Which city is best for scenery/outdoor activities?
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Fair enough, I shouldn't be so harsh, especially since I've spent time in Colorado Springs which has some downright enviable day-hiking options within the city limits that'll annihilate the hiking options some places have on a state-wide level. And I currently live in Virginia Beach, which isn't exactly a small rural area and has some amazing hiking areas within city limits too. So I get it: just because a place is a "big city" doesn't mean there aren't good hiking options.
But if I'm taking a "road trip" to go "hiking" I'm not going to a city. Sorry not sorry. None of those cities offer anything that can even come close to Great Smokey Mountains National Park. If OP can get from Western TN to any of those places he can get to a real destination for hiking and outdoorsy activities.
I agree. All of these are pretty poor options of you're specifically going for the outdoors.
For hiking and outdoor stuff, Atlanta for sure. I'd also throw in Asheville, NC. Charlotte would be a dark horse. Way more to do outdoors than most realize. VERY underrated.
From your choices, it's a no-brainer: Atlanta all the way. Atlanta has Stone Mountain to the east--which has a tram car up to the top and I think you can hike up there too. It's a phenomenal attraction. Also, take a look at the north Georgia mountains--there are some quaint small towns, like Helen, GA for instance, which has a German-architecture styled downtown.
But, going outside of your poll choices, I'd recommend Chattanooga which has an incredible downtown for its size (an aquarium, rock climbing, bars/restaurants, hip hotels) and is super close to Rock City/Ruby Falls on top of Lookout Mountain, right near downtown.
Or take a look at the Great Smoky Mountains/Gatlinburg area. Amazing hikes, stunning mountains, beautiful resorts and tons of activities in the Great Smokies in general.
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