Soliciting suggestions

[Paladin132]

I am in Knoxville, TN and next weekend would like to throw up a hammock somewhere that won't kill me getting into but will be mostly quiet. I thought about doing a short hike and camp along the western edge of Lineville Gorge. I'm starting to get back into better shape by getting out and enjoying the woods again so I am not up for going down into it yet. For the same reasons I am concerned about hitting the Smoky's although I'm up for any suggestions. This will also be my first trip with a new pack, water filter, and my first true "hang" at all. I want it to be a positive experience and one where I can get away from folks mostly.

Any suggestions for trails / areas / etc?

[gfstanley]

You can try the Wilson's Creek area. It is just east/northeast of Linville Gorge. You will have numerous water crossings, a few challenging climbs, and some established camp sites along the trails.

[Rain Man]

One word: Big South Fork!

Okay, three words.

How about two more: Frozen Head.

More, you say? Savage Gulf.

Laurel Snow.

Cumberland Mountain State Park.

[Paladin132]

You know I’ve thought about each of those and never been to any of them. Maybe I should hit one this weekend. Any suggestions for a trail / site to set up that would be fairly short and hav ea good view? Looking just to get out and relax more than put in miles this time around.

[Rain Man]

Angel Falls Overlook at the BSF. If you have a vehicle with some ground clearance, you can drive to within a mile or two. The views are among the best in the park. You take a small portion of the Grand Gap Loop to get to the Angel Falls Overlook.
Grand Gap Loop - Angel Falls Overlook

Another would be Twin Arches, which are awesome in their own right and have pretty good views. You can park about a mile away. There's a campsite at Jake's Place a couple of miles down below the Arches, not to mention at Charit Creek Lodge itself, even closer than Jake's Place. It'll host you indoors or let you camp. Google CCL if interested.
Map of Twin Arches area.

The Burnt Mill Loop is great for beginners. No grand views BUT right along a river with very nice camp spots. You can do the whole loop, or an "in and out."
Burnt Mill Loop.

You'll need go get a permit to backcountry camp in the Big South Fork.

You know I’ve thought about each of those and never been to any of them. Maybe I should hit one this weekend. Any suggestions for a trail / site to set up that would be fairly short and hav ea good view? Looking just to get out and relax more than put in miles this time around.

[TallPaul]

Big Creek in the Smokys is a chill trail. Follows an old road bed so well graded. Follows a beautiful creek. And it is easy access off I-40.

[Ashe]

Big Creek in the Smokys is a chill trail. Follows an old road bed so well graded. Follows a beautiful creek. And it is easy access off I-40.

^^ CS37 is a great spot to hang, right on the river. it's a popular campsite, but probably not this late in the season. BOLO for mice --they're limber and can fly, apparently (!)

[Paladin132]

I thought the Angel Falls area was closed to backpacking overnight stays?