Top Tips for a Solo Outdoor Holiday in the US: Nine Lakes Region

A solo holiday is a brilliant opportunity to explore new horizons while discovering new things about yourself and enjoying some well-deserved you-time. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Nine Lakes Region in America is a treasure trove of panoramic vistas, endless breathtaking landscapes and exciting experiences. Stretching from the Cumberland Mountains to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this majestic terrain is a must see if you’re lucky enough to be visiting East Tennessee.

If you have your sights set on a solo adventure, here are our top tips for making the most of your trip to the Nine Lakes.

Plan ahead

Within this vast expanse, you can find four national parks boasting soaring mountain ranges, open wilderness areas, and lush valleys. From the Great Smoky Mountains to the historical scenery of Tellico Lake, planning ahead is crucial to ensure you make the most of your time away. Naturally, there are endless opportunities for hiking, climbing and water-sports, so it’s crucial to have a clear plan in mind of the things you want to do while exploring this stunning landscape.

After conducting a little research, make a list of the top sights you want to see, then grab a map and work out the most effective route between them. Whether you’re thinking of backpacking, staying in an outdoor adventure resort or camping in the wilderness, this will give you a good idea of where you need to base yourself to access your most desirable destinations.

Prepare for the climate

With such varied terrain, especially when setting off for an outdoorsy holiday, it’s important to be prepared for a diverse range of climates. Aside from brushing up on what to do in the event of severe weather warnings, you’ll need to pack for multiple climates. It’s essential to look ahead at the estimated temperatures, and also consider the types of activities you plan to do. It may feel a little odd packing both beachwear and a coat – but it’s best to be prepared.

Winter: The Nine Lakes region is moderate in winter, but of course this depends on your elevation. But there’s no shortage of winter activities to choose from, from bass fishing to hiking to frozen summits. Try your hand at snowboarding, skiing, or tubing down the snow-capped mountains, or warm up in the charming selection of unique shops in downtown Knoxville.

Spring: Typically arriving by early March, spring is a truly idyllic time to explore the Nine Lakes. As the forests of the Great Valley of the Appalachians burst into bloom, hiking trails come alive with colour and offer picturesque views of the undulating terrain. Again, layers are key to ensure a comfortable experience.

Summer: The summer months here can be humid, especially in late July and early August, but higher elevations still remain cooler. Take to the water on a paddleboard, kayak, or boat-trip, or raise your spirits by soaring over the scenic landscape in a hot air balloon ride.

Autumn: Wildflowers, mass bird migration and the cooling of the air graces the Nine Lakes with a welcome lull after the busier summer period. The perfect time for hiking, explore winding trails, waterfalls, and glistening lakes along the ‘Wilderness Road’ in the The Cumberland Gap National Historic Park; a footpath used by buffalo, Native Indians and explorers of the western frontiers.

Make new friends

Just because you’re going on a solo holiday doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your time alone. Joining a tour, meeting up with other solo travelers or connecting with travel groups on your trip can be a great opportunity to make new friends and will help you avoid getting homesick or lonely.

Trying new things is a brilliant way to connect with other likeminded adventurers, and with plenty of routes to hike and other fun activities to try in this beautiful region, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding ways to make memories on your holiday.