Allardt

Allardt, Tennesse, located near the Kentucky border in Fentress County, is known, among other things, for its annual Great Pumpkin Weigh-off, but also makes for a perfect base to explore some of Tennessee’s most interesting natural phenomena. The nearby Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area not only offers hiking, mountain-biking, fishing, and horse-riding, it also boasts the greatest density of natural stone arches anywhere in the USA east of the Mississippi. These impressive formations have been created by the mighty Cumberland River as it has scoured the soft bedrock over the course of millennia. The park’s numerous trails allow easily exploration of these features and the areas’s numerous waterfalls. Those interested in the region’s history and its strong mining traditions will also want to check out Blue Heron, the abandoned mining ghost town that also forms part of the park.