antoinette Hall and Big Creek Winery, which allows guests to sample locally crafted wines.

Greeneville

Greeneville, named in honor of Revolutionary War officer Nathanael Greene, showcases its heritage through vintage brick buildings that line its historic downtown.

Visitors can step back in time at the Dickson-Williams Mansion, offering a glimpse of life in the early 1800s, or explore the Greeneville Greene County History Museum, which houses a dozen permanent galleries filled with artifacts and resources.

Greeneville also celebrates the arts. The Capitol Theatre hosts a lineup of concerts, comedy shows, film screenings, and other performances.

Tellico Plains

Tellico Plains, a quiet community in Monroe County, is known for its "pristine natural landscapes," wrote WorldAtlas.

Outdoor options include exploring Bald River Falls, a 90‑foot waterfall that cascades into the Tellico River. Visitors can also book a trip with Big Bear Tubing Company and enjoy a ride along the river’s waters.

The Cherohala Skyway offers one of the "most stunning scenic drives in the state," winding through dense and quiet Cherokee National Forest.

History enthusiasts can also stop by the Charles Hall Museum, which highlights local, Appalachian and Native American heritage through its exhibits.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: These Tennessee towns are listed as the most 'underrated' in the state. Here's why