Trains Through Appalachia Take Travelers Back in Time

As vice president of sales and recruitment and a conservative wealth management planner with the insurance product and wealth planning firm DeRosa and Associates in Jamestown, Tennessee, Chester “C. Edziu” Pacana offers conservative wealth management options to clients in Florida and Tennessee. Chester Pacana is also an enthusiastic participant in the sport of rucking and loves to travel. In his home state of Tennessee, one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the natural beauty and rich history of the nearby Appalachian region is by train.

Tennessee’s railroad system dates back to the 1840s. Today, these same railroads continue to offer travelers stunning scenery marked by vivid contrasts: the sweep of farms, grazing lands, and green hillsides alternates with the rush of rivers and a series of soaring mountain passes.

Most of the commercial railroads that offer tourist travel in the Appalachians today focus on historic small towns and mining camps in the mountains and on providing a look at spectacular expanses of greenery like the Daniel Boone National Forest. Some tours even use old-style steam locomotives, but travelers should check carefully in advance, since many others have transitioned to diesel.

Popular Hikes in Tennessee

Chester “C. Edziu” Pacana, a conservative wealth management planner primarily focused on securing retirement and protecting principal for both government employees and private clients, serves as the vice president of sales and recruitment at DeRosa and Associates in Tennessee. Outside of work, Chester Pacana enjoys hiking.

Home to everything from short, easy hikes to multi-day backpacking trails, Tennessee offers plenty of activities to outdoor enthusiasts. Below are several of the state’s most popular hikes:

Chickasaw Park Loops
A round-trip trail, Chickasaw Park Loops is a 3.3-mile-long trail. It’s located in the middle of the Chickasaw State Forest in Henderson, Tennessee, east of Memphis, and is great for hikers seeking an easy-to-intermediate experience. Within the park, hikers can also enjoy other activities, including boating, horseback riding, and park events.

Starr Mountain
Hikers typically spend about one to two hours completing the 2.1-mile trek to the top of Starr Mountain, located between Knoxville and Chattanooga. Along the difficult trail, there are no switchbacks to provide hikers with a place to rest, but the views are often worth the effort. At the top, hikers are rewarded with fantastic views of the Ocoee State Park, Hiwassee River, and nearby mountains.

Alum Cave Bluffs
This 4.6-mile hike in the Great Smoky Mountains is best for experienced hikers. It takes roughly three hours to finish and guides hikers through an arch rock and several areas of elevation. Those who want a longer trek are free to continue on the trail to the state’s highest peak, Mt. Leconte, but reaching the mountain is another 2.8 miles.